Psalms 64:5 Meaning: When Evil Plans Feel Hidden
They encourage themselves in evil plans. They talk about laying snares secretly. They say, “Who will see them?”
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
They encourage themselves in an evil purpose; They commune of laying snares privily; They say, Who will see them?
They strengthen for themselves an evil thing, They recount of the hiding of snares, They have said, `Who doth look at it?'
They encourage themselves in an evil matter, they concert to hide snares; they say, Who will see them?
Meaning in one sentence
What does Psalm 64:5 mean? The wicked plot in secret and think no one sees. Discover how this exposes their view of God and the hope of divine justice.
Context
Psalm 64 is a prayer of David, written when he was surrounded by enemies who plotted against him in secret. David asks God to hide him from the conspiracy of the wicked, a noisy crowd whose words are like swords and arrows. In verse 5, David points to the core of their evil: they do not just plan harm, they strengthen each other in it. They talk together about how to lay hidden traps, and they reassure one another that no one will spot the danger. The whole psalm moves from David’s desperate plea to his quiet confidence that God will turn their own schemes back on them. This verse sits between the description of their attacks and the announcement of God’s response, showing what drives their cruelty: the belief that they can act without being seen.
Key Words
Three phrases in this verse carry heavy weight, even in English.
“They encourage themselves.” The Hebrew verb carries the idea of making something strong or firm. Barnes notes that the wicked “urge one another forward”, they do not drift into evil alone. They gather, they speak, they push each other deeper into the plan. Evil grows in company.
“Laying snares secretly.” This is the language of hunting. A snare is a trap you cannot see until you are caught in it. The wicked pride themselves on being clever enough to hide their harm. They consider secrecy a mark of skill.
“Who will see them?” This is not just a human question. Parallel verses like Psalm 10:11 and Psalm 94:7 show that the wicked are really asking whether God himself sees. They have convinced themselves that no one, not even the Almighty, is watching closely enough to hold them accountable. The question reveals a heart that has stopped believing in a God who sees and judges.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions read this verse with remarkable agreement. Reformed commentators like Calvin and Matthew Henry emphasize that the wicked’s question reveals a practical atheism, they act as if God is blind. Baptist scholar Gill points out that they “strengthen themselves in wickedness” because they see no immediate punishment. The Cambridge Bible notes that they have “persuaded themselves that there is no retributive Providence.” Anglican and Wesleyan voices echo this: the core sin is not just the evil plan but the belief that no divine eye is watching. Different traditions may apply the psalm differently, some see David as a type of Christ, others as a model for prayer under persecution, but all agree that this verse exposes the dangerous delusion that hidden evil stays hidden from God.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to consider two things this week. First, look at the conversations you encourage. Do you find yourself in company where evil plans, gossip, deceit, cruelty, are strengthened? The wicked do not stumble into sin alone; they urge each other on. Second, when you are tempted to believe that a secret sin or a concealed grudge will never be found out, remember whose eyes you are trying to hide from. The wicked in this psalm were wrong: God saw every hidden snare. You are not free just because no human has spotted you. Let the truth that God sees both your struggle and your failure be a comfort, not a threat. He sees the trap laid for you, and he sees the trap you are tempted to set for someone else. Live today as if that is true, because it is.
Main takeaway: The wicked deceive themselves into thinking God does not see their hidden plans, but the psalmist trusts that God sees everything and will bring justice.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some people do bad things when they think no one is looking. But God always sees. He sees the good you do and the mistakes you make. You are never truly hidden from Him.
For ages 9, 12
Have you ever been in a group where someone suggested doing something wrong, and everyone else agreed? That is exactly what happens in this verse. The wicked people encourage each other to set traps, and they think, “No one will see us.” But the whole psalm shows that God does see. When your friends pressure you to join in something you know is wrong, remember that you are never truly alone, God sees, and He wants you to choose what is right. You do not have to hide from Him, and you do not have to hide your choices from Him either.
Questions People Ask
Who is speaking in Psalm 64:5?
The speaker is David, the psalmist, describing the attitude and actions of his enemies. He is not quoting them in the moment but giving a direct account of their thinking: they encourage each other to do evil, they plan hidden traps, and they believe no one will see what they are doing.
What does “they encourage themselves in evil plans” mean?
It means they make each other strong in their purpose to do wrong. They do not just individually decide to be evil; they gather, talk, and urge each other on. The word implies firming up a resolve, pushing away doubts, and building confidence to carry out the harm they intend.
Is the question “Who will see them?” about God or about other people?
Primarily it is about God. Parallel passages like Psalm 10:11 and Psalm 94:7 show the wicked saying, “God has forgotten” or “Yah will not see.” They have convinced themselves that no divine eye is watching, so they can act without consequence. It is a boast of secrecy aimed at heaven itself.
How does this verse connect to the rest of Psalm 64?
Verses 1-4 describe the weapons of the wicked, their sharp tongues and bitter words shot like arrows from ambush. Verse 5 gives the motivation behind their attack: they think they are invisible. Then verses 7-9 show God’s response: He shoots them with their own arrow, and their tongues ruin them. The hidden becomes public, and everyone fears God.
What hope does this verse offer to someone who feels targeted by hidden schemes?
The hope is not in the verse itself but in the psalm’s full story. The wicked boast that no one sees, but God answers in verse 7: “But God will shoot at them. They will be suddenly struck down.” The verse names the lie so that readers can trust the truth, God does see every hidden trap, and He will act in His time.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study