Psalms 11:2

1 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain!

For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

4 The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
KJV
For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
WEB
For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
ASV
For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart;
DARBY
For behold, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may in darkness shoot at the upright in heart.
BLB
For, behold, the wicked tread the bow; they make ready their arrow upon the string, to shoot in the darkness at those upright in heart.
ÅB
For se, de ugudelige spenner buen,
de legger pilen på strengen
for å skyte i mørket på de som har oppriktige hjerter.
OTB
For se, de onde spenner buen,
De har gjort pilen klar på strengen
For å skyte i mørket mot de oppriktige av hjertet.
B1930
For se, de ugudelige spenner buen, de legger sin pil på strengen for å skyte i mørket på de opriktige av hjertet.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Psalms 64:3–5

    who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,

    Read in context
  • Psalms 37:14

    The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

    Read in context
  • Jeremiah 9:3

    “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 21:12

    For You will put them to flight when Your bow is trained upon them.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 142:3

    Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 97:11

    Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 10:8–9

    He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless.

    Read in context
  • 1 Samuel 18:21

    “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”

    Read in context