Psalms 140:11

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

American King James Version (AKJV)

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

American Standard Version (ASV)

An evil speaker shall not be established in the earth: Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

Let not a man of evil tongue be safe on earth: let destruction overtake the violent man with blow on blow.

Webster's Revision

Let not an evil speaker be established on the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

World English Bible

An evil speaker won't be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

English Revised Version (ERV)

An evil speaker shall not be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

Definitions for Psalms 140:11

Let - To hinder or obstruct.

Clarke's Psalms 140:11 Bible Commentary

Let not an evil speaker be established - איש לשון ish lashon, "a man of tongue." There is much force in the rendering of this clause in the Chaldee גבר דמשתעי לישן תליתי gebar demishtai lishan telithai, "The man of detraction, or inflammation, with the three-forked tongue." He whose tongue is set on fire from hell; the tale-bearer, slanderer, and dealer in scandal: with the three-forked tongue; wounding three at once: his neiphbour whom he slanders; the person who receives the slander; and himself who deals in it. What a just description of a character which God, angels, and good men must detest! Let not such a one be established in the land; let him be unmasked; let no person trust him; and let all join together to hoot him out of society. "He shall be hunted by the angel of death, and thrust into hell." - Chaldee.

Barnes's Psalms 140:11 Bible Commentary

Let not an evil speaker - literally, "A man of tongue." That is, a man whom the tongue rules; a man of an unbridled tongue; a man who does not control his tongue. See the notes at James 3:2-12.

Be established in the earth - Be successful or prosperous; let him not carry out his designs. It is not desirable that a man should prosper in such purposes; and therefore, this is not a prayer of malignity, but of benevolence.

Evil shall hunt the violent man ... - More literally, "A man of violence - a bad man - they shall hunt him down speedily;" or, "let him be hunted down speedily. Let him who forms a project of violence and wrong - a bad man - be hunted as the beasts of prey are, and let his destruction come quickly." Margin, "Let him be hunted to his overthrow." But the explanation now given suits the connection, and is a literal expression of the sense of the original.