Psalm 7:14 is a vivid and metaphorical verse describing the process by which a wicked person generates and perpetuates evil. Let's break it down:
"Behold, he travails with iniquity..." This line uses the image of a woman in labor. "Travails" means to be in painful labor. So, the wicked person is metaphorically in labor with iniquity (sin, wickedness, injustice). This suggests that evil is not a spontaneous act, but something that is developed with effort and internal struggle. The wickedness is brewing inside them, causing them distress.
"Yes, he has conceived mischief..." Continuing the pregnancy metaphor, the person has "conceived" or become pregnant with "mischief." Mischief here implies plans, schemes, or intentions to harm or cause trouble. This means the wicked person isn't just passively evil; they are actively planning and plotting wickedness.
"...and brought out falsehood." This is the birth stage of the metaphor. After the painful labor of cultivating wickedness and planning mischief, the wicked person finally "brings forth" or gives birth to "falsehood." Falsehood can refer to lies, deception, or a general distortion of truth. It is the outward manifestation of the inward evil. It's the final product of their wicked process.
In summary, the verse suggests that:
Evil doesn't just happen; it is cultivated and developed within a person.
The process involves internal struggle and effort (travails).
It begins with a plan or intention to do wrong (conceived mischief).
It ultimately results in the propagation of lies and deception (brought out falsehood).
The broader context of Psalm 7 is that of David crying out to God for protection from his enemies. This verse is part of David's description of the wicked behavior of his persecutors. He is portraying the depth and the effort that goes into their evil schemes, emphasizing their complete corruption and the need for God's intervention.
Psalm 7:14 is a vivid and metaphorical verse describing the process by which a wicked person generates and perpetuates evil. Let's break it down:
"Behold, he travails with iniquity..." This line uses the image of a woman in labor. "Travails" means to be in painful labor. So, the wicked person is metaphorically in labor with iniquity (sin, wickedness, injustice). This suggests that evil is not a spontaneous act, but something that is developed with effort and internal struggle. The wickedness is brewing inside them, causing them distress.
"Yes, he has conceived mischief..." Continuing the pregnancy metaphor, the person has "conceived" or become pregnant with "mischief." Mischief here implies plans, schemes, or intentions to harm or cause trouble. This means the wicked person isn't just passively evil; they are actively planning and plotting wickedness.
"...and brought out falsehood." This is the birth stage of the metaphor. After the painful labor of cultivating wickedness and planning mischief, the wicked person finally "brings forth" or gives birth to "falsehood." Falsehood can refer to lies, deception, or a general distortion of truth. It is the outward manifestation of the inward evil. It's the final product of their wicked process.
In summary, the verse suggests that:
Evil doesn't just happen; it is cultivated and developed within a person.
The process involves internal struggle and effort (travails).
It begins with a plan or intention to do wrong (conceived mischief).
It ultimately results in the propagation of lies and deception (brought out falsehood).
The broader context of Psalm 7 is that of David crying out to God for protection from his enemies. This verse is part of David's description of the wicked behavior of his persecutors. He is portraying the depth and the effort that goes into their evil schemes, emphasizing their complete corruption and the need for God's intervention.