Old Testament

Psalms 64:8

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

So they will make their own tongue to fall upon themselves. All who see them will flee away.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

What Psalms 64:8 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist describes a situation where the wicked, who plot against the righteous, will ultimately be caught in their own traps. Their deceitful words will backfire, leading to their own downfall. The imagery suggests that their malicious intentions will be revealed, causing others to recognize their true nature and distance themselves from them. This serves as a reminder that those who engage in evil schemes will face the consequences of their actions, as their own words will betray them. The verse emphasizes the idea of divine justice, where the wicked cannot escape the repercussions of their wrongdoing. It also highlights the importance of integrity and the futility of trying to harm others through deceitful means. In the end, the righteous will be vindicated, and the wicked will be left isolated and exposed.

How to apply Psalms 64:8 to your life

This verse encourages us to be mindful of our words and actions, reminding us that deceit can lead to our own downfall. It serves as a warning against plotting harm against others, urging us to choose honesty and integrity instead. By doing so, we align ourselves with righteousness and avoid the pitfalls of wickedness.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Esther

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shiloh

Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 64:8

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 64:8

At a Glance — the Book of Psalms

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 64:8 mean?

Psalms 64:8 means that those who plot against the righteous will ultimately be caught in their own deceit. Their harmful words will turn against them, leading to their downfall and causing others to distance themselves from them.

What is the meaning of 'their own tongue to fall upon themselves' in Psalms 64:8?

The phrase 'their own tongue to fall upon themselves' indicates that the wicked will suffer the consequences of their deceitful words. Their attempts to harm others will backfire, revealing their true intentions and isolating them.

How does Psalms 64:8 relate to the theme of divine justice?

Psalms 64:8 relates to divine justice by showing that the wicked cannot escape the consequences of their actions. Their schemes will lead to their own downfall, emphasizing that justice prevails and the righteous will be vindicated.

What practical lessons can we learn from Psalms 64:8?

From Psalms 64:8, we learn the importance of honesty and integrity in our words and actions. It serves as a warning against deceit and plotting harm, reminding us that such behavior can lead to our own destruction.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.