Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.

◄ Psalm 141:5 ►

New International Version
Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.

New Living Translation
Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it. But I pray constantly against the wicked and their deeds.

English Standard Version
Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.

Berean Standard Bible
Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.

King James Bible
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

New King James Version
Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.

New American Standard Bible
May the righteous strike me with mercy and discipline me; It is oil for the head; My head shall not refuse it, For my prayer is still against their evil deeds.

NASB 1995
Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.

NASB 1977
Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.

Legacy Standard Bible
Let the righteous smite me in lovingkindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Let not my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their evil deeds.

Amplified Bible
Let the righteous [thoughtfully] strike (correct) me—it is a kindness [done to encourage my spiritual maturity]. It is [the choicest anointing] oil on the head; Let my head not refuse [to accept and acknowledge and learn from] it; For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.

Christian Standard Bible
Let the righteous one strike me — it is an act of faithful love; let him rebuke me — it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let the righteous one strike me— it is an act of faithful love; let him rebuke me— it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked.

American Standard Version
Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness; And let him reprove me, it shall be as oil upon the head; Let not my head refuse it: For even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue.

Contemporary English Version
Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them.

English Revised Version
Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness; and let him reprove me, it shall be as oil upon the head; let not my head refuse it: for even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A righteous person may strike me or correct me out of kindness. It is like lotion for my head. My head will not refuse it, because my prayer is directed against evil deeds.

Good News Translation
Good people may punish me and rebuke me in kindness, but I will never accept honor from evil people, because I am always praying against their evil deeds.

International Standard Version
Let one who is righteous strike me; It is an act of gracious love. Let him rebuke me, because it is oil for my head; do not let my head refuse it. My prayers continuously will be against their wicked activities.

Majority Standard Bible
Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.

NET Bible
May the godly strike me in love and correct me! May my head not refuse choice oil! Indeed, my prayer is a witness against their evil deeds.

New Heart English Bible
Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head; do not let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.

Webster's Bible Translation
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

World English Bible
Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head; don’t let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
The righteous beat me [in] kindness. And reprove me, "" My head does not disallow oil of the head, "" For my prayer [is] still about their distress.

Young's Literal Translation
The righteous doth beat me in kindness. And doth reprove me, Oil of the head my head disalloweth not, For still my prayer is about their vexations.

Smith's Literal Translation
The just one shall smite me; a mercy: and he shall admonish me, an oil of the head it shall not decorate my head: for yet my prayer in their evils.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The just shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner fatten my head. For my prayer also shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased:

Catholic Public Domain Version
The just one will correct me with mercy, and he will rebuke me. But do not allow the oil of the sinner to fatten my head. For my prayer will still be toward their good will.

New American Bible
Let a righteous person strike me; it is mercy if he reproves me. Do not withhold oil from my head while my prayer opposes their evil deeds.

New Revised Standard Version
Let the righteous strike me; let the faithful correct me. Never let the oil of the wicked anoint my head, for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Let the righteous teach me and reprove me; let the oil of the wicked not anoint my head since my prayer has been against their evils.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The Righteous One will teach me and will rebuke me; the oil of the wicked will not anoint my head because my prayer is against their evil companions.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Let the righteous smite me in kindness, and correct me; Oil so choice let not my head refuse; For still is my prayer because of their wickedness.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The righteous shall chasten me with mercy, and reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head: for yet shall my prayer also be in their pleasures.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Come Quickly to Me
…4Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies. 5Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked. 6When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 27:6
The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

James 5:19-20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Proverbs 19:25
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Proverbs 25:12
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13
What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.

Proverbs 15:31-32
He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. / He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

Proverbs 28:23
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.

Treasury of Scripture

Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

the righteous

1 Samuel 25:31-34
That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid…

2 Samuel 12:7-13
And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; …

2 Chronicles 16:7-10
And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand…

smite, etc.

for yet my

Psalm 51:18
Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Psalm 125:4
Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

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Always Anoint Break Calamities Choice Continually Continue Correct Deeds Evil Evildoers Excellent God-Fearing Head Kindness Oil Prayer Punishment Rebuke Refuse Reprove Right Righteous Sinners Smite Strike Upright Vexations Way Wicked Wickedness

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Psalm 141

1. David prays that his suit may be acceptable
3. His conscience sincere
7. And his life free from snares

Berean Study Bible

Let a righteous man strike me
The phrase begins with an invitation for correction from a "righteous man." In Hebrew, the word for "righteous" is "tsaddiq," which denotes someone who is just, ethical, and in right standing with God. The psalmist, David, acknowledges the value of receiving correction from someone who is aligned with God's will. The "strike" here is metaphorical, suggesting a form of discipline or correction that is intended for growth and improvement. In the ancient Near Eastern context, discipline from a righteous person was seen as a form of love and care, much like a shepherd guiding his sheep.

it is kindness
The Hebrew word for "kindness" is "chesed," which is often translated as loving-kindness or steadfast love. This term is rich with covenantal overtones, reflecting God's loyal love for His people. David perceives the correction from a righteous person as an act of "chesed," a benevolent act that seeks his ultimate good. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).

let him rebuke me
The word "rebuke" in Hebrew is "yakach," which means to correct or reprove. This is not a harsh condemnation but a constructive criticism aimed at bringing about repentance and spiritual growth. In the biblical tradition, rebuke is a necessary component of wisdom and maturity. Proverbs 27:5-6 highlights the value of open rebuke over hidden love, emphasizing that faithful are the wounds of a friend.

it is oil for my head
Oil in the ancient world was a symbol of blessing, healing, and anointing. The application of oil was often associated with joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit. By comparing rebuke to "oil for my head," David suggests that correction is not only beneficial but also sanctifying. It is a means of spiritual refreshment and empowerment, much like the anointing of a king or priest.

Let me not refuse it
David expresses a willingness to accept correction, recognizing its value. The Hebrew verb here implies a conscious decision to embrace discipline rather than reject it. This attitude reflects humility and a desire for personal growth. In the broader scriptural context, the refusal of wisdom and correction is often associated with folly and pride (Proverbs 1:7).

for my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked
David concludes by contrasting his openness to righteous correction with his opposition to wickedness. His "prayer" is a continual plea for justice and righteousness, aligning his heart with God's purposes. The Hebrew word for "prayer" is "tefillah," which encompasses not just requests but also meditation and communion with God. David's commitment to prayer underscores his reliance on divine guidance and his rejection of evil.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) The difficulties of the psalm thicken here. Render, Let a righteous man smite me, it is a kindness; and let him reprove me, it is oil for the head: my head shall not refuse it though it continue; yet my prayer is against their wickedness.

The word rendered "smite" is that used of Jael's "hammer strokes "(Judges 5:26). (Comp. Isaiah 41:7.) The Hebrew for "reprove" is probably used in a judicial sense, as in Genesis 31:37; Isaiah 2:4; Proverbs 24:25, &c. The greatest obscurity attaches to the word rendered above "refuse," but in the Authorised Version "break," probably because in Psalm 33:10 (" bring to none effect") it is in parallelism with "break." The LXX. and Vulg. take it as meaning "anoint," rendering (from a different text to ours) "let not oil of a wicked man anoint my head." If we might adopt this reading it would remove the difficulty of this part of the verse, and give an excellent parallelism: "A righteous man may smite me in mercy and reprove me, but let not a wicked man's oil anoint my head;" i.e., I would welcome reproof from the righteous, but reject even the festive oil offered by the wicked. For the rendering "wickednesses," instead of "calamities," comp. Job 20:12; Psalm 94:23. For the sense of "although" given to the conjunction, see Exodus 13:17. The suffix "their" refers back, of course, to the ungodly in Psalm 141:4. The "oil for the head" (comp. Psalm 45:7) is a natural emblem of festivity, and the whole sentiment of the passage is tolerably clear. Rather than join in the wicked mirth of a profane banquet, the poet would be the object of continued rebuke and chastisement from one of the godly--his prayer meanwhile still rising for protection against the allurements held out to tempt him. We probably have sketched here the actual condition of many a Levite between the apostate and the loyal part of the nation. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness; rather, let the righteous smite me kindly, as in the margin. And let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head; rather, which my head shall not refuse. The psalmist will prefer the reproof of the righteous to the dainty allurements of the wicked. He will regard their words as an oil of welcome, such as was poured upon the head of favored guests (Luke 7:36), and his head will not refuse it. For yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities; rather, their wickednesses. This healing oil will strengthen him to continue to pray for his enemies, even though they still continue in their "wickednesses."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Let the righteous man
צַדִּ֨יק ׀ (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

strike me;
יֶֽהֶלְמֵֽנִי־ (ye·hel·mê·nî-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 1986: To strike down, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband

let his rebuke
וְֽיוֹכִיחֵ֗נִי (wə·yō·w·ḵî·ḥê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3198: To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict

be an act of loving devotion.
חֶ֡סֶד (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

It is oil
שֶׁ֣מֶן (še·men)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

for my head;
רֹ֭אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

let me not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

refuse it.
יָנִ֣י (yā·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5106: To refuse, forbid, dissuade, neutralize

For
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

my prayer is ever against
וּ֝תְפִלָּתִ֗י (ū·ṯə·p̄il·lā·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8605: Intercession, supplication, a hymn

the deeds of the wicked.
בְּרָעוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃ (bə·rā·‘ō·w·ṯê·hem)
Preposition-b | Adjective - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

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OT Poetry: Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous strike me it (Psalm Ps Psa.)