King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah.
Complete Jewish Bible:
They have made their tongues as sharp as a snake's; viper's venom is under their lips. (Selah)
Berean Standard Bible:
They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah
American Standard Version:
They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent; Adders’ poison is under their lips. [Selah
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
They have sharpened{H8150} their tongues{H3956} like a serpent{H5175}; adders{H5919}' poison{H2534} is under their lips{H8193}. Selah{H5542}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 58:4
- Their poison [is] like the poison of a serpent: [they are] like the deaf adder [that] stoppeth her ear;
Romans 3:13
- Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:
Romans 3:14
- Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness:
2 Corinthians 11:3
- But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Proverbs 23:32
- At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
James 3:6
- And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:8
- But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
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Commentary for Psalms 140:3
Psalm 140:3 is part of a lament psalm attributed to King David, which means it was likely written during his reign, roughly between 1010 and 970 BCE. This period was marked by ongoing conflict and personal challenges for David, which are reflected in the themes of the psalms. The verse itself uses vivid imagery to describe the malicious speech of enemies, comparing their tongues to the sharp fangs of a serpent and their words to deadly poison.
In the broader context of the psalm, David pleads for deliverance from violent and treacherous people who seek to harm him. The specific metaphor of sharpened tongues and poisonous lips conveys the power of words to inflict deep emotional and social wounds, akin to the physical harm caused by a serpent's bite. The mention of "adders'" poison emphasizes the stealthy and lethal nature of the enemies' slander or deceit.
The term "Selah," which appears at the end of the verse, is a musical or liturgical direction in the Psalms, likely signaling a pause for reflection or an instruction for a musical interlude. It serves as a moment to consider the gravity of the words just spoken and to prepare for what follows.
Psalm 140:3 reflects the ancient understanding of the potency of speech, which could be a force for good or evil. In a historical context, it speaks to the very real threat that false accusations and malicious gossip posed in a society where reputation and honor were paramount. The verse encapsulates the timeless theme of the battle between righteousness and wickedness, highlighting the spiritual and psychological warfare that can accompany physical threats. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human struggle against deceit and the yearning for divine protection and justice.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8150
There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁנַן
Transliteration: shânan
Pronunciation: shaw-nan'
Description: a primitive root; to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate; prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, whet. - Strong's Number: H3956
There are 115 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָשׁוֹן
Transliteration: lâshôwn
Pronunciation: law-shone'
Description: or לָשֹׁן; also (in plural) feminine לְשֹׁנָה; from לָשַׁן; the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of water); [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. - Strong's Number: H5175
There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָחָשׁ
Transliteration: nâchâsh
Pronunciation: naw-khawsh'
Description: from נָחַשׁ; a snake (from its hiss); serpent. - Strong's Number: H5919
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַכְשׁוּב
Transliteration: ʻakshûwb
Pronunciation: ak-shoob'
Description: probably from an unused root meaning to coil; an asp (from lurking coiled up); adder. - Strong's Number: H2534
There are 117 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֵמָה
Transliteration: chêmâh
Pronunciation: khay-maw'
Description: or (Daniel 11:44) חֵמָא; from יָחַם; heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever); anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See חֶמְאָה. - Strong's Number: H8193
There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂפָה
Transliteration: sâphâh
Pronunciation: saw-faw'
Description: or (in dual and plural) שֶׂפֶת; probably from סָפָה or שָׁפָה through the idea of termination (compare סוֹף); the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.); band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. - Strong's Number: H5542
There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סֶלָה
Transliteration: çelâh
Pronunciation: seh'-law
Description: from סָלָה; suspension (of music), i.e. pause; Selah.