Psalms 140:3

KJV

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have sharpened {H8150} their tongues {H3956} like a serpent {H5175}; adders {H5919}' poison {H2534} is under their lips {H8193}. Selah {H5542}.

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 140:3 powerfully depicts the insidious and destructive nature of the psalmist's adversaries, portraying their verbal assaults as akin to the deadly venom of serpents. This verse underscores the profound and often hidden power of words, revealing how slander, deceit, and malicious accusations, when wielded with evil intent, can inflict deep spiritual and emotional harm, as lethal and insidious as a serpent's hidden bite.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a heartfelt lament of David, a fervent plea to God for urgent deliverance from violent and deceitful enemies. The psalm commences with David's desperate cry for rescue from "evil men" and "violent men" who plot mischief and stir up conflict continually ([Psalms 140:1-2](/psalms/140-1-2 "Psalms 140:1-2 - David's Plea and Description of Enemies")). Verse 3, therefore, serves as a crucial elaboration on the *modus operandi* of these adversaries, revealing that their primary weapon is not merely physical aggression but venomous, calculated speech. This vivid description sets the stage for David's subsequent appeals for divine intervention against their traps and snares ([Psalms 140:5](/psalms/140-5 "Psalms 140:5 - The Snares of the Wicked")), demonstrating that their verbal assaults are an integral and particularly insidious component of their overall strategy of destruction and oppression. The "Selah" at the end of the verse invites a pause, emphasizing the profound gravity of the preceding imagery before David continues his prayer.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was perpetually marked by relentless persecution, whether from the jealous King Saul, his rebellious son Absalom, or various foreign adversaries. In the ancient Near East, words were often imbued with tangible power, believed to be capable of blessing or cursing, creating or destroying. A verbal curse was far more than a mere insult; it was believed to carry a potent, almost mystical, force that could impact reality. The pervasive imagery of serpents and their poison would have resonated deeply within this cultural framework, as snakes were widely feared for their sudden, often fatal, attacks and their ancient association with deception, famously seen in [the Garden of Eden narrative](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man"). The "adder" (ʻakshûwb) specifically refers to a highly venomous snake known for its lurking, coiling behavior and sudden strike, reinforcing the idea of hidden danger, insidious intent, and the unexpected nature of the verbal assault.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Destructive Power of Malicious Speech**, emphasizing that words are potent weapons, capable of inflicting deep harm, slander, and deceit, often more insidious and damaging than physical attacks. This theme is echoed throughout wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Tongue"). Secondly, it underscores **Hidden Malice and Deceit**, as the imagery of "poison under their lips" suggests a concealed, insidious quality to their words, ready to strike unexpectedly and without warning. This theme of concealed evil is also found in passages like [Psalms 55:21](/psalms/55-21 "Psalms 55:21 - Deceitful Words"). Finally, for David, these verbal attacks are not merely personal grievances but are part of a larger **Spiritual Warfare**, where he appeals to God for protection from those whose very speech is imbued with a destructive, serpent-like intent, reflecting a constant battle against forces of evil that seek to undermine God's righteous ones, a theme powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sharpened (Hebrew, _shânan'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to point" or "to pierce," this word vividly describes the deliberate, calculated, and intentional nature of the enemies' verbal attacks. Like a weapon meticulously honed for maximum damage, their tongues are prepared to inflict pain, slander, or deceit, indicating premeditated malice rather than accidental offense. It speaks to a focused, targeted intent to wound.
* **poison (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** While literally meaning "heat" or "anger," in this context, it refers to the venom of a serpent, drawing from the figurative sense of "fever." This emphasizes the destructive, feverish, and deadly nature of the words spoken by David's enemies. It is not merely harmful speech, but speech imbued with a toxic, life-sapping quality that aims to corrupt, sicken, or destroy, much like a potent toxin.
* **serpent (Hebrew, _nâchâsh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to hiss," directly refers to a snake. The comparison highlights the insidious, deceptive, and deadly character of the enemies' speech. Just as a serpent strikes unexpectedly with lethal venom, their words are designed to wound and destroy from a hidden place, often through cunning, treachery, or subtle insinuation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent;":** This initial clause introduces the primary simile, portraying the enemies' speech as a deliberate and prepared weapon. The act of "sharpening" implies careful intent and preparation, suggesting that their words are not spontaneous but crafted to inflict maximum harm, akin to a serpent's fangs being readied to strike. The comparison to a "serpent" immediately evokes images of cunning, deception, and deadly intent, establishing the insidious and dangerous nature of the verbal assault.
* **"adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah.":** This second clause intensifies the imagery, revealing the hidden, venomous nature of their words. The "adders' poison" (referring to the highly venomous ʻakshûwb, known for its lurking behavior) being "under their lips" suggests that the malice is concealed, ready to be unleashed subtly or deceptively, perhaps through flattery, gossip, or false accusations that carry a hidden, destructive sting. The concluding "Selah" then calls for a pause, inviting the reader to reflect deeply on the gravity and devastating impact of such insidious speech, emphasizing its spiritual weight and prompting contemplation or a musical interlude.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 140:3 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and disturbing picture of the enemies' destructive speech. The central device is a powerful **Simile**, directly comparing the "sharpening" of tongues to a serpent, explicitly stating the likeness using "like." This is further intensified by **Metaphor**, where the words themselves are implicitly equated with "adders' poison," suggesting that their speech is not just harmful but literally toxic and lethal in its effect. The phrase "under their lips" employs **Synecdoche**, where "lips" represent the entire act of speaking, while also subtly hinting at the **Concealment** and insidious nature of the venom, which is not immediately apparent. This potent use of **Zoomorphism**, attributing reptilian traits—specifically the cunning, stealth, and deadly strike of a snake—to human speech, effectively conveys the malevolent intent behind the words. Finally, "Selah" serves as a **Liturgical Marker**, prompting a reflective pause that underscores the profound and disturbing truth presented in the verse, inviting the reader to ponder its spiritual implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 140:3 offers a stark theological reflection on the pervasive nature of evil and the profound spiritual danger inherent in malicious speech. It reveals that wickedness is not confined to physical violence but manifests powerfully through the insidious power of words, which can be wielded with deliberate, serpent-like cunning to destroy reputations, sow discord, and inflict deep emotional and spiritual wounds. The psalmist's fervent cry highlights humanity's vulnerability to such verbal assaults and implicitly appeals to God as the ultimate arbiter of justice, who alone possesses the discernment to expose the hidden venom and the power to deliver from its devastating effects. This verse serves as a sober and timeless reminder that the tongue, though physically small, possesses immense power for both profound good and grievous evil, capable of reflecting either divine grace and truth or demonic malice and destruction.

* [Romans 3:13](/romans/3-13 "Romans 3:13 - The Depravity of Man's Speech")
* [Psalms 58:4](/psalms/58-4 "Psalms 58:4 - The Venomous Nature of the Wicked")
* [James 3:8](/james/3-8 "James 3:8 - The Untamable Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to self-awareness and spiritual discipline regarding the use of our own words. In a contemporary world saturated with online slander, pervasive gossip, and divisive rhetoric, the imagery of sharpened tongues and hidden poison is strikingly relevant and convicting. We are called to guard our tongues with utmost diligence, recognizing their immense potential for both edification and destruction, for building up or tearing down. Just as David sought divine deliverance from those who wielded words as weapons, we, as followers of Christ, must strive to use our speech to build up, to speak truth in love, to offer grace, and to bring healing, rather than to tear down, deceive, or spread venom. Furthermore, this verse encourages discernment, helping us to recognize and protect ourselves from speech that is not merely critical but truly malicious, designed to destroy rather than to correct or uplift. It prompts us to pray for divine protection against verbal assaults and to cultivate a heart that speaks life, reflecting the character of God rather than the poison of the serpent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I prayerfully consider the potential impact and intention behind my words before I speak them, especially in challenging situations?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might my own speech, even unintentionally, resemble "sharpened tongues" or carry "adders' poison," causing hidden harm?**
* **What practical steps can I actively take to ensure my words consistently build up, encourage, and bring healing, rather than tearing down or spreading negativity?**
* **How can I better protect myself and others from the destructive power of malicious speech in daily life, both in personal interactions and online environments?**

### FAQ
**What does the "Selah" at the end of the verse signify?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew word found frequently throughout the Psalms and the book of Habakkuk, widely interpreted as a musical or liturgical instruction. In the context of [Psalms 140:3](/psalms/140-3 "Psalms 140:3 - Sharpened Tongues"), it most likely indicates a pause for reflection, contemplation, or an instrumental interlude. It serves to emphasize the preceding statement, calling the reader or listener to deeply consider the gravity and devastating impact of the malicious, venomous speech just described. It's a moment to allow the truth to sink in, to ponder the spiritual weight of such wickedness, and perhaps to prepare for the next section of the psalm, which often involves a shift in tone or a deeper plea to God, as David continues his prayer for deliverance in [Psalms 140:4-5](/psalms/140-4-5 "Psalms 140:4-5 - David's Prayer for Protection and God's Justice").

**How does this verse about malicious speech relate to New Testament teachings?**

Answer: Psalms 140:3 finds significant echoes and elaborations in the New Testament, particularly in its warnings against the destructive power of the tongue. The Apostle Paul, in [Romans 3:13](/romans/3-13 "Romans 3:13 - The Depravity of Man's Speech"), directly quotes a similar passage (likely from Psalms 58:4 or a conflation of several Psalms including this one) when describing humanity's fallen nature: "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips." This demonstrates that the problem of malicious speech is not new but a pervasive aspect of human sinfulness. James dedicates an entire section to the tongue, calling it an "unruly evil, full of deadly poison" ([James 3:8](/james/3-8 "James 3:8 - The Untamable Tongue")), and warns that it can defile the whole body and set the course of one's life on fire ([James 3:6](/james/3-6 "James 3:6 - The Tongue's Destructive Power")). Jesus himself taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" ([Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Words Reveal the Heart")), implying that venomous words are a symptom of a poisoned heart, reinforcing the profound need for inner transformation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 140:3, with its vivid portrayal of sharpened tongues and adders' poison, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several compelling ways. Firstly, Jesus himself was the ultimate and innocent target of such venomous speech. Throughout His earthly ministry, He endured relentless slander, false accusations, and malicious verbal attacks from religious leaders and hostile crowds. They "sharpened their tongues" against Him, accusing Him of blasphemy ([Matthew 26:65](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy")), demon possession ([Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - Beelzebul Accusation")), and sedition ([Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Jesus Accused of Sedition")), ultimately leading to His unjust crucifixion. Yet, in stark contrast to His accusers, Jesus "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Suffering")), and when reviled, He did not revile in return ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). He is the archetypal righteous sufferer, the innocent victim of the very evil described in this psalm. Secondly, Christ is the ultimate Deliverer from the power of such malicious speech. Through His atoning work on the cross, He disarmed the spiritual forces of wickedness that incite such verbal venom, offering freedom from their dominion. His own words, unlike the poison of the wicked, are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")), bringing healing, truth, and eternal salvation. Finally, as the Incarnate Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Incarnate")), Jesus embodies the righteous speech that stands in absolute opposition to all evil. He not only suffered under the venom of humanity but also provides the divine antidote: the transformative power of His gospel, which purifies the heart and enables believers to speak words of grace, truth, and life, reflecting His divine character rather than the serpent's poison.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.