Psalms 55:21

KJV

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

KJV (with Strong's)

The words of his mouth {H6310} were smoother {H2505}{H8804)} than butter {H4260}, but war {H7128} was in his heart {H3820}: his words {H1697} were softer {H7401}{H8804)} than oil {H8081}, yet were they drawn swords {H6609}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What he said sounded smoother than butter, but his heart was at war. His words seemed more soothing than oil, but in fact they were sharp swords.

Berean Standard Bible

His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.

American Standard Version

His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:21 offers a searing indictment of betrayal, masterfully contrasting the outwardly pleasant and soothing words of a deceiver with the hidden malice and violent intent harbored within their heart. This verse vividly portrays the profound pain and spiritual danger of hypocrisy, where a facade of friendship or comfort conceals a heart poised for conflict, revealing words that are not merely empty but actively destructive, like unsheathed swords.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply personal and anguished lament attributed to David, expressing profound distress and a desperate plea for deliverance from his enemies. The psalm opens with David's cry to God to hear his prayer, describing his inner turmoil and the overwhelming fear that has seized him ([Psalms 55:4-5](/psalms/55-4 "Psalms 55:4-5 - David's Anguish")). He longs to escape the turmoil, wishing for wings to fly away and find rest ([Psalms 55:6-8](/psalms/55-6 "Psalms 55:6-8 - David's Desire for Escape")). The climax of his suffering, however, is not merely from general enemies but from a trusted companion, a peer, who has turned against him ([Psalms 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12 "Psalms 55:12-14 - Betrayal by a Friend")). Verse 21 specifically characterizes this betrayer, intensifying the emotional impact by highlighting the deceptive nature of their words, which are as smooth as butter and oil, yet conceal a heart of war and words like drawn swords. This verse serves as a powerful summary of the betrayer's character, explaining why David's pain is so acute.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Many scholars connect Psalm 55 to the rebellion of Absalom against his father King David, a period of immense personal and political upheaval for David. The "man, mine equal, my guide, and my acquaintance" ([Psalms 55:13](/psalms/55-13 "Psalms 55:13 - Betrayal by a Confidant")) is often identified with Ahithophel, David's trusted counselor, who famously defected to Absalom's side ([2_samuel/15-31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Betrayal")). In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality, counsel, and shared meals (implied by "butter" and "oil" as symbols of sustenance and comfort) were sacred bonds. To betray such a relationship, especially through deceptive speech, was considered a profound violation of trust and social order. The imagery of "butter" and "oil" evokes substances valued for their richness, soothing qualities, and use in anointing or feasting, making the contrast with "war" and "drawn swords" particularly jarring and indicative of a deep moral corruption.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 55 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **hypocrisy and deceit**, presenting a stark disconnect between outward appearance and inward reality. The betrayer's words, described as pleasant and soothing, are a deceptive mask for a heart filled with hostility, illustrating the danger of those who speak peace but harbor malice ([Proverbs 26:23](/proverbs/26-23 "Proverbs 26:23 - Deceitful Lips and a Wicked Heart")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **pain of betrayal**, particularly when it comes from a trusted confidant. The intimacy implied by the "smooth words" makes the underlying hostility all the more shocking and hurtful, emphasizing the unique agony of being wounded by someone once considered a friend rather than an overt enemy ([Psalms 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalms 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")). Lastly, it vividly illustrates the **destructive power of words**. While words can build up and heal, this verse shows how they can also be wielded as weapons, capable of cutting, wounding, and destroying relationships or reputations, serving as a potent warning against the dangers of a flattering mouth that conceals evil intent ([Proverbs 12:18](/proverbs/12-18 "Proverbs 12:18 - The Power of the Tongue")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **חָלַק (Hebrew, _chālaq'_):** This Hebrew word, translated as "smoother," carries a dual meaning that is crucial to understanding the verse. While it can simply mean "smooth" or "slippery," in a moral context, it often implies flattery, deceit, or treacherous speech. Thus, the words are not merely pleasant but inherently deceptive, designed to disarm or manipulate.
* **פְּתֻחוֹת (Hebrew, _pətuḥôt'_):** Translated as "drawn swords," this word literally means "opened" or "unsheathed." It vividly depicts swords that are not merely present but actively exposed and ready for immediate use in battle or execution. This imagery powerfully conveys the hidden hostility and the readiness to strike, emphasizing the active, violent intent behind the seemingly soft words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter":** This clause establishes the outward facade of the betrayer. "Butter" (חֶמְאָה, *ḥemʾâ*) was a highly valued, rich, and pleasant substance in the ancient world, symbolizing comfort, prosperity, and soothing qualities. The comparison suggests that the words spoken were exceedingly pleasant, flattering, and seemingly harmless, designed to create a sense of trust and ease.
* **"but war [was] in his heart":** This is the stark antithesis, revealing the hidden reality. Despite the smooth exterior, the inner disposition of the betrayer is one of hostility, conflict, and destructive intent. The "war" in the heart signifies a deep-seated enmity and a readiness to engage in spiritual or physical combat against the unsuspecting victim.
* **"his words were softer than oil":** This clause reiterates and reinforces the deceptive pleasantness of the words. "Oil" (שֶׁמֶן, *šemen*) was also a precious commodity, used for anointing, healing, and as a luxury. Its softness and soothing nature further emphasize the seductive and comforting quality of the betrayer's speech, making the subsequent revelation of their true nature even more shocking.
* **"yet [were] they drawn swords":** This powerful metaphor exposes the true, lethal nature of the words. Just as "drawn swords" are unsheathed and ready to inflict injury or death, the seemingly soft and smooth words are, in reality, instruments of destruction, poised to wound, betray, or destroy the recipient. This final image encapsulates the profound and dangerous hypocrisy at the heart of the betrayer.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:21 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message of deceptive betrayal. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, which creates a jarring contrast between the outward appearance and the inner reality ("smoother than butter" vs. "war in his heart"; "softer than oil" vs. "drawn swords"). This stark opposition highlights the profound hypocrisy of the betrayer. **Simile** is employed through the comparisons "smoother than butter" and "softer than oil," using familiar, pleasant substances to describe the deceptive nature of the words. This makes the initial impression of the words seem benign and comforting. However, this comfort is immediately undermined by a powerful **Metaphor**: the words are "drawn swords." This transforms the seemingly harmless words into instruments of violence, conveying their destructive potential and the hidden malice. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as the very words intended to soothe and build trust are, in fact, weapons designed to inflict harm. This masterful use of imagery and contrast powerfully conveys the deep pain and spiritual danger of betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of the human heart as the wellspring of life or death, and the critical importance of integrity between one's inner disposition and outward expression. It serves as a profound warning against spiritual deception, reminding believers that not all pleasant words are sincere, and true character is revealed not by superficial charm but by the alignment of one's speech with the true intentions of the heart. The Lord, who alone searches the heart ([Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart")), sees beyond the smooth facade to the "war" within, and will ultimately judge all hypocrisy. This calls believers to cultivate discernment and to guard their own hearts and tongues, ensuring that their words are always rooted in truth and genuine love, not deceit.

* [Proverbs 26:23](/proverbs/26-23 "Deceitful Lips and a Wicked Heart")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Beware of False Prophets")
* [Romans 16:18](/romans/16-18 "Deceitful Speech")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:21 offers a timeless and crucial lesson for believers in navigating relationships and discerning truth in a world often fraught with deception. It challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, looking beyond the superficial pleasantness of words to perceive the true intentions of the heart. This requires prayerful wisdom and reliance on the Holy Spirit to unmask hidden malice, recognizing that not all who speak kindly are truly kind, and not all who offer comfort are sincere. Conversely, this verse also serves as a mirror, prompting us to examine our own hearts and words. Are our words always aligned with genuine love and integrity, or do we sometimes use "smooth" talk to manipulate, flatter, or conceal less noble intentions? The call is to live with transparent integrity, where our inner disposition of peace and love genuinely flows into our outward expressions. In the face of potential betrayal, the ultimate application is to place our trust not in the fickle nature of human relationships, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God, who sees all and judges righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge your perception of "smooth talk" or flattery in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize hidden malice behind pleasant words?**
* **How can you ensure that your own words consistently reflect the true, Christ-like intentions of your heart, rather than any hidden "war"?**
* **When faced with betrayal or deception, how does this verse encourage you to place your ultimate trust in God rather than despair?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" referred to in this verse, and why is his betrayal so significant?**

Answer: While the psalm does not explicitly name the individual, biblical tradition and scholarly consensus strongly suggest that the "he" refers to Ahithophel, King David's trusted counselor, who joined the rebellion of David's son, Absalom ([2_samuel/15-31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Betrayal")). His betrayal was so significant because he was not an open enemy but a close friend and confidant, someone with whom David "took sweet counsel" ([Psalms 55:14](/psalms/55-14 "Psalms 55:14 - Shared Counsel and Betrayal")). This made his deceitful words and hidden malice a profound personal wound, far more agonizing than an attack from a known adversary.

**How can we discern "smooth words" that hide malice in our everyday lives?**

Answer: Discerning deceptive "smooth words" requires spiritual wisdom and careful observation. Firstly, pay attention to the consistency between a person's words and their actions; true character is revealed by deeds, not just speech ([Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16-20 - You Will Recognize Them By Their Fruits")). Secondly, consider the fruit of their words: do they genuinely build up, or do they subtly tear down, manipulate, or sow discord? Thirdly, trust your intuition and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, as the Spirit grants discernment to believers ([1_corinthians/12-10](/1_corinthians/12-10 "1 Corinthians 12:10 - Discerning of Spirits")). Finally, be wary of excessive flattery, especially when it seems disproportionate or serves an ulterior motive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:21 finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the one betrayed by "smooth words" and "drawn swords." Jesus, the Son of David, experienced the ultimate betrayal from a trusted disciple, Judas Iscariot, whose kiss of greeting—a gesture of peace and affection—was the very sign that delivered Jesus to His enemies ([Luke 22:47-48](/luke/22-47 "Luke 22:47-48 - Judas's Betrayal Kiss")). This act perfectly mirrors the "smoother than butter" words concealing "war in his heart." Furthermore, Jesus Himself was constantly assailed by those whose words were "softer than oil" in appearance but were "drawn swords" of accusation and malice, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, who sought to trap Him with their cunning questions ([Matthew 22:15-18](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15-18 - The Pharisees' Trap")). Unlike David, whose heart was often troubled, Jesus' heart was always pure, His words always truth, never deceitful ([1_peter/2-22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Jesus Committed No Sin")). He perfectly discerned the hearts of men, seeing through every facade. His suffering on the cross, brought about by the deceptive words and murderous intent of His accusers, stands as the ultimate testament to the destructive power of such hypocrisy. Yet, through His sacrifice, Jesus conquered the very source of all deceit and betrayal, offering redemption and the promise of a kingdom where truth reigns and all hidden malice will be exposed and vanquished ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil's Final Doom")).

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 57:4

My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Psalms 28:3

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief [is] in their hearts.

Proverbs 5:3

For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil:

Proverbs 5:4

But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

Psalms 64:3

Who whet their tongue like a sword, [and] bend [their bows to shoot] their arrows, [even] bitter words:

Proverbs 26:28

¶ A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.