Psalms 64:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Who whet {H8150}{H8804)} their tongue {H3956} like a sword {H2719}, and bend {H1869}{H8804)} their bows to shoot their arrows {H2671}, even bitter {H4751} words {H1697}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They sharpen their tongues like a sword; they aim their arrows, poisoned words,

Berean Standard Bible

who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,

American Standard Version

Who have whet their tongue like a sword, And have aimed their arrows, even bitter words,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 64:3 powerfully illustrates the insidious and destructive nature of the psalmist's adversaries, who weaponize their speech with deliberate malice. Through striking military imagery, the verse likens the tongue to a meticulously sharpened sword and hurtful words to piercing arrows, thereby emphasizing the premeditated preparation and devastating impact of verbal assault, whether through slander, gossip, or false accusation. It profoundly underscores the deep emotional, social, and reputational harm that can be inflicted by words, even in the absence of physical violence, revealing a spiritual battle fought with verbal weapons.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 64 is a fervent prayer of lament and petition, widely attributed to David, who frequently faced enemies plotting his downfall. The psalm opens with a desperate cry to God for protection from the "secret counsel of the wicked" and the "insurrection of evildoers" (see [Psalm 64:2](/psalms/64-2 "Psalm 64:2 - Prayer for Protection from Secret Plots")). Verse 3 specifically elaborates on the *modus operandi* of these adversaries, revealing that their primary weapon is not physical might but the insidious power of their words. This verse sets the stage for the psalmist's subsequent appeal to God for divine intervention and judgment against those who "shoot their arrows, even bitter words," culminating in a declaration of God's ultimate justice and the righteous rejoicing in the Lord (as seen in [Psalm 64:10](/psalms/64-10 "Psalm 64:10 - The Righteous Rejoice in God")). The vivid imagery here intensifies the sense of vulnerability and the urgent need for divine deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, honor, reputation, and social standing were paramount. Consequently, slander, gossip, and false accusations were not trivial offenses but deeply damaging acts that could lead to social ostracization, economic ruin, or even legal repercussions. The imagery of swords, bows, and arrows draws from common military practices of the time, making the analogy of verbal warfare immediately visceral and understandable to the original audience. David, as king and a prominent figure, was a frequent target of political intrigue, conspiracy, and verbal attacks, from figures like Doeg the Edomite, who slandered Ahimelech (see [1 Samuel 22:9-10](/1_samuel/22-9-10 "1 Samuel 22:9-10 - Doeg's Betrayal of Ahimelech")), to Absalom's subtle undermining of his father's authority through deceptive words (as recounted in [2 Samuel 15:1-6](/2_samuel/15-1-6 "2 Samuel 15:1-6 - Absalom's Conspiracy Against David")). This historical reality imbues the psalmist's lament with deep personal resonance and reflects the constant threat posed by malicious speech in a public sphere.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Destructive Power of Words**, emphasizing that speech is not neutral but possesses immense capacity for both good and evil, capable of building up or tearing down. The deliberate preparation ("whet their tongue") and targeted nature ("bend their bows to shoot") underscore the intentionality of **Slander and Deception**, which aim to wound, undermine, and destroy a person's character or standing. Thirdly, the portrayal of enemies operating with stealth and precision points to **Covert Warfare**, where attacks are often hidden, unexpected, and difficult to defend against directly. This theme resonates with the broader biblical understanding of spiritual warfare, where unseen forces often employ deceit and lies (see [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare Against Principalities")). The psalmist's cry for divine intervention also reinforces the theme of **God as Protector and Judge**, who sees and will ultimately address all forms of injustice, including verbal assaults.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whet (Hebrew, _shanân'_):** This verb (H8150) means "to point," "to pierce," "to sharpen," or "to inculcate." In the context of the tongue, it conveys the idea of a deliberate, meticulous, and often repeated preparation of speech for malicious purposes. Just as a warrior painstakingly sharpens a blade for maximum effectiveness, so the enemies carefully craft their words to inflict the deepest possible wound. It implies a premeditated and calculated act of verbal aggression, not an accidental slip of the tongue, indicating a conscious effort to make their words as incisive and damaging as possible.
* **Bitter (Hebrew, _mar'_):** This adjective (H4751) means "bitter," "severe," "painful," or "chafed." When applied to words, it describes their quality as being acrid, harsh, and deeply unpleasant, causing profound emotional, psychological, or reputational distress. It speaks to the painful and often enduring impact of the verbal assault on the victim, highlighting the venomous and corrosive nature of the words, which leave a lasting sting.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):N This noun (H1697) generally means "word," "speech," "matter," or "thing." However, in contexts like this, especially when combined with "bitter," it often carries the connotation of "evil report," "slander," "reproach," or "defamation." This specific nuance indicates that the "bitter words" are not mere insults but are likely false, misleading, or highly damaging accusations intended to harm the target's character, reputation, or standing. The combination with "bitter" underscores their venomous, destructive, and often deceitful nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who whet their tongue like a sword":** This initial clause introduces the first powerful simile, comparing the tongue to a sword. The act of "whetting" (sharpening) implies careful, deliberate preparation and refinement. It suggests that the enemies are not speaking impulsively but are intentionally crafting their malicious words to be as cutting and damaging as possible, aiming to pierce and wound the psalmist's reputation, spirit, or social standing. This is a premeditated attack, not a spontaneous outburst.
* **"and bend their bows to shoot their arrows":** This expands the military metaphor, introducing the image of a bow and arrows. "Bending their bows" signifies a deliberate action—tensioning the bowstring, aiming, and preparing for a targeted strike. It conveys the idea of a calculated, precise attack, often from a distance or from a hidden position, making the assault difficult to anticipate or counter. The enemies are not merely speaking carelessly; they are aiming their verbal projectiles with the intent to hit their mark and inflict harm.
* **"even bitter words":** This crucial phrase explicitly identifies the "arrows" as "bitter words." It clarifies the nature of the weapon, confirming that the psalmist is not facing physical violence but a verbal onslaught. The adjective "bitter" emphasizes the painful, harmful, and often false or slanderous quality of these words, designed to inflict emotional, social, or reputational damage. This final phrase serves as an appositive, defining the specific nature of the arrows, leaving no doubt about the true weapon being employed.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 64:3 is rich in **imagery** drawn from ancient warfare, vividly depicting the nature of verbal assault. The central device is **simile**, explicitly comparing the tongue to a "sword" and words to "arrows," making the abstract concept of malicious speech tangible, dangerous, and physically impactful. This is further reinforced by **metaphor**, where words are implicitly understood as weapons themselves, capable of inflicting deep wounds. The enemies are depicted as actively engaged in this verbal warfare, a form of **personification** where their tongues are given agency to be "whet" and their words are "shot" with intent, as if they were autonomous agents. The verse also employs a strong form of **parallelism**, where the two weapon analogies ("tongue like a sword" and "arrows, even bitter words") reinforce and elaborate upon the same core idea: the deliberate, precise, and destructive nature of the enemies' speech. The use of these devices creates a powerful and memorable picture of the profound harm caused by slander and malicious gossip, underscoring the psalmist's deep distress and urgent need for divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the biblical understanding of the immense power of the tongue, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It highlights that words are not merely sounds but carry moral weight and can be instruments of profound good or devastating evil, reflecting the very nature of humanity created in God's image. Just as God spoke creation into being, so human words possess a creative or destructive capacity, making the tongue a powerful force for life or death. The psalmist's lament underscores God's justice and His omniscience, affirming that no hidden malicious act or verbal assault goes unnoticed by the divine Judge. It also implicitly calls believers to a higher standard of speech, recognizing that our words, like those of the psalmist's enemies, can be sharpened for harm or used for edification, truth, and grace.

* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life in the Power of the Tongue")
* [James 3:6](/james/3-6 "James 3:6 - The Tongue as a Fire")
* [Psalm 57:4](/psalms/57-4 "Psalm 57:4 - Enemies' Tongues as Sharp Swords and Arrows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 64:3 serves as a timeless warning and a call to spiritual vigilance in a world where words continue to be potent weapons. It compels us to recognize that verbal attacks, whether in the form of gossip, slander, cyberbullying, character assassination, or divisive rhetoric, are not trivial but deeply damaging, mirroring the "bitter words" of the psalmist's enemies. As believers, this verse challenges us first to examine our own hearts and tongues, ensuring that we do not, even inadvertently, wield words that wound or destroy. Instead, we are called to use our speech for edification, truth, and grace, building up rather than tearing down, as encouraged in [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Wholesome Speech for Building Up"). Secondly, when we find ourselves targets of such malicious speech, the psalmist's response provides a powerful model: to turn to God in fervent prayer, trusting in His ultimate justice and protection. We can find solace in knowing that God sees and hears every "bitter word" and is our ultimate defender, even when human avenues for redress seem closed. Our faith calls us to respond to verbal aggression not with retaliation, but with prayer, forgiveness, and a commitment to truth, knowing that God is our refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I recognize "bitter words" in my own life, whether from others or from myself, and what is my immediate reaction to them?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively use my words for edification, truth, and encouragement, rather than for harm, gossip, or criticism, especially in challenging situations?**
* **When faced with verbal attacks or slander, how can I emulate the psalmist's trust in God for deliverance and justice, rather than retaliating in kind or becoming consumed by bitterness?**

### FAQ
**What does "whet their tongue like a sword" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: In practical terms, "whetting the tongue like a sword" signifies a deliberate, malicious, and often premeditated preparation of one's speech to inflict maximum harm. It's not about accidental slips of the tongue or thoughtless remarks. Instead, it refers to carefully crafted slander, calculated gossip, false accusations, or biting criticisms designed to undermine, destroy a reputation, or cause deep emotional pain. Just as a warrior sharpens a sword to make it more effective in battle, so the enemies meticulously refine their words to be as cutting and damaging as possible. This imagery emphasizes the intentionality and the destructive potential of such verbal attacks, highlighting that such speech is a weapon wielded with specific, harmful intent.

**How does this verse relate to modern forms of communication, like social media?**

Answer: Psalm 64:3 is remarkably relevant to modern communication, especially social media and online forums. The "bitter words" and "arrows" shot from hidden places find a stark parallel in online platforms where individuals can anonymously or pseudonymously spread misinformation, engage in cyberbullying, or launch character attacks. The speed and vast reach of digital communication mean that "bitter words" can be "shot" to immense audiences instantly, causing widespread and often irreparable damage to reputations and mental well-being. The "bending their bows" aspect can be seen in the deliberate crafting of inflammatory posts, viral rumors, or targeted online harassment campaigns. This verse serves as a potent reminder for believers to exercise extreme caution and responsibility in the digital sphere, recognizing that words posted online, though unseen, can be as damaging as any physical weapon, and that [people will have to give account on the day of judgment for every idle word they have spoken](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36 - Accountability for Words"). It calls us to consider the impact of our digital footprint and to use our online presence to build up, not tear down.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 64:3 vividly describes the psalmist's experience with human enemies and their malicious speech, its themes of unjust suffering and divine protection find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was the constant target of "bitter words" from religious leaders, false witnesses, and even the very crowds He came to save. He endured relentless slander, accusations of blasphemy (as seen in [Matthew 26:65](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65 - Accusation of Blasphemy Against Jesus")), and mockery (as recounted in [Mark 15:29-32](/mark/15-29-32 "Mark 15:29-32 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")) – verbal arrows aimed at His character, authority, and divine mission. Yet, in fulfillment of prophecy, He responded with profound silence and grace, like a [lamb led to the slaughter, who did not open his mouth](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"). Paradoxically, while His enemies wielded words as weapons of destruction, Jesus Himself is the Living Word (as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")) whose very speech carried life, truth, and authority, bringing healing and salvation. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross disarmed the power of all destructive words and the one who incites them, conquering sin and death. Through His victory, believers are empowered by the [Spirit of truth](/john/14-17 "John 14:17 - The Spirit of Truth") to speak words of grace and truth, finding refuge in Him from the "bitter words" of the world and looking forward to the day when every tongue will confess His Lordship (as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

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

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.

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 58:7

Let them melt away as waters [which] run continually: [when] he bendeth [his bow to shoot] his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

Psalms 11:2

For, lo, the wicked bend [their] bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

Jeremiah 9:3

And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

Proverbs 12:18

¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.