New International VersionSee what they spew from their mouths— the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?”
New Living TranslationListen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. “After all, who can hear us?” they sneer.
English Standard VersionThere they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips— for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?”
Berean Standard BibleSee what they spew from their mouths—sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”
King James BibleBehold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
New King James VersionIndeed, they belch with their mouth; Swords are in their lips; For they say, “Who hears?”
New American Standard BibleBehold, they gush forth with their mouths; Swords are in their lips, For, they say, “Who hears?”
NASB 1995Behold, they belch forth with their mouth; Swords are in their lips, For, they say, “Who hears?”
NASB 1977 Behold, they belch forth with their mouth; Swords are in their lips, For, they say, “Who hears?”
Legacy Standard Bible Behold, they pour forth speech with their mouth; Swords are in their lips, For, they say, “Who hears?”
Amplified BibleLook how they belch out [insults] with their mouths; Swords [of sarcasm, ridicule, slander, and lies] are in their lips, For they say, “Who hears us?”
Christian Standard BibleLook, they spew from their mouths — sharp words from their lips. “For who,” they say, “will hear? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleLook, they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips.” For who,” they say, “will hear?”
American Standard VersionBehold, they belch out with their mouth; Swords are in their lips: For who, say they, doth hear?
Contemporary English VersionThey curse, and their words cut like swords, as they say to themselves, "No one can hear us!"
English Revised VersionBehold, they belch out with their mouth; swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSee what pours out of their mouths- swords from their lips! [They think,] "Who will hear us?"
Good News TranslationListen to their insults and threats. Their tongues are like swords in their mouths, yet they think that no one hears them.
International Standard VersionLook what pours out of their mouths! They use their lips like swords, saying "Who will hear us?"
NET BibleLook, they hurl insults at me and openly threaten to kill me, for they say, "Who hears?"
New Heart English BibleLook, they spew with their mouth. Swords are in their lips, "For," they say, "who hears us?"
Webster's Bible TranslationBehold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSee what they spew from their mouths—sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”
World English BibleBehold, they spew with their mouth. Swords are in their lips, “For”, they say, “who hears us?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBehold, they belch out with their mouths, "" Swords [are] in their lips, for “Who hears?”
Young's Literal Translation Lo, they belch out with their mouths, Swords are in their lips, for 'Who heareth?'
Smith's Literal TranslationBehold, they will gush out with their mouth: swords in their lips: for who heard? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBehold they shall speak with their mouth, and a sword is in their lips: for who, say they, hath heard us ?
Catholic Public Domain Version Audio Bible
Context Deliver Me From My Enemies… 6They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. 7See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” 8But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations.…
Cross References Proverbs 10:31-32The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. / The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Proverbs 12:13An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.
Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
Proverbs 18:6-7A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. / A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Proverbs 26:28A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
Psalm 10:7His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue.
Psalm 12:2-4They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. / May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. / They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”
Psalm 64:3-4who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.
Psalm 140:3They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah
Isaiah 59:3For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice.
Jeremiah 9:3-8“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. ...
Matthew 12:34-37You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...
Matthew 15:18-19But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.
Mark 7:21-23For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”
Luke 6:45The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. swords Psalm 55:21
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. Psalm 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. Psalm 64:3-5
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: … who Psalm 10:11,13
He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it… Psalm 73:11
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Psalm 94:7-9
Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it… Jump to Previous Attention Curses Dropping Forth Gives Hate Hear Heareth Hears Lips Mouth Mouths Snarling Spew Swords Think TonguesJump to Next Attention Curses Dropping Forth Gives Hate Hear Heareth Hears Lips Mouth Mouths Snarling Spew Swords Think TonguesPsalm 59 1. David prays to be delivered from his enemies6. He complains of their cruelty8. He trusts in god11. He prays against them16. He praises GodSee what they spew from their mouths—This phrase highlights the malicious and deceitful speech of David's enemies. In biblical context, the mouth often symbolizes the heart's overflow ( Matthew 12:34). The imagery of "spewing" suggests an uncontrolled and vile outpouring, akin to the venom of a serpent ( Psalm 140:3). This reflects the broader biblical theme of the power of words to harm or heal ( Proverbs 18:21). sharp words from their lips:
The "sharp words" indicate the intent to wound and destroy, akin to weapons of war (Psalm 57:4). In the ancient Near Eastern culture, words were seen as powerful tools that could enact curses or blessings. The sharpness of their words contrasts with the Word of God, which is described as a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), emphasizing the destructive nature of the enemies' speech. “For who can hear us?”
This rhetorical question reveals the arrogance and perceived impunity of David's adversaries. They believe their actions and words go unnoticed, reflecting a common biblical theme of the wicked's false sense of security (Psalm 10:11). This phrase also connects to the broader narrative of divine justice, where God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who hears and sees all (Psalm 94:9). It underscores the folly of thinking one can act without divine accountability, a theme echoed in the prophetic literature (Isaiah 29:15). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 59, David is seeking God's protection from his enemies. This psalm is a plea for deliverance from those who seek to harm him. 2. Saul's MenThe context of this psalm is David's persecution by King Saul, who sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him. These men are the ones speaking the "sharp words." 3. EnemiesThe broader category of those who oppose David, representing the wicked who plot against the righteous. 4. GodThe ultimate judge and protector, to whom David cries out for help and deliverance. 5. JerusalemThe setting of many of David's psalms, including this one, as it is the city where David spent much of his time and faced many of his trials. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the power to harm or heal. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech, ensuring it aligns with God's truth and love. God Hears AllThe enemies' question, "For who can hear us?" reflects a false sense of security. God hears all, and we are accountable for our words and actions. Trust in God's JusticeLike David, we can trust that God sees and hears the injustices we face. He is our defender and will bring justice in His time. Responding to PersecutionWhen faced with verbal attacks or persecution, we should follow David's example by turning to God in prayer and seeking His protection. Guarding Our HeartsThe words we speak are a reflection of our hearts. We must guard our hearts and fill them with God's Word to ensure our speech is edifying. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 59:7?
2. How does Psalm 59:7 illustrate the power of words for harm or good?
3. What does Psalm 59:7 teach about the consequences of malicious speech?
4. How can we guard our tongues according to biblical principles in Psalm 59:7?
5. What other scriptures warn against the dangers of harmful speech like in Psalm 59:7?
6. How can believers apply Psalm 59:7 to promote peace in their communities?
7. How does Psalm 59:7 reflect the nature of human wickedness and deceit?
8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 59:7?
9. How does Psalm 59:7 challenge our understanding of divine justice?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 59?
11. If Psalm 52 is specifically about Doeg the Edomite, where is the archaeological or textual proof confirming these events?
12. Psalm 120:4 - Does referring to 'warrior's sharp arrows' and 'burning coals' raise contradictions with a supposedly loving and merciful God?
13. Psalm 89:34 insists God will never break His covenant, yet the psalmist laments the downfall of David's lineage--how could this be seen as consistent?
14. Why does God seem silent when people pray?What Does Psalm 59:7 Mean See what they spew from their mouths• David invites us to notice the continuous outpouring of hostile talk, a constant flow rather than a slip of the tongue (Psalm 12:2-4). • The venom begins in the heart and surfaces through speech (Matthew 12:34; Psalm 140:3). • Observing this evil is necessary so we turn to God for protection (Proverbs 18:21; James 3:6-8). • Every word is recorded; none escape divine notice (Matthew 12:36).
sharp words from their lips• Like blades, these words are designed to cut (Psalm 64:3; Proverbs 12:18). • Slander wounds spirits and stirs violence (Proverbs 15:4; Acts 14:2). • This is the opposite of speech that builds up (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6). • God will hold each cutting word to account (Jude 1:15).
For who can hear us?• Their boast echoes Psalm 10:11 and Psalm 94:7—arrogant denial of God’s oversight. • Assuming heaven’s silence reveals a deaf heart (Psalm 73:11; Isaiah 29:15). • Scripture counters: “He who planted the ear, does He not hear?” (Psalm 94:9; Luke 12:2-3). • This defiance invites God’s direct intervention (Ezekiel 8:18).
summaryPsalm 59:7 exposes a relentless torrent of wicked speech, its lethal intent, and the brazen claim that no one hears it. The verse reassures believers that God is fully aware and will address every arrogant insult, while urging us to guard our own tongues and trust His righteous justice. (7) Behold.--Without question this word should, as Mr. Burgess suggests, be emended to "spears" ( chanith instead of hinneh) , to give-- "Spears they pour out with their mouths, Swords with their lips." (Comp. Psalm 57:5, and "She speaks poniards."--As You Like It. Verse 7. - Behold, they belch out with their mouth. All night long they keep uttering abuse and execrations and threats (comp. Psalm 94:4). Swords are in their lips (comp. Psalm 57:4). Speeches that wound and cut to the heart. For who, say they, doth hear! (comp. Psalm 10:11-13; Psalm 64:5; Psalm 73:11; Psalm 94:7). They think themselves irresponsible for their words. No one will hear or know what they say.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew See whatהִנֵּ֤ה ׀ (hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!they spewיַבִּ֘יע֤וּן (yab·bî·‘ūn)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 5042: To gush forth, to utter, to emitfrom their mouths—בְּפִיהֶ֗ם (bə·p̄î·hem)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according tosharp wordsחֲ֭רָבוֹת (ḥă·rā·ḇō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, swordfrom their lips:בְּשִׂפְתוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם (bə·śip̄·ṯō·w·ṯê·hem)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin“Forכִּי־ (kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunctionwhoמִ֥י (mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixcan hear us?”שֹׁמֵֽעַ׃ (šō·mê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently
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OT Poetry: Psalm 59:7 Behold they spew with their mouth (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
