Psalms 120:2
Psalms 120:2 in Multiple Translations
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
Deliver my soul, O Jehovah, from lying lips, And from a deceitful tongue.
O Lord, be the saviour of my soul from false lips, and from the tongue of deceit.
Lord, please save me from liars and cheats!
Deliuer my soule, O Lord, from lying lippes, and from a deceitfull tongue.
O Jehovah, deliver my soul from a lying lip, From a deceitful tongue!
Deliver my soul, LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
I prayed, “Yahweh, rescue/save me from people [SYN, MTY] who lie to me and try to deceive me!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 120:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 120:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְֽהוָ֗ה
הַצִּ֣ילָ/ה
נַ֭פְשִׁ/י
מִ/שְּׂפַת
שֶׁ֑קֶר
מִ/לָּשׁ֥וֹן
רְמִיָּֽה
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הַצִּ֣ילָ/ה
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
נַ֭פְשִׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
מִ/שְּׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
Prep | N-fs
שֶׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
מִ/לָּשׁ֥וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Prep | N-cs
רְמִיָּֽה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
deceit
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 120:2
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הַצִּ֣ילָ/ה
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
נַ֭פְשִׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מִ/שְּׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
שֶׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
מִ/לָּשׁ֥וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Prep | N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
רְמִיָּֽה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
"deceit"
N-fs
Remiyah refers to slackness or deceit, describing someone who is idle or treacherous, as seen in various KJV translations. It implies a lack of effort or loyalty.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful, -fully), false, guile, idle, slack, slothful. See also: Job 13:7; Psalms 120:3; Psalms 32:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 120:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 120:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 120:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 120:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 120:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 120:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
- Sermons on Psalms 120:2
Context — In My Distress I Cried to the LORD
1In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.
2Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.
3What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? 4Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:22 | Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. |
| 2 | Psalms 140:1–3 | Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah |
| 3 | Psalms 52:2–4 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. |
| 4 | Psalms 109:1–2 | O God of my praise, be not silent. For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. |
| 5 | Psalms 35:11 | Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. |
| 6 | Matthew 26:59–62 | Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” So the high priest stood up and asked Him, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?” |
Psalms 120:2 Summary
[This verse is a prayer asking God to protect us from people who lie and deceive. The psalmist knows that God hates lying and wants us to speak the truth, as seen in Psalms 101:5 and Ephesians 4:25. When we are surrounded by lies and deceit, we can cry out to God for help, just like the psalmist did, and trust that He will deliver us, as promised in Psalms 34:17-18. By seeking God's deliverance and speaking the truth, we can build strong, healthy relationships and live a life that honors God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist ask God to deliver him from lying lips and a deceitful tongue?
The psalmist asks for deliverance because he recognizes the harm that lying and deceit can cause, as seen in Psalms 101:5, where God hates a deceitful tongue, and in Proverbs 6:16-19, where deceit is listed as one of the things God hates.
What kind of harm can lying lips and a deceitful tongue cause?
Lying lips and a deceitful tongue can cause emotional and relational harm, as seen in Psalms 41:9, where David's friend turned against him, and in Ephesians 4:25, where we are instructed to put away falsehood and speak truthfully.
How does God deliver us from lying lips and a deceitful tongue?
God delivers us through His Word, as seen in Psalms 119:130, where the entrance of God's words gives light, and through His presence, as seen in Isaiah 43:2, where He promises to be with us in times of trouble.
What is the significance of the psalmist's cry for deliverance in this verse?
The psalmist's cry for deliverance shows his recognition of his dependence on God and his need for God's protection, as seen in Psalms 34:17-18, where the righteous cry out to God and He delivers them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced the harm of lying lips and a deceitful tongue in my own life, and how can I seek God's deliverance from them?
- How can I cultivate a heart of truthfulness and honesty in my own relationships, and what role does God's Word play in this process?
- In what ways can I be a source of encouragement and truth to those around me, rather than contributing to the harm caused by lying lips and a deceitful tongue?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek God's deliverance from the negative influences of others, and to surround myself with people who speak truth and life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 120:2
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, [and] from a deceitful tongue.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 120:2
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
From lying lips; from the unjust censures and malicious slanders of mine enemies, who traduce me as an egregious hypocrite, as a rebel and traitor. From a deceitful tongue; which covereth mischievous designs with pretences of kindness.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
Psalms 120:2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, [and] from a deceitful tongue.Ver. 2. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips] This was David’ s distress, and it lay heavy upon his spirit; so it did upon Job’ s, and Jeremiah’ s, Jeremiah 20:10; the scourge of tongues he felt as sharp as scorpions. Of the mischief of an evil tongue see James 3:1-9 Psalms 52:2-4 Psalms 12:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
(2) Deliver . . .—This is the cry for help of which mention has just been made. The thought is one we have met frequently. Of all the elements of bitterness which made up the lot of Israel under foreign dominion, taunts and calumnies seem to have made the deepest wound, and left the most lasting scar. This was “the torture prolonged from age to age,” under which we hear psalmist after psalmist raising his cry for deliverance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
Verse 2. Lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.] From a people without faith, without truth, without religion; who sought by lies and calumnies to destroy them.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 120:2
2–4. The earnestness of the prayer and the severity of the condemnation point to a person or a party, fomenting feud and strife in the community by calumny and false accusations, and resolutely refusing all attempts to promote harmony.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 120:2
Deliver my soul, O Lord - My soul is harassed and distressed. Perhaps the meaning also may be, My life is in danger.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 120:2
2. Lying lips… deceitful tongue—The source of his present trouble, and more terrible than weapons of war.
Sermons on Psalms 120:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Heart Wounded by John MacDuff | John MacDuff preaches on the deep longing of the soul for God, drawing parallels to a wounded deer seeking water in its distress. He discusses the various arrows that wound our spi |
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(2006 Conference) 3.controlling Our Tongue by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the balance needed in various areas of our lives. It highlights the dangers of being imbalanced, focusing on sma |
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - 1 by Zacharias Tanee Fomum | In this sermon, the speaker asks the audience to reflect on what has changed in their hearts in the last five years. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing negati |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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Few Find the Way to Life - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of purity and truth, following Jesus wholeheartedly, and desiring to be in His presence at all times. It challenges believers |
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Lying Lips by Erlo Stegen | This sermon focuses on the seriousness of lying according to Proverbs 12:22, highlighting how lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sp |
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Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of honesty and repentance, highlighting the consequences of habitual lying and the need for genuine confession and transformation. It addresse |