Psalms 120:4
Psalms 120:4 in Multiple Translations
Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Sharp arrows of the mighty, With coals of juniper.
Sharp arrows of the strong, and burning fire.
With the sharp arrows of a warrior and burning coals made from a broom tree.
It is as the sharpe arrowes of a mightie man, and as the coales of iuniper.
Sharp arrows of a mighty one, with broom-coals.
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Behold he shall neither slumber nor sleep, that keepeth Israel.
He will shoot sharp arrows at you like soldiers do, and he will burn you with red-hot coals from the wood of a broom tree.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 120:4
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 120:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חִצֵּ֣י
גִבּ֣וֹר
שְׁנוּנִ֑ים
עִ֝֗ם
גַּחֲלֵ֥י
רְתָמִֽים
חִצֵּ֣י
chêts
H2671
arrow
N-mp
גִבּ֣וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
שְׁנוּנִ֑ים
shânan
H8150
to sharpen
V-Qal-Inf-c
עִ֝֗ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
גַּחֲלֵ֥י
gechel
H1513
coal
N-cp
רְתָמִֽים
rethem
H7574
broom
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 120:4
חִצֵּ֣י
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
N-mp
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
גִבּ֣וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
שְׁנוּנִ֑ים
shânan
H8150
"to sharpen"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To sharpen means to make something pointy or to teach someone a lesson. In Psalm 52:2, the tongue is sharpened like a sword, showing its power to hurt or help.
Definition: 1) to sharpen, whet 1a) (Qal) to whet, sharpen 1b) (Piel) to sharpen, teach (incisively) 1c)(Hithpolel) to be pierced
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, whet. See also: Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 45:6.
עִ֝֗ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
גַּחֲלֵ֥י
gechel
H1513
"coal"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a burning coal or hot ember, often used to describe intense heat or purification. It appears in various contexts, including Isaiah and Ezekiel. The word symbolizes refinement and cleansing.
Definition: coal, burning coal, coals of fire, hot coals
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (burning) coal. See also: Leviticus 16:12; Psalms 140:11; Psalms 18:9.
רְתָמִֽים
rethem
H7574
"broom"
N-mp
This word refers to a type of broom plant, also known as the Spanish broom, which has pole-like stems. It is mentioned in the book of 1 Kings as a type of plant. The broom plant is native to the Middle East.
Definition: 1) broom-plant, retem 1a) a kind of broom plant
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: juniper (tree). See also: 1 Kings 19:4; Job 30:4; Psalms 120:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 120:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 120:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 120:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 120:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 120:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 120:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
- Sermons on Psalms 120:4
Context — In My Distress I Cried to the LORD
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!
5Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! 6Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:9 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:21 | Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:27 | A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. |
| 4 | Psalms 45:5 | Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:5 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. |
| 6 | James 3:5–8 | In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. |
| 7 | Psalms 59:7 | See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” |
| 8 | Proverbs 12:22 | Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. |
| 9 | Proverbs 11:12 | Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. |
| 10 | Psalms 7:13 | He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire. |
Psalms 120:4 Summary
Psalms 120:4 is a powerful warning about the consequences of speaking lies and deceit. The sharp arrows and burning coals represent God's judgment and wrath, which can be intense and painful. Just like a warrior uses arrows to defeat his enemies, God will use His power to judge those who speak deceitfully (as seen in Psalms 64:7). We can learn from this verse to be careful with our words and to trust in God's power and protection, just as the Psalmist does in Psalms 120:2-3, and to strive to be peacemakers, as implied in Psalms 120:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sharp arrows mentioned in Psalms 120:4?
The sharp arrows in Psalms 120:4 symbolize the swift and painful judgment of God, as also seen in Psalms 64:7, where it is written that God shoots His enemies with arrows.
What are the burning coals of the broom tree?
The burning coals of the broom tree represent the intense and fiery wrath of God, similar to the coals used for purification in Isaiah 6:6, emphasizing the refining and purifying power of God's judgment.
Who is the warrior mentioned in this verse?
The warrior in Psalms 120:4 is likely a reference to God Himself, who is often depicted as a warrior in the Bible, such as in Exodus 15:3, where He is called 'a warrior' who fights on behalf of His people.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?
This verse is a continuation of the prayer for deliverance from lying lips and a deceitful tongue in Psalms 120:2-3, and it serves as a warning to those who speak deceitfully, emphasizing the severe consequences of their actions, as seen in Psalms 120:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the warning of Psalms 120:4 to my own life, particularly in regards to the words I speak?
- How can I trust in God's power and protection when faced with deceitful or hostile people, as described in Psalms 120:2-3?
- What does the image of sharp arrows and burning coals evoke in my heart, and how can I use this verse to deepen my reverence for God's power and holiness?
- In what ways can I be a peacemaker, as implied in Psalms 120:6, and how can I avoid contributing to the strife and conflict that surrounds me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 120:4
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Some think these words describe lying lips, and a false tongue; which are like arrows, sharp ones, sent out from a bow drawn with a mighty hand,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 120:4
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. The "sharp arrows of the mighty" are those that are "sharp in the heart of the King's enemies" (Psalms 45:5).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
So this verse contains an answer to the question Psalms 120 3, and declares the slanderer’ s recompence; which is the wrath and vengeance of the mighty God, which in Scripture, and particularly in this book, is oft compared to at. rows, as ,14, &c, and here to arrows of the mighty, i.e. shot by the hands of a strong man; and to coals, , and here to coals of juniper, which being kindled burn very fiercely, and retain their heat for a long time. And the psalmist may possibly express it in these words, to show, the suitableness of the punishment to the sin; as thy tongue shoots arrows, (for so calumnies are called, 64:3) and kindles coals, so thou shalt bring God’ s arrows and coals kindled by the fire of his wrath upon thyself. But according to the other translation, which is in the margin, this is a further declaration of the sin of calumny. Though, all things considered, it doth thee no good, yet it doth others much hurt, to whom it is like sharp arrows, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
Psalms 120:4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.Ver. 4. Sharp arrows of the mighty] Arrows sharp, and shot with force. A false tongue is likened to a sharp razor, Psalms 52:4; to a sharp sword, Psalms 57:5; to sharp arrows, Proverbs 20:18; here it hath sharp for sharp: as God loveth to retaliate; and he is the giant, or mighty one here, that shooteth these sharpest shafts, that inflicteth most exquisite punishments on such; as once on Dives, whose tongue smoked for it, quia lingua plus peccaverat, as saith a Father, because he had so offended with the tongue. With coals of juniper] Which being a fat kind of wood, of gummy or salty matter, maketh a very scorching fire, and quick coals, such as last long, some say a month and more, and smell sweet ( Flamma redardescit quae mode nulla fuit. Theophrast., Plin.); lo, upon these coals will God broil lying lips and a deceitful tongue, pleasing himself and others in that execution.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
(4) Sharp.—Better, sharpened, whetted, as if for a purpose. Juniper.—Properly, broom. Hebrew, rothem, a plant identical with the Arabian retem and Algerian retama. (See 1 Kings 19:4-5.) Doctor Tristram mentions the employment of this bush for fuel. “It is ruthlessly uprooted by the Arabs, wherever it is tolerably abundant, for the manufacture of charcoal, which is considered of the finest quality, and fetches a higher price at Cairo than any other kind. Several travellers have mentioned their meeting with Bedouins employed in conveying retem charcoal to the Egyptian markets” (Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 360; see also Bible Educator, iv. 194). Burckhardt and Robinson also both noticed this trade. Wonderful stories are told both by Jerome and the rabbis, how travellers, having cooked their food by fires made of the juniper wood, which they suppose to be the wood here meant, and returning a year after to the same spot, still found the embers alive.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
Verse 4. Sharp arrows] The Chaldee has, "The strong, sharp arrows are like lightning from above, with coals of juniper kindled in hell beneath." On the juniper, See Clarke on Job 30:4, where this passage is explained. Fiery arrows, or arrows wrapped about with inflamed combustibles, were formerly used in sieges to set the places on fire. See Clarke on Ephesians 6:16.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 120:4
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 120:4
Sharp arrows of the mighty - This is an answer to the question in Psalms 120:3. The consequence - the effect - of such a use of the tongue must be like sharp and piercing arrows, or like intensely burning coals.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 120:4
4. Sharp arrows of the mighty—The retributions of God shall pierce the soul as the sharpened arrows of the warrior penetrate the flesh.
Sermons on Psalms 120:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal |
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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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Some of the Mis Representations by Job Scott | In this sermon, the preacher exposes the misrepresentations contained in a pamphlet titled 'A Letter from a Friend in America to Luke Howard of Tottenham, near London.' The preache |
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The Ignatian Epistles Entirely Spurious - Part 3 by William Dool Killen | William Dool Killen preaches about the controversy surrounding the date of the martyrdom of Polycarp and its implications on the Ignatian Epistles. He discusses the arguments prese |
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Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |
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Hard-Heartedness in the Body of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. He warns the congregation about the impending hard times and chaos that will come to the c |