Psalms 140:3
Psalms 140:3 in Multiple Translations
They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.
They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent; Adders’ poison is under their lips. [Selah
Their tongues are sharp like the tongue of a snake; the poison of snakes is under their lips. (Selah.)
Their tongues are as sharp as those of snakes; viper's venom is on their lips. Selah.
They haue sharpened their tongues like a serpent: adders poyson is vnder their lips. Selah.
They sharpened their tongue as a serpent, Poison of an adder [is] under their lips. Selah.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adder's poison is under their lips. Selah.
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and a door round about my lips.
By what they say [MTY] they injure people like poisonous snakes do; the words that they speak [MTY] can kill people as easily as cobras/vipers do. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 140:3
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 140:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
חָשְׁב֣וּ
רָע֣וֹת
בְּ/לֵ֑ב
כָּל
י֝֗וֹם
יָג֥וּרוּ
מִלְחָמֽוֹת
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
חָשְׁב֣וּ
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רָע֣וֹת
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fp
בְּ/לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
י֝֗וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
יָג֥וּרוּ
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִלְחָמֽוֹת
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fp
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 140:3
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
חָשְׁב֣וּ
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
רָע֣וֹת
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fp
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
בְּ/לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
י֝֗וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
יָג֥וּרוּ
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
מִלְחָמֽוֹת
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fp
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Psalms 140:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 140:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
- Sermons on Psalms 140:3
Context — Rescue Me from Evil Men
1Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,
2who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
3They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah
4Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble. 5The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 58:4 | Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 11:3 | I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. |
| 3 | Romans 3:13–14 | “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 23:32 | In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. |
| 5 | Psalms 57:4 | My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. |
| 6 | James 3:6–8 | 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 | Isaiah 59:3–5 | For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 9:5 | Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. |
| 9 | Matthew 12:34 | You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 9:3 | “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. |
Psalms 140:3 Summary
This verse, Psalms 140:3, talks about people who use their words to hurt and harm others, just like a snake uses its venom to destroy. It's a warning to be careful around people who speak with malice and to trust in God's protection, as seen in Psalms 140:4 and Ephesians 6:10-18. We can all learn to speak kindly and gently, using our words to build each other up instead of tearing each other down (Ephesians 4:29). By trusting in God and following His example, we can create a safe and loving environment for those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to sharpen tongues like snakes?
This phrase, found in Psalms 140:3, means to speak with cunning and hurtful words, much like the venom of a snake can harm and destroy (Proverbs 12:18, James 3:8).
Who are the people described in this verse?
The people described in Psalms 140:3 are those who plot evil and stir up violence, as mentioned in the preceding verse, Psalms 140:2, and are characterized by their malicious speech.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' in this verse?
The word 'Selah', found at the end of Psalms 140:3, is a Hebrew term that signals a pause or a moment of reflection, inviting the reader to ponder the gravity of the situation described (Psalms 3:2, Habakkuk 3:3).
How can we protect ourselves from people with venomous words?
According to the Bible, we can protect ourselves by trusting in God's protection and provision, as seen in Psalms 140:4, and by putting on the armor of God, including the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced the hurt of venomous words, and how can I find healing in God's presence?
- How can I ensure that my own words are not sharp and hurtful, but rather a blessing to those around me?
- In what ways can I trust God to protect me from the schemes of wicked people, as described in this verse and in Psalms 140:4?
- What are some practical ways I can 'put on the armor of God' to defend against the attacks of the enemy, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent,.... Which Kimchi says it does before it bites.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
They have sharpened their tongues; their malicious hearts stirred up their tongues to utter vile slanders against me. Like a serpent; either whetting their tongues, as serpents are said to whet theirs when they are about to bite; or rather, using words as sharp and piercing as the sting of a serpent.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
Psalms 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison [is] under their lips. Selah.Ver. 3. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent] Which, by reason of his sharp tongue, striketh more deeply. Adders’ poison] Venenum Ptyados. R. Solomen readeth spiders’ poison; others, asps!, vipers’ ; malice turneth men into serpents, saith Chrysostom.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
(3) Comp. Psalms 64:3; Psalms 58:4; Psalms 52:2; Psalms 10:7. Adders.—The Hebrew word is peculiar to this place, and is explained by Gesenius to be a compound of two words, to represent “that which rolls itself up and lies in ambush.” “Besides the cobra and the cerastes, several other species of venomous snakes are common in Syria, and we may apply the name, either generically or specifically, to the vipers. Two species, Vipera ammodytes and Vipera euphratica, we found to be very common. The former of these was known to Linnæus as inhabiting Palestine. They are plainlycoloured serpents, with broad flat heads and suddenly-contracting tails” (Tristram, Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 275). The LXX. and Vulg. read “asp.” (Comp. Romans 3:13.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
Verse 3. They have sharpened their tongues] They employ their time in forging lies and calumnies against me; and those of the most virulent nature.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:3
3. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent] The lying tongue is elsewhere compared to the sword or arrow which wounds (Psalms 52:2; Psalms 55:21; Psalms 57:4; Psalms 59:7; Psalms 64:3), or the serpent which inflicts a poisonous bite (Psalms 58:3-4); and here the Psalmist combines the metaphors. They deliberately prepare to inflict a deadly wound by slander. adder’s poison is under their lips] Hidden like the poison gland of the asp. The words are quoted in Romans 3:13, from the LXX.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent - Compare the notes at Psalms 64:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:3
3. Sharpened their tongues like a serpent—The description is that of a serpent darting out his tongue before inflicting the wound.
Sermons on Psalms 140:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Under Sin by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals |
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John 1:1 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the divine inspiration behind the words spoken by the Apostle John, highlighting the heavenly wisdom and power that transcends human understanding. Despi |
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Why People Oppose the Doctrine by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon A. Baldwin addresses the various reasons for opposition to the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification. Some oppose due to false ideas of holiness standards, while |
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Christian Life - a Battleground, the (Satan's Tactics) by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the strategy of Satan and how to defeat him. He outlines four basic tactics that Satan uses and emphasizes the importance of understanding the |
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Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the company we keep and the conversations we engage in. He warns against deceiving ourselves by thinking we can overcome ne |
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8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humilit |
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Eternal Values - Demonstrating Heaven's Values by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning our values with those of heaven, particularly in relation to money. He highlights the need to fight the good fight |