Psalms 140:9
Psalms 140:9 in Multiple Translations
May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.
As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
As for the head of those that compass me about, Let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
As for those who come round me, let their heads be covered by the evil of their lips.
May the harm spoken against me by those who surround me fall back on them,
As for the chiefe of them, that compasse me about, let the mischiefe of their owne lippes come vpon them.
The chief of my surrounders, The perverseness of their lips covereth them.
As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
As for the head of those that encompass me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Keep me from the snare, which they have laid for me, and from the stumblingblocks of them that work iniquity.
Do not allow my enemies to ◄become proud/defeat me►; cause the evil things that they say [MTY] they will do to me to happen to them, instead.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 140:9
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 140:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּתֵּ֣ן
יְ֭הוָה
מַאֲוַיֵּ֣י
רָשָׁ֑ע
זְמָמ֥/וֹ
אַל
תָּ֝פֵ֗ק
יָר֥וּמוּ
סֶֽלָה
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מַאֲוַיֵּ֣י
maʼăvay
H3970
desire
N-mp
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
זְמָמ֥/וֹ
zâmâm
H2162
plan
N-ms | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תָּ֝פֵ֗ק
pûwq
H6329
to promote
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
יָר֥וּמוּ
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 140:9
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
יְ֭הוָה
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.
מַאֲוַיֵּ֣י
maʼăvay
H3970
"desire"
N-mp
Means a desire or longing, used in various biblical contexts to express strong feelings or wishes. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: desire
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: desire. See also: Psalms 140:9.
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
זְמָמ֥/וֹ
zâmâm
H2162
"plan"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a wicked plan or evil device. It describes a scheme to harm someone, like a plot to do wrong. The KJV translates it as 'wicked device'.
Definition: wicked device, evil plan
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: wicked device. See also: Psalms 140:9.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תָּ֝פֵ֗ק
pûwq
H6329
"to promote"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to promote or bring out something, like furnishing or securing it. In the Bible, it can also mean to succeed or obtain something. It appears in various forms, such as afford or draw out.
Definition: 1) to bring out, furnish, promote, go out, issue 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to produce, furnish 1a2) to bring out, elicit, obtain, cause to come out from 1a3) to promote 1a4) to cause to go out to
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: afford, draw out, further, get, obtain. See also: Psalms 140:9; Proverbs 8:35; Psalms 144:13.
יָר֥וּמוּ
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 140:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 140:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:9
- Sermons on Psalms 140:9
Context — Rescue Me from Evil Men
7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.
8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah
9May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.
10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again. 11May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 7:16 | His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:7 | A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
| 4 | Psalms 94:23 | He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them. |
| 5 | Proverbs 10:6 | Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:11 | The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 7 | Esther 7:10 | So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. |
| 8 | Psalms 64:8 | They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads. |
| 9 | Esther 5:14 | His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed. |
| 10 | Matthew 27:25 | All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” |
Psalms 140:9 Summary
In Psalms 140:9, the Psalmist is asking God to bring trouble back on those who are causing harm with their words. This verse reminds us that our words have power and can cause real harm to others, just like it says in James 3:9-10. The Psalmist is seeking justice and protection from God, and trusting that He will shield him from harm, as seen in Psalms 140:7. We can learn from this verse to be mindful of our speech and to trust God to protect us from those who seek to harm us with their words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of trouble is the Psalmist asking for in Psalms 140:9?
The Psalmist is asking for the trouble that the wicked have caused with their lips to fall back on their own heads, as a form of divine justice, similar to what is described in Proverbs 26:27 and Psalms 7:16.
Is the Psalmist seeking revenge in Psalms 140:9?
While it may seem that way, the Psalmist is actually seeking justice and protection from God, as seen in Psalms 140:7, where he asks God to shield his head in the day of battle, and in Psalms 140:8, where he asks God not to grant the desires of the wicked.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that our words have power and consequences, as seen in James 3:9-10, and that we should be mindful of the impact our speech has on others, lest we suffer the same kind of trouble we cause for others.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the trouble their lips have caused'?
This phrase highlights the idea that the wicked are causing harm and trouble for the Psalmist and others through their deceitful and malicious speech, and that God will ultimately hold them accountable for their actions, as seen in Matthew 12:36-37.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have caused trouble for others with my words, and how can I make amends?
- How can I seek protection and justice from God when I am surrounded by people who seek to harm me with their words?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of being mindful of my speech and its impact on others?
- How can I trust God to shield me from the harm caused by the wicked, as the Psalmist does in Psalms 140:7?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:9
[As for] the head of those that compass me about, let the, mischief of their own lips cover them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:9
As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. As for the head of those that compass me about (namely, to destroy me), let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:9
The head; or, heads; the singular number put for the plural, as is frequent. By which he understands either, 1. Their politic heads, their chiefs or ringleaders, who were most malicious, and by whom all the rest were supported and stirred up: or, 2. Their proper and natural heads, as this word is used ; and this covering of their heads here is opposed to the covering of David’ s head there. Let the mischief of their own lips cover them; let the mischief which by their calumnies they design against me fall upon themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:9
Psalms 140:9 [As for] the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.Ver. 9. As for the head] The chieftain, the ringleader, Doeg, or Saul himself. Or thus, let mischief cover the heads of my besiegers, let it fall upon their pates, as Psalms 7:16 Similitudo est a sacrificiis, quorum capita execrabantur.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:9
(9) Head.—Ewald, who keeps to the text, takes rôsh in the sense of poison (see Psalms 69:22, Note):— “The poison of those encircling me, Let them be covered with the perdition of their lips. This brings Psalms 140:8-9 into harmony with Psalms 140:4. But the emendation given above is better.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:9
9–11. May retribution overtake my enemies!
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:9
As for the head of those that compass me about - Luther renders this, “The calamity which my enemies design against me must fall upon their own heads.” The passage stands in contrast with Psalms
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:9
9. As for the head—Not figuratively the chiefs or leaders, but literally, as Psalms 7:16.
Sermons on Psalms 140:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu |
|
Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 5 by Will Graham | This sermon emphasizes the distinction between those who are truly born again, walking in the ways of the Lord and hating sin, and those who are not regenerated, delighting in sinf |
|
Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th |
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His Dreadful Threatenings! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the inseparable connection between sin and its consequences, asserting that the wages of sin is death as stated in Romans 6:23. He argues that a just and r |
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Proverbs 10- Words & Actions Reveal the Heart by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of turning away from wickedness and embracing righteousness, highlighting the power of words to build up or destroy, the need to avoid fear an |
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The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |