Psalms 36:3
Psalms 36:3 in Multiple Translations
The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: He hath ceased to be wise and to do good.
In the words of his mouth are evil and deceit; he has given up being wise and doing good.
Whatever they say is deceptive and deceitful. They no longer do anything wisely or for good.
The wordes of his mouth are iniquitie and deceit: hee hath left off to vnderstand and to doe good.
The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit, He ceased to act prudently — to do good.
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit. He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath ceased to be wise, and to do good.
Trust in the Lord, and do good, and dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed with its riches.
Everything that they say is deceitful and full of lies; they no longer do what is good and are no longer wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 36:3
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 36:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
הֶחֱלִ֣יק
אֵלָ֣י/ו
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
לִ/מְצֹ֖א
עֲוֺנ֣/וֹ
לִ/שְׂנֹֽא
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הֶחֱלִ֣יק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֵלָ֣י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
לִ/מְצֹ֖א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֲוֺנ֣/וֹ
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs | Suff
לִ/שְׂנֹֽא
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 36:3
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הֶחֱלִ֣יק
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
אֵלָ֣י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לִ/מְצֹ֖א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
עֲוֺנ֣/וֹ
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
לִ/שְׂנֹֽא
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 36:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 36:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 36:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 36:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 36:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 36:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
- Sermons on Psalms 36:3
Context — The Transgression of the Wicked
1An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked man: There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin.
3The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
4Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil. 5Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 2 | Psalms 10:7 | His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 4 | Matthew 22:35 | One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question: |
| 5 | Zephaniah 1:6 | and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.” |
| 6 | Psalms 94:8 | Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? |
| 7 | 1 John 2:19 | They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. |
| 8 | Psalms 140:3 | They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 58:3 | The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. |
| 10 | Psalms 5:9 | For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. |
Psalms 36:3 Summary
This verse is talking about someone who says bad things and lies, and has stopped doing good things. This person's words are hurtful and mean, and they don't care about doing what is right, as seen in Psalms 36:3. We can learn from this by being mindful of the words we say and making sure they are kind and truthful, as seen in Ephesians 4:29. We can also ask God to help us be wise and do good things, and to guide us in our words and actions, as seen in James 1:5-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful?
This means that the wicked person speaks lies and half-truths, with the intention of deceiving others, as seen in Psalms 36:3, and also warned against in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:9-10.
How does a person cease to be wise and well-doing?
A person can cease to be wise and well-doing when they reject God's wisdom and guidance, as seen in Psalms 36:3, and instead follow their own selfish desires, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5-7 and Jeremiah 17:9.
Is it possible for a believer to exhibit these characteristics?
Yes, it is possible for a believer to exhibit these characteristics if they are not walking in the Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5:16-26, and are instead giving in to the flesh, but God's Word calls us to examine ourselves and repent, as seen in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and 1 John 1:9.
How can we recognize if someone is speaking wicked and deceitful words?
We can recognize if someone is speaking wicked and deceitful words by paying attention to the fruit of their lips, as seen in Matthew 12:33-37, and by comparing their words to the truth of God's Word, as seen in Acts 17:11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be speaking wicked or deceitful words, even unintentionally, and how can I repent and seek forgiveness?
- How can I cultivate wisdom and well-doing in my own life, and what role does God's Word play in this process?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the words that come out of my mouth, and how can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down?
- What are some common lies or half-truths that I may be telling myself, and how can I replace these with the truth of God's Word?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 36:3
The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit,.... Not only sinful, but sin itself; his mouth is full of cursing and bitterness, of filthy and unchaste words, of corrupt communication, lying,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 36:3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He hath left off - instead of leaving off the self-destroying folly of sin (Isaiah 1:16; Jeremiah 4:22; Psalms 14:1-2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
Are iniquity and deceit, i.e. are wicked and deceitful. Once he had some shadows or degrees of wisdom, and sometimes did some things that were good in their kind; but new he hath not so much as the appearance of it, and is become an open apostate from that which once he professed.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
Psalms 36:3 The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good.Ver. 3. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit] That is, saith Calvin, he hath something to say to excuse and justify himself, to the hardening of his heart and hastening of his destruction; and there is no wool so coarse but will take some colour. But God will one day wash off his varnish with rivers of brimstone; he can skill of no other language but that of hell; the words of his mouth are, desiderium et dolus; there is no truth, and as little trust to be put in anything that he speaketh. And why? there is no fear of God before his eyes. See a like text, Romans 3:13-15. He hath left off to be wise, and to do good] That little light he once had he hath lost, and cast off such good practices as once in hypocrisy he performed; neither will he learn to do better. Dicit reprobos fugitare rationem bene agendi, ne vitam suam in melius corrigere cogantur, saith Vatablus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
(3, 4) From the secret promptings of sin, the description of the ungodly passes on to its issues in words and deeds. It is an awful picture of wickedness of a man abandoning himself without check or remorse to the inspiration of his own evil heart. He goes from bad to worse. In a great English tragedy, the murderer, though he has determined to wade farther in blood, yet prays against the horror of nightly temptations: “Merciful powers, Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose. But this man “deviseth mischief upon his bed.” When even the worst criminals shudder at their own deeds, whispering to their “deaf pillows” the agonies that creep over them with darkness and silence, this ungodly man of the Hebrew poet’s picture is occupied rather in scheming fresh villainies; even then he abhorreth not evil, or better, rejecteth not, catches rather at every fresh suggestion, and shapes it to his end.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
Verse 3. The words of his mouth are iniquity] In the principle; and deceit calculated to pervert others, and lead them astray. He hath left off to be wise, and to do good.] His heart is become foolish, and his actions wicked. He has cut off the connection between himself and all righteousness.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 36:3
3, 4. The fruits of this reckless atheism described.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 36:3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit - Are false and wicked. See the notes at Psalms 12:2. It is words do not fairly represent or express what is in his heart. He hath left off to be wise - To act wisely; to do right.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 36:3
3, 4. The words of his mouth—From the silent oracle of sin in the midst of his heart, (Psalms 36:1,) and the self-flattery of Psa 36:2, the growth of sin has now put on the form of words, which, like
Sermons on Psalms 36:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire |
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Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys |
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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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Bearing the Rod by A.W. Pink | The preacher delves into the concept of cursing, originally meaning a wish or prayer for harm, but evolving into an invocation of evil upon another. Cursing involves expressing a d |
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What Think Ye of Christ? by John McClay | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of redemption, which runs throughout the Bible. He highlights the wonderful message of redemption, explaining how sinners can be r |
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My Hope When Love Has Gone Dry by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the church community. He quotes Ecclesiastes 4:12, which states that two people standing together ar |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 3 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding properly to God's call, highlighting the consequences of improper responses seen in various biblical examples. It discusses the |