Psalms 39:9
Psalms 39:9 in Multiple Translations
I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; Because thou didst it.
I was quiet, and kept my mouth shut; because you had done it.
I will stay quiet, I won't say a word, for it's you who has done this to me.
I should haue bene dumme, and not haue opened my mouth, because thou didest it.
I have been dumb, I open not my mouth, Because Thou — Thou hast done [it].
I was mute. I didn’t open my mouth, because you did it.
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it .
That I should do thy will: O my God, I have desired it, and thy law in the midst of my heart.
I did not say anything when you punished me, because I knew that you were the one who caused me to suffer.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 39:9
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 39:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/כָּל
פְּשָׁעַ֥/י
הַצִּילֵ֑/נִי
חֶרְפַּ֥ת
נָ֝בָ֗ל
אַל
תְּשִׂימֵֽ/נִי
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
פְּשָׁעַ֥/י
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-mp | Suff
הַצִּילֵ֑/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
חֶרְפַּ֥ת
cherpâh
H2781
reproach
N-fs
נָ֝בָ֗ל
nâbâl
H5036
foolish
Adj
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּשִׂימֵֽ/נִי
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 39:9
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
פְּשָׁעַ֥/י
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-mp | Suff
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
הַצִּילֵ֑/נִי
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.
חֶרְפַּ֥ת
cherpâh
H2781
"reproach"
N-fs
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.
נָ֝בָ֗ל
nâbâl
H5036
"foolish"
Adj
A foolish person is someone who acts stupidly or wickedly, often in a way that is impious or against God. This word is used to describe someone who lacks sense or wisdom.
Definition: foolish, senseless, fool
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person. See also: Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalms 74:18; Psalms 14:1.
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.
תְּשִׂימֵֽ/נִי
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 39:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 39:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 39:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 39:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 39:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 39:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 39:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 39:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 39:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 39:9
- Sermons on Psalms 39:9
Context — I Will Watch My Ways
7And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the reproach of fools.
9I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.
10Remove Your scourge from me; I am perishing by the force of Your hand. 11You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor. SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 2:10 | “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 16:10 | But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” |
| 3 | Leviticus 10:3 | Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent. |
| 4 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 5 | Job 40:4–5 | “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.” |
| 6 | Job 1:21 | saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 3:18 | So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.” |
| 8 | Psalms 38:13 | But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. |
Psalms 39:9 Summary
In Psalms 39:9, the psalmist says they have become mute because of what God has done, which means they are in awe of God's power and wisdom and do not know how to respond. This is a sign of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, as seen in Job 40:4-5. The psalmist's silence is not a sign of rebellion, but rather a sign of trust in God's goodness and wisdom, similar to the trust expressed in Jeremiah 29:11. We can learn from the psalmist's example by being still and knowing that God is God, as stated in Psalms 46:10, and by trusting in His wisdom and power, even when we do not understand what is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist say they have become mute in Psalms 39:9?
The psalmist has become mute because they are in awe of what God has done, and they do not know how to respond, as seen in their recognition of God's power and wisdom in Psalms 39:7-11, which is similar to the awe expressed in Job 40:4-5 when Job is humbled by God's greatness.
Is the psalmist's silence a sign of rebellion or disobedience?
No, the psalmist's silence is not a sign of rebellion, but rather a sign of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, as they acknowledge their own limitations and God's power, similar to the humility expressed in Proverbs 9:10, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
What can we learn from the psalmist's decision to remain silent?
We can learn the value of humility and the importance of recognizing our own limitations and God's sovereignty, as expressed in Romans 11:33-36, which encourages us to trust in God's wisdom and power.
How can we apply the psalmist's example to our own lives?
We can apply the psalmist's example by being still and knowing that God is God, as stated in Psalms 46:10, and by trusting in His goodness and wisdom, even when we do not understand what is happening, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have felt mute or unable to speak, and how did you respond to those situations?
- How can you cultivate a sense of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty in your own life, as expressed in Psalms 39:9?
- What are some things that God has done in your life that have left you speechless or in awe, and how can you respond to those experiences?
- How can you balance the need to speak and express yourself with the need to be still and listen to God, as seen in Psalms 46:10?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 39:9
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth,.... This refers either to his former silence, before he broke it, Psalms 39:1, or to what he after that came into again, when he had seen the folly of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 39:9
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 39:9
I opened not my mouth, to wit, in way of murmuring or repining against thee, or thy providence, as I promised I would be, . For though when I looked only to instruments, I was discomposed, and did at last speak a foolish word; yet when I did recollect myself, and looked up to thee, the First Cause and Sovereign Disposer of this and all other things, I returned to my former silence. Thou didst it. What? Either, 1. and particularly, Absalom’ s rebellion; wherein I acknowledge thy just hand in punishing my sins. Or, 2. and more generally, Whatsoever is done in these matters; all the events which befall all men, whether good or bad; the afflictions of the one, and the prosperity of the other; all which are the effects of thy counsel and providence, in which all men ought to acquiesce.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 39:9
Psalms 39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst [it].Ver. 9. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth] Or better thus, I should have been dumb, and not have opened my mouth, according to my first resolution. I should not have reasoned, or rather wrangled, with thee, as Psalms 39:4, but have kissed thy rod in a humble submission, and have known that the rod of Aaron and pot of manna must go together. Macrobius writeth that the image of Angeronia among the old Romans was placed on the altar of Volupia with the mouth closed and sealed up; to signify, that such as patiently and silently bear their griefs do thereby attain to greatest pleasures. Because thou didst it] This is indeed a quieting consideration, and will notably quell and kill unruly passions. Set but God before them when they are tumultuating, and all will be soon hushed. This made Jacob so patient in the rape of his daughter Dinah; Job, in the loss of his goods by the Sabaean spoilers; David, in the barkings of that dead dog Shimei; that noble lord of Plessis, in the loss of his only son, a gentleman of marvellous great hopes, slain in the wars of the Low Countries. His mother, more impatient, died of the grief of it; but his father laid his hand on his mouth when God’ s hand was on his back; and used these very words, "I was dumb, and opened not my mouth, because thou didst it."
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 39:9
(9) Thou is emphatic. Kimchi well explains: “I could not complain of man, for it was God’s doing; I could not complain of God, for I was conscious of my own sin.”
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 39:9
9. This verse may refer to the silence with which he bore the taunts of his enemies (Psalms 39:2; Psalms 38:13-14); or it may be the expression of perfect resignation to the will of God: I am dumb, I will not open my mouth, for Thou hast done it. Cp. Lamentations 1:21. “He has risen out of the moody silence of impatience to the contrite silence of evangelical faith, recognising at once his sin and God’s holy love.” Kay.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 39:9
I was dumb - See the notes at Psalms 39:2. Compare Isaiah 53:7. The meaning here is, that he did not open his mouth to complain; he did not speak of God as if he had dealt unkindly or unjustly with him.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 39:9
9. Compare on Psalms 39:1-2, and Psalms 38:13-14. Because thou didst it—Much as he had suffered from man, the point of his anguish lay inthe thought that it was a judgment from God for his own conscious ill-desert.
Sermons on Psalms 39:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod - Part 1 by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of maintaining a silent and humble spirit during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9, where David acknowledges God's sovereignty in his suf |
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Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod -Part 2 by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity for Christians to remain mute and silent during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9 to illustrate that silence allows believers to hear the |
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The Mischief of Sin by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the mischief of sin, highlighting God's mercy in saving Christians from persisting in sin and the consequences of unrepentant sinners storing up wrath |
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Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod -Part 4 by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of remaining silent and trusting in God during times of affliction and perceived abandonment. He reassures believers that even in their dark |
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You Are the One Who Has Done This! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of silence and humility in the face of affliction, as exemplified by David in Psalm 39:9. He highlights that true believers recognize God's |
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Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod -Part 3 by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of remaining silent and trusting in God's love during afflictions, arguing that true understanding of God's love in suffering can transform o |
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Subjection Under God's Chastisement by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of being in subjection to God's chastisement, acknowledging our inherent rebellious nature inherited from our first parents. He explains that tru |