Psalms 5:9
Psalms 5:9 in Multiple Translations
For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is very wickedness; Their throat is an open sepulchre; They flatter with their tongue.
For no faith may be put in their words; their inner part is nothing but evil; their throat is like an open place for the dead; smooth are the words of their tongues.
Nothing they say can be trusted; their main desire is to destroy. Their throat is like an open grave; their tongues are full of flattery.
For no constancie is in their mouth: within, they are very corruption: their throte is an open sepulchre, and they flatter with their tongue.
For there is no stability in their mouth. Their heart [is] mischiefs, An open grave [is] their throat, Their tongue they make smooth.
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue.
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue.
Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight.
My enemies never say what is true; they just want to destroy others. The things that they say [MTY] are as foul as an open grave where a corpse is decaying. They use their tongues to tell lies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 5:9
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 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְהוָ֤ה
נְחֵ֬/נִי
בְ/צִדְקָתֶ֗/ךָ
לְמַ֥עַן
שׁוֹרְרָ֑/י
הושר
הַיְשַׁ֖ר
לְ/פָנַ֣/י
דַּרְכֶּֽ/ךָ
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
נְחֵ֬/נִי
nâchâh
H5148
to lead
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
בְ/צִדְקָתֶ֗/ךָ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Prep | N-fs | Suff
לְמַ֥עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
שׁוֹרְרָ֑/י
shârar
H8324
enemy
N-mp | Suff
הושר
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
הַיְשַׁ֖ר
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לְ/פָנַ֣/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
דַּרְכֶּֽ/ךָ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
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 5:9
יְהוָ֤ה
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.
נְחֵ֬/נִי
nâchâh
H5148
"to lead"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Definition: 1) to lead, guide 1a) (Qal) to lead, bring 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 5:9.
בְ/צִדְקָתֶ֗/ךָ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
לְמַ֥עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
שׁוֹרְרָ֑/י
shârar
H8324
"enemy"
N-mp | Suff
This word describes an enemy or opponent, someone who is hostile towards others, like the enemies of Israel in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Qal) to be an enemy
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: enemy. See also: Psalms 5:9; Psalms 54:7; Psalms 27:11.
הושר
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
הַיְשַׁ֖ר
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
לְ/פָנַ֣/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
דַּרְכֶּֽ/ךָ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Psalms 5:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 5:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 5:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 5:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 5:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 5:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
- Sermons on Psalms 5:9
Context — Give Ear to My Words
7But I will enter Your house by the abundance of Your loving devotion; in reverence I will bow down toward Your holy temple.
8Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.
9For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.
10Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own devices. Drive them out for their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against You. 11But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy. May You shelter them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:13 | “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 9:3–6 | “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. “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 62:4 | They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah |
| 4 | Micah 6:12 | For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. |
| 5 | Proverbs 29:5 | A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. |
| 6 | Psalms 51:6 | Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. |
| 7 | Psalms 52:2 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. |
| 8 | Luke 11:44 | Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without even noticing.” |
| 9 | Psalms 62:9 | Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor. |
| 10 | Psalms 12:2–3 | They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. |
Psalms 5:9 Summary
This verse, Psalms 5:9, warns us that our enemies, those who oppose God, cannot be trusted because their words are full of deceit and can lead to destruction. It's like their words are poisonous, and we need to be careful not to believe them. As it says in Ephesians 4:25, we should speak truthfully and put away falsehood. We can trust God to guide us and protect us from harm, as requested in Psalms 5:8, and we should seek wisdom from Him, as stated in James 1:5, to discern what is true and what is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'not a word they speak can be trusted' in Psalms 5:9?
This phrase indicates that the enemies of God are deceitful and their words are unreliable, as also seen in Proverbs 12:22 where it says 'the LORD detests lying lips' and in Ephesians 4:25 where it instructs us to 'put away falsehood' and speak truthfully.
How can we protect ourselves from the deceitful words of others?
We can protect ourselves by seeking wisdom from God, as stated in James 1:5, and by being mindful of the company we keep, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33, and by trusting in God's guidance as requested in Psalms 5:8.
What does the phrase 'their throats are open graves' signify?
This phrase is a metaphor that signifies the destructive nature of the words spoken by God's enemies, as also seen in Romans 3:13 where it says 'their throats are open graves' and in Psalms 52:2 where it talks about the tongue being 'deceitful'
How can we recognize when someone's words are deceitful?
We can recognize deceitful words by comparing them to the truth of God's Word, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and by being aware of the fruits of their actions, as taught in Matthew 7:16-20.
Reflection Questions
- How do I discern when someone is speaking deceitfully to me, and what should I do in that situation?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of Psalms 5:9 to my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some common phrases or behaviors that can indicate someone is being deceitful, and how can I respond in a godly manner?
- How can I balance being cautious of deceit with being loving and open to others, as commanded in Matthew 22:37-40?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 5:9
For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth,.... In the mouth of the ungodly, as the Chaldee paraphrase; in the mouth of every one of them, as Aben Ezra interprets it: that is, in the mouth of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 5:9
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. Parallel to Psalms 5:4-5; as Psalms 5:10 is to Psalms 5:6.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
They speak one thing, and mean another, and under a pretence of kindness they seek my destruction; which makes it difficult for me to know how I should carry myself to them; wherein therefore I have begged thy direction. Their throat; either, 1. Metonymically; their speech coming out of their throat, though smooth and subtle, yet is most pernicious. Or, 2. Properly; their throat and mouth are wide opened, ready to devour all that come within their reach. A metaphor from wild beasts gaping for the prey. They flatter with their tongue; they make show of piety and friendship, that they may more easily deceive and destroy me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
Psalms 5:9 For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.Ver. 9. Nor there is no faithfulness in their mouth] Or, stedfastness; nothing that a man may bind or build upon, so slippery they are and untrustworthy. Their inward part is very wickedness] Heb. woeful evils, heavy annoyances; their hearts are the devil’ s storehouses. Their throat is an open sepulchre] And so more dangerous than if it were shut, saith Aben Ezra here. In these open sepulchres, sending out much foul stench, they frequently bury the good names of their betters. But the comfort is, that there shall one day be a resurrection as well of names as of bodies. This the apostle accommodateth, Romans 3:13, to the universal corruption of mankind; and well he might, forasmuch as by nature there is never a better of us, but as there were many Marii in one Caesar, so are there many Doegs and Absaloms in the best of us all. As in water face answereth to face, so doth the heart of a man to a man. They flatter with their tongue] The apostle, Romans 3:13, rendereth it, "With their tongues they have used deceit." And it is remarkable, that in the anatomy of a natural man there he stands more on the organs of speech, tongue, lips, mouth, throat, than on all the rest of the members.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
(9) In their mouth.—See margin. Wickedness.—Properly, an abyss, from root “to fall,” hence in parallelism with “open sepulcher” in next clause. This is an instance of introverted parallelism, “mouth” answering to “tongue.” (See Bible Educator, iii. 50.) An open sepulchre.—At once dangerous and noisome.Flatter.—Literally, make smooth the tongue. (Comp. Psalms 12:2.) Shakespeare uses “smooth tongue.” Comp. also— “The subtle flend, Though only strong with anger and disdain, Dissembled, and this answer smooth returned.” MILTON, Par. Lost.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
Verse 9. No faithfulness in their mouth] They make professions of friendship; but all is hollow and deceitful: "They flatter with their tongue." Very wickedness] Their heart is full of all kinds of depravity. Their throat is an open sepulchre] It is continually gaping for the dead; and sends forth effluvia destructive to the living. I fear that this is too true a picture of the whole human race, totally corrupt within, and abominable without. The heart is the centre and spring of this corruption; and the words and actions of men, which proceed from this source, will send out incessant streams of various impurity; and thus they continue till the grace of God changes and purifies the heart.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 5:9
9. The reason for the Psalmist’s special need of guidance is the treacherous character of his enemies. There is no stedfastness, nothing upon which he can depend, in their talk: their inmost heart is bent on destruction (lit. is destructions, or perhaps, as R.V. marg., a yawning gulf): their throat, the instrument of speech (Psalms 115:7, Psalms 149:6), threatens death like an open grave, though their words are so smooth and specious.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 5:9
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth - There is nothing in them which can be confided in; nothing in their promises and declarations. They are false and treacherous, and I can, therefore, only appeal to thee.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 5:9
9. For there is no faithfulness—The particle “for” gives the reason for the prayer in Psalms 5:8, namely, the character of his enemies. They have, first, no faithfulness, no fixedness or stability, in their mouth.
Sermons on Psalms 5:9
| 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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In My Flesh Shall I See God by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'taphos,' often used in the New Testament to refer to literal burial places but also figuratively by Paul to describe de |
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Our Adversary the Devil and His Angels by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the second coming of the Lord Jesus and the ultimate defeat of Satan. He quotes over 400 verses, discussing topics such as the revelation of |
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God's Special Treasure by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the concept of believers being treasured by God, likened to jewels in His sight. It explores the idea of God valuing His children so much that He considers t |
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The Biblical Theology of the Tongue by Mack Tomlinson | This sermon delves into the biblical theology of the tongue, emphasizing the power of words to either speak truth or error, highlighting the struggle with words that we all face. I |
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The Third Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the gravity of the Third Commandment, which instructs believers not to take the name of the Lord in vain. He explains that this commandment calls for sincere, |
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(The Full Gospel) 5. That Which Was From the Beginning by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of life and fellowship as the core essence of Christianity, emphasizing that these were the foundational aspects from the beginning of time an |