Psalms 12:3
Psalms 12:3 in Multiple Translations
May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
Jehovah will cut off all flattering lips, The tongue that speaketh great things;
The smooth lips and the tongue of pride will be cut off by the Lord.
Stop their flattery, Lord, and silence their boasts—
The Lord cut off all flattering lippes, and the tongue that speaketh proude things:
Jehovah doth cut off all lips of flattery, A tongue speaking great things,
May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts,
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
Yahweh, we wish that you would cut off their tongues so that they cannot continue to boast.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 12:3
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 12:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁ֤וְא
יְֽדַבְּרוּ֮
אִ֤ישׁ
אֶת
רֵ֫עֵ֥/הוּ
שְׂפַ֥ת
חֲלָק֑וֹת
בְּ/לֵ֖ב
וָ/לֵ֣ב
יְדַבֵּֽרוּ
שָׁ֤וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
vanity
N-ms
יְֽדַבְּרוּ֮
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
רֵ֫עֵ֥/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
שְׂפַ֥ת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
חֲלָק֑וֹת
chelqâh
H2513
portion
Adj
בְּ/לֵ֖ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
וָ/לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms
יְדַבֵּֽרוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 12:3
שָׁ֤וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
"vanity"
N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
יְֽדַבְּרוּ֮
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
רֵ֫עֵ֥/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
שְׂפַ֥ת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
חֲלָק֑וֹת
chelqâh
H2513
"portion"
Adj
This word refers to smoothness, but can also imply flattery or slippery behavior. In some cases, it describes a plot of land or a portion of ground. The Bible uses this word to warn against smooth talk and deceitful actions.
Definition: 1) portion, parcel 1a) of ground
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: field, flattering(-ry), ground, parcel, part, piece of land (ground), plat, portion, slippery place, smooth (thing). See also: Genesis 27:16; 2 Kings 9:21; Psalms 12:3.
בְּ/לֵ֖ב
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.
וָ/לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | 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.
יְדַבֵּֽרוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 12:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 12:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 12:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 12:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 12:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 12:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
- Sermons on Psalms 12:3
Context — The Godly Are No More
1Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.
2They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.
4They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?” 5“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:21 | Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. |
| 2 | Revelation 13:5 | The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months. |
| 3 | Daniel 7:8 | While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance. |
| 4 | Psalms 17:10 | They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance. |
| 5 | Daniel 4:30–31 | the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 17:43–44 | “Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. “Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” |
| 7 | Psalms 73:8–9 | They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 29:3 | Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’ |
| 9 | Daniel 7:25 | He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time. |
| 10 | 2 Peter 2:18 | With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. |
Psalms 12:3 Summary
[This verse is a prayer asking God to stop people from speaking deceitfully and flattering others with their words. It's like when someone is being fake or insincere just to get what they want, and it can be very hurtful. As it says in Proverbs 26:28, 'a flattering mouth works ruin'. We should strive to speak truthfully and kindly, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, and pray for God to help us recognize and resist the temptation to use flattering words or boastful language.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the LORD to 'cut off all flattering lips' in Psalms 12:3?
This means that God will judge and remove those who speak deceitfully and with insincere flattery, as seen in Psalms 12:2 where it says they 'speak with flattering lips and a double heart'. This is similar to what is written in Proverbs 26:28, which says 'a flattering mouth works ruin'.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Psalms 12?
This verse is a prayer for God to intervene in a time when the faithful have vanished and people are speaking deceitfully, as stated in Psalms 12:1-2, and it looks forward to God's promise to arise and bring safety to the oppressed in Psalms 12:5.
Is this verse saying that we should never compliment or praise others?
No, this verse is specifically addressing the issue of flattering lips and boastful tongues that are used to deceive and manipulate others, not genuine praise or encouragement, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 where it says to 'let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification'.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of our own speech and making sure we are speaking truthfully and sincerely, as encouraged in Colossians 3:8-10, and by praying for God to help us recognize and resist the temptation to use flattering words or boastful language.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that flattering lips and boastful tongues can be hurtful or damaging to others, and how can I avoid using language in this way?
- How can I balance the need to speak truthfully with the need to be kind and encouraging to others, as seen in Ephesians 4:15 where it says to 'speak the truth in love'?
- What does it mean to have a 'double heart' as mentioned in Psalms 12:2, and how can I ensure that my own heart is sincere and single-minded in my devotion to God?
- In what ways can I use my words to build others up and bring glory to God, rather than tearing them down or seeking to elevate myself?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 12:3
The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips,.... This is either a prophecy or a prayer, as Aben Ezra and Kimchi observe; that God either would or should cut off such who used flattery with their lips,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 12:3
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips - the expression of confident faith that the Lord will hear the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
Or great things, or great words, either bragging or threatening what they will do, and what great things they will effect, to wit, by their tongues, as they themselves explain it in the next verse, which they will use so cunningly and powerfully, that they shall not need to use their hands, or strike a stroke.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
Psalms 12:3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things:Ver. 3. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips] As a rotten member is cut off from the body - Ne pars sincera trahatur, or as a barren tree is stocked up, that it cumber not the ground. There is a wonderful sympathy between princes and parasites, whose song is Mihi placet, quicquid regi placet, and whose practice is to speak suavia potius quam sans, sweet rather than sound things. But God will cut off such lips (taking notice of the offending member), as he dealt by Doeg, Ahithophel, Shebna, Shemaiah the Nehelamite, Jeremiah 29:32, and as it were to be wished that Christian princes would do; serving them all as the Thessalians did that city in Greece called Kολακεια, or flattery, which they destroyed and pulled down to the ground (Hen. Steph. Apol. pro Herod.). And the tougue that speaketh proud things] Magnifica, bubbles of words, blustering speeches, breathing out nothing but arrogance and contempt of God and his people. These grandiloqui must one day answer for their hard speeches with flames about their ears, whatever they meet with in the meanwhile, as did Nestorius, Thomas Arundel, Stephen Gardiner, and others, plagued here in their tongues, those little members that had boasted so great things, James 3:5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
(3) The Lord shall.—Translate, May Jehovah cut off.Proud things.—Literally, great things. Vulg., linguam magniloquam.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
Verse 3. Proud things] גדלות gedoloth, great things; great swelling words, both in their promises and in their commendations.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 12:3
3, 4. The prayer for help passes into a prayer for the excision of these false-hearted braggarts. Cp. Psalms 5:10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 12:3
The Lord shall cut off - This might be rendered, “May the Lord cut off,” implying a wish on the part of the psalmist that it might occur. But probably the common rendering is the correct one.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 12:3
3. Flattering lips… tongue that speaketh proud things—Two opposite characters, the dissembler and the self-confident boaster, alike abominable to God.
Sermons on Psalms 12:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Fellowship of Christ's Suffering by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the Fellowship of Christ's Suffering as outlined in 1 Peter chapter 5. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be sober and vigilant against the adv |
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Cultivate Peace by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of genuine godliness and peace, warning against hypocritical behavior where outward expressions do not align with the heart. He quotes Scr |
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Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |
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Hard-Heartedness in the Body of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. He warns the congregation about the impending hard times and chaos that will come to the c |
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In the School of God by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of words and the importance of being an example of a believer. He shares stories of individuals who excelled in their faith and |
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The Plague of Profanity by Jon Courson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impact of profanity on society and how it desensitizes people to the reality of eternity. He explains that there was a time when words li |