Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 12:6
In the Bible, this word means violence or destruction, often referring to social sin or ruin, as seen in the desolation of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. It is used to describe the devastating effects of war and oppression. This concept is discussed in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) havoc, violence, destruction, devastation, ruin 1a) violence, havoc (as social sin) 1b) devastation, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: desolation, destruction, oppression, robbery, spoil(-ed, -er, -ing), wasting. See also: Job 5:21; Jeremiah 20:8; Psalms 12:6.
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
This word describes a loud, intense cry of pain or sadness, like groaning in distress. In the Bible, it is used to express deep emotional suffering. The KJV translates it as 'crying out' or 'groaning'.
Definition: crying, groaning, lamentation
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: crying out, groaning, sighing. See also: Psalms 12:6; Psalms 102:21; Psalms 79:11.
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
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.
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
Refers to salvation or deliverance, like in Psalm 119:123 where the writer asks for salvation from God, and can also mean prosperity or victory.
Definition: 1) deliverance, salvation, rescue, safety, welfare 1a) safety, welfare, prosperity 1b) salvation 1c) victory
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: safety, salvation, saving. See also: 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 51:14; Psalms 12:6.
This Hebrew word means to breathe or blow air, and is used in various ways, such as to fan a breeze or kindle a fire. It can also mean to utter or speak. In the Bible, it appears in contexts like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's breath or a person's utterance.
Definition: 1) to breathe, blow 1a) (Qal) to breathe 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to exhale or breathe 1b2) to puff, snort 1b3) to excite, inflame 1b4) to puff, pant for it 1b5) to breathe out, utter 1b6) to blow, blast
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: blow (upon), break, puff, bring into a snare, speak, utter. See also: Psalms 10:5; Proverbs 19:9; Psalms 12:6.
Context — The Godly Are No More
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Proverbs 30:5 |
Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. |
| 2 |
2 Samuel 22:31 |
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. |
| 3 |
Psalms 18:30 |
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. |
| 4 |
Psalms 19:8 |
The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. |
| 5 |
Psalms 66:10 |
For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver. |
| 6 |
Psalms 119:140 |
Your promise is completely pure; therefore Your servant loves it. |
Psalms 12:6 Summary
This verse tells us that God's words are perfect and completely trustworthy, like the purest silver and gold. Just as these precious metals are refined and purified, God's words have been tested and proven to be true (Psalms 18:30, Proverbs 30:5). We can rely on God's words to guide us and give us hope, and we should seek to understand and obey them. By doing so, we can trust in His goodness and love for us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's words to be flawless?
This means that God's words are perfect, without error, and completely trustworthy, as also seen in Psalms 119:140 where it says 'Your word is very pure' and in Proverbs 30:5 which states 'Every word of God is flawless'
Why is silver refined in a furnace used as an example?
The process of refining silver in a furnace is used to illustrate the purity of God's words, just as silver is purified through intense heat, God's words have been tested and proven to be flawless, similar to the refining process described in Isaiah 48:10
What is the significance of gold being purified sevenfold?
The purification of gold seven times is a metaphor for the absolute purity and reliability of God's words, emphasizing their perfection and trustworthiness, as also seen in Psalms 18:30 which says 'As for God, his way is perfect'
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's words and promises, knowing that they are flawless and true, and by seeking to align our thoughts and actions with His perfect will, as encouraged in Romans 12:2 and in 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that God's words are flawless, and how can you apply this truth to your life?
- How can you refine your own thoughts and words to be more like God's, which are pure and trustworthy?
- In what ways can you seek to understand and obey God's perfect words, as revealed in Scripture?
- How can you trust in God's flawless words when faced with uncertainty or doubt, and what promises can you cling to in those times?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 12:6
The words of the Lord [are] pure words,.... This observation the psalmist makes in reference to what is just now said in Psalms 12:5:, and in opposition to the words of wicked men in Psalms 12:2;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 12:6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. The words of the Lord - His promise in Psalms 12:5.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 12:6
Pure; or, sincere; without the least mixture of vanity or falsehood; and therefore shall infallibly be fulfilled. This he seems to add to answer an objection which might arise in some men’ s minds concerning what was last said. You tell us, The, Lord saith, I will set him in safety, &c.; but saying and doing are two things. They are so indeed in men, who oft speak rashly what they cannot perform, and deceitfully what they never intend: but all God’ s words are pure from all manner of dross; from all folly, or fraud, or uncertainty; he is holy and true in all his doctrines, threatenings, predictions, and promises. Tried in a furnace of earth, i.e. made of such earth or clay as was proper for and then usual in that work. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 12:6
Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.Ver. 6. The words of the Lord are pure words] Free from all insincerity or falsehood; and not like those of Saul’ s flatterers, vile and vicious. All God’ s promises are infallible, and such as a man may write upon, as they say. They are yea and Amen, 2 Corinthians 1:20, that is, truth and assurance. God hath hitherto kept promise with nights and days, that they shall one succeed another, Jeremiah 33:20; Jeremiah 33:25, therefore much more will he keep promise with his people. As silver tried in a furnace] In a sublimatory or crucible. The Greeks call it δοκιμιον, St Peter’ s word, 1 Peter 1:7. Purifed seven times] That is, sufficiently. Alchemy gold, as it will not pass the seventh fire, so it doth not comfort the heart, as true gold will.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 12:6
(6) As silver.—This solemn promise of Jehovah may be relied on, for His words are not like those of deceitful men—alloyed with self and falsehood—but are pure as silver seven times smelted. In a furnace.—Either a “workshop” or a “crucible,” according as derived. Of earth.—These words are difficult; they must mean either in earth, referring to the ashes in which the smelted silver falls, or as to earth, i.e., as to the alloy, or as we say, purified of the alloy. But erets is never else used for the material, earth, and Hitzig’s emendation, rats = bar, or piece (Psalms 68:30), “melted into a bar from the crucible,” is almost convincing in its simplicity and aptness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 12:6
Verse 6. The words of the Lord are pure words] None of his promises shall fall to the ground; the salvation which he has promised shall be communicated. Silver tried in a furnace of earth] A reference to the purification of silver by the cupel. This is a sort of instrument used in the purification of silver. It may be formed out of a strong iron ring or hoop, adjusted in width and depth to the quantum of silver to be purified, and rammed full of well pulverized calcined bone. The metal to be purified must be mingled with lead, and laid on the cupel, and exposed to a strong heat in an air furnace. The impurities of the metal will be partly absorbed, and partly thrown off in fume. The metal will continue in a state of agitation till all the impurities are thrown off; it will then become perfectly still, no more motion appearing, which is the token that the process is completed, or, according to the words of the text, is seven times, that is, perfectly purified.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 12:6
6. A general truth with direct application to the promise of the preceding verse. In Jehovah’s words there is no dross of flattery or insincerity or falsehood. Unlike the words of men, they are wholly to be relied on. as silver tried] Omit as. Silver is a natural emblem of purity and preciousness. The metaphor underlies the language of Psa 18:30, Psalms 119:140, Proverbs 30:5. in a furnace of earth] The precise meaning is doubtful. Either (1) in a furnace on the earth (R.V.), i.e. a furnace built on the ground, the point of which is not obvious: or (2) silver refined in a furnace (flowing down) to the earth may be meant to picture the bright stream of pure metal flowing from the furnace, shewing that the process of refining has done its work. purified seven times] Again and again till no trace of dross is left. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection. Cp. Psalms 79:12; Proverbs 6:31; Isaiah 30:16.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 12:6
The words of the Lord - In contrast with the words of the persons referred to in Psalms 12:2-4. Their words were vanity, flattery, and falsehood; and no reliance could be placed on them.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 12:6
6. The words of the Lord are pure words—The sayings of Jehovah are pure sayings.
Sermons on Psalms 12:6
| Sermon | Description |
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Authority and God's Word - Part 1
by Derek Prince
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This sermon emphasizes the authority of Scripture, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. It discusses the importance of accepting the entire B |
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Authority and the Power of God's Word - Part 1
by Derek Prince
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This sermon emphasizes the authority of the Bible, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit, making it profitable for doctrine, reproof, correctio |
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(Church Leadership) 9. a Disciplined Tongue
by Zac Poonen
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in our lives as believers. He highlights the need to value and redeem our time, avoiding wasting it in daydreami |
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Psalm 12:6
by Ian Paisley
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to the Bible in times of difficulty and opposition. He describes those who oppose the word of God as speaking prou |
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I'm Asking God
by Aaron Hurst
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God revealing sin in our lives so that we can repent and be set free. He shares a personal experience of realizing he had |
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On Bible Study and Book Reading
by Horatius Bonar
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Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of diligent Bible study, urging believers to engage with the entire Scripture rather than just favorite passages. He warns against relying |
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Two Erroneous Notions About the Bible
by Timothy Tow
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Timothy Tow emphasizes the importance of understanding and upholding the Old Testament teachings, as Jesus clarifies in His sermon that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfil |