Psalms 141:3
Psalms 141:3 in Multiple Translations
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Set a watch, O Jehovah, before my mouth; Keep the door of my lips.
O Lord, keep a watch over my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Lord, make sure I don't say anything I shouldn't—keep a watch over my conversations.
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keepe the doore of my lips.
Set, O Jehovah, a watch for my mouth, Watch Thou over the door of my lips.
Set a watch, LORD, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
In his sight I pour out my prayer, and before him I declare my trouble:
Yahweh, do not allow me to say [MTY] things that are wrong; guard my lips.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 141:3
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 141:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁיתָ֣/ה
יְ֭הוָה
שָׁמְרָ֣ה
לְ/פִ֑/י
נִ֝צְּרָ֗/ה
עַל
דַּ֥ל
שְׂפָתָֽ/י
שִׁיתָ֣/ה
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שָׁמְרָ֣ה
shomrâh
H8108
guard
N-fs
לְ/פִ֑/י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
נִ֝צְּרָ֗/ה
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דַּ֥ל
deleth
H1817
door
N-ms
שְׂפָתָֽ/י
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | 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 141:3
שִׁיתָ֣/ה
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.
יְ֭הוָה
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.
שָׁמְרָ֣ה
shomrâh
H8108
"guard"
N-fs
This word means guard or watch, referring to a state of watchfulness or protection. It is translated as 'watch' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: guard, watch
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: watch. See also: Psalms 141:3.
לְ/פִ֑/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
נִ֝צְּרָ֗/ה
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דַּ֥ל
deleth
H1817
"door"
N-ms
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
שְׂפָתָֽ/י
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 141:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 141:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 141:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 141:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 141:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 141:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
- Sermons on Psalms 141:3
Context — Come Quickly to Me
1I call upon You, O LORD; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You.
2May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.
3Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
4Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies. 5Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:26 | If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. |
| 2 | Psalms 39:1 | I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” |
| 3 | Micah 7:5 | Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. |
| 4 | Psalms 34:13 | Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. |
| 5 | James 3:2 | We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. |
| 6 | Psalms 71:8 | My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long. |
| 7 | Psalms 17:3–5 | You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth. As for the deeds of men— by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped. |
Psalms 141:3 Summary
[This verse is about asking God to help us control what we say, because our words have the power to hurt or help others. The psalmist wants to make sure his words are pleasing to God and don't cause harm to those around him. By asking God to 'set a guard' over his mouth, he's recognizing that he needs help to speak wisely and kindly, as we are all called to do in Proverbs 15:1, which says a gentle answer turns away wrath. We can all learn from the psalmist's example and ask God to help us with our own speech, that we may speak words of life and encouragement to those around us, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which instructs us to encourage one another and build each other up.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist ask God to set a guard over his mouth?
The psalmist recognizes the power of words and the potential for harm or sin that can come from speaking carelessly, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, which says that the tongue has the power of life and death. He asks God to help him control his speech and speak wisely.
What does it mean to 'keep watch at the door of my lips'?
This phrase is a metaphor for being mindful of what we say and making sure our words are edifying and glorifying to God, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, which instructs us to speak only what is helpful for building others up.
Is this verse saying that we should never speak our minds or express our opinions?
No, this verse is not about suppressing our thoughts or opinions, but rather about being thoughtful and intentional with our words, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:36-37, where He reminds us that we will be held accountable for every careless word we speak.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
You can apply this verse by being more mindful of your speech, taking a moment to think before speaking, and asking God to help you speak words that are pleasing to Him, as Paul instructs in Colossians 4:6, to let our speech be seasoned with salt, that we may know how to answer each person.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in which I struggle to control my tongue, and how can I ask God to help me in those moments?
- How do my words affect those around me, and what impact do I want to have on others through my speech?
- What are some ways I can 'set a guard' over my mouth in my daily interactions, such as in conversations with coworkers or on social media?
- How can I balance being honest and authentic in my speech with being thoughtful and considerate of others, as seen in the example of Jesus in John 1:14, who was full of grace and truth?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 141:3
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth,.... While praying, as Jarchi and Kimchi; that he might not utter any rash, unguarded, and unbecoming word; but take and use the words which God gives, even the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 141:3
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ... Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works - (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
That I may not through mine own infirmity, and the great provocations of mine enemies, break forth into any unadvised speeches, or any expressions of impatience, or distrust, or envy, or malice, &c. My lips, which are the door of my mouth whence words come forth.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
Psalms 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.Ver. 3. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth] Orat pro patientia, saith one, here he prayeth for patience; lest by giving himself leave to overlash, he make the matter much worse. The best patience, long tried and hard put to it, may miscarry, to its cost. Keep the door of my lips] That it move not creaking, and complaining, as on rusty hinges, for want of the oil of joy and gladness, Dal pro Deleth per Apocopen poetieam. David had somewhat to do with his tongue, as we see, Psalms 39:1; Psalms 39:3, and when he had carted the ark, how untowardly spake he, as if the fault were more in God than himself, that there was such a breach made in Uzzah, 1 Chronicles 15:2. It was but need, therefore, thus to pray,
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
(3) Watch.—The image drawn from the guard set at city gates at night seems to indicate the evening as the time of composition of the psalm. Door of my lips.—Comp. “doors of thy mouth” (Micah 7:5), and so in Euripides, πύλαιστόματος. For the probable motive of the prayer, see Introduction. The poet’s feeling is that of Xenocrates: “I have often repented of having spoken, but never of having been silent.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
Verse 3. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth] While there are so many spies on my actions and words, I have need to be doubly guarded, that my enemies may have no advantage against me. Some think the prayer is against impatience; but if he were now going to Gath, it is more natural to suppose that he was praying to be preserved from dishonouring the truth, and from making sinful concessions in a heathen land; and at a court where, from his circumstances, it was natural to suppose he might be tempted to apostasy by the heathen party. The following verse seems to support this opinion.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 141:3
3–5. Prayer for grace to resist the temptation to sin in word and thought and deed.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 141:3
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth - That I may not say anything rashly, unadvisedly, improperly. Compare Psalms 39:1. The prayer here is, that God would guard him from the temptation to say something wrong.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 141:3
3. Keep the door of my lips—The “lips” are but the “door” of the heart, through which, from within, escape words. Here he would have a sentinel placed.
Sermons on Psalms 141:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Time to Be Silent by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of words and the destructive impact they can have on others. He shares a personal story of witnessing a man's life being destroyed |
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My Day Before God by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the tendency to complain and grumble about people and circumstances. They emphasize the importance of refraining from complainin |
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The Tongue! by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's grace to keep silent in the face of opposition, especially within the home, to avoid losing relationships due to impulsive re |
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Guarding Against Evil Reports - Part 3 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in love, unity, and oneness as a community. They caution against judging others' motives and withdrawing our spirit |
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The Dangers of Self Deception Part 1 - an Unbridled Tongue by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. addresses the critical issue of self-deception in the church, emphasizing that one of the most significant dangers believers face is the unbridled tongue, which refl |
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The Leakage of Spiritual Power by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining spiritual power, illustrating how distractions and trivial conversations can lead to a loss of divine influen |
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Step 11 on Talkativeness and Silence. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus emphasizes the dangers of judgment, the importance of deliberate silence, and the virtues of controlling one's tongue and embracing silence to draw near to God. H |