Psalms 31:18
Psalms 31:18 in Multiple Translations
May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt.
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Let the lying lips be dumb, Which speak against the righteous insolently, With pride and contempt.
Let the false lips be shut, which say evil against the upright, looking down on him in their pride.
Shut the mouths of those who tell lies against good people—those who speak contemptuously in their pride and arrogance!
Let the lying lips be made dumme, which cruelly, proudly and spitefully speake against the righteous.
Let lips of falsehood become dumb, That are speaking against the righteous, Ancient sayings, in pride and contempt.
Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
I desire that you will cause people [MTY] who tell lies to be unable to speak. Do that to people who are proud and those who arrogantly accuse righteous people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:18
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 31:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְֽהוָ֗ה
אַל
אֵ֭בוֹשָׁה
כִּ֣י
קְרָאתִ֑י/ךָ
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
יִדְּמ֥וּ
לִ/שְׁאֽוֹל
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
אֵ֭בוֹשָׁה
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-1cs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
קְרָאתִ֑י/ךָ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יִדְּמ֥וּ
dâmam
H1826
to silence
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לִ/שְׁאֽוֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 31:18
יְֽהוָ֗ה
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.
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.
אֵ֭בוֹשָׁה
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-1cs
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
קְרָאתִ֑י/ךָ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
יִדְּמ֥וּ
dâmam
H1826
"to silence"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to wail or mourn, often in response to a tragic event, like in Job 30:31 where Job laments his suffering. It can also mean to be astonished or stop an activity.
Definition: : stationary 1) to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be silent 1a2) to be still, die 1a3) to be struck dumb 1b) (Niphal) to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed 1c) (Poal) to make quiet 1d) (Hiphil) to make silent (cause to die)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait. See also: Exodus 15:16; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 4:5.
לִ/שְׁאֽוֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
Prep | N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:18
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
- Sermons on Psalms 31:18
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
16Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion.
17O LORD, let me not be ashamed, for I have called on You. Let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol.
18May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt.
19How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You! 20You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jude 1:15 | to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.” |
| 2 | Psalms 94:4 | They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:3 | Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. |
| 4 | Isaiah 54:17 | No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 5 | John 8:44 | You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. |
| 6 | Psalms 64:3–4 | who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. |
| 7 | Revelation 21:8 | But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” |
| 8 | Acts 25:7 | When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove. |
| 9 | John 8:48 | The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?” |
| 10 | Matthew 12:24 | But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.” |
Psalms 31:18 Summary
[This verse is asking God to stop people from lying and speaking badly about those who are trying to do what is right. The Psalmist wants God to silence these lying lips because they are full of pride and contempt, and they are hurting God's people. This reminds us to trust in God to take care of us and to always speak the truth, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25. By trusting in God and speaking truthfully, we can stand up for what is right and bring glory to God, as seen in Matthew 5:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lips is the Psalmist asking to be silenced?
The Psalmist is asking for lying lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous to be silenced, as seen in Psalms 31:18, and this is reminiscent of the warnings against false witnesses in Deuteronomy 19:16-19.
Why are these lips described as full of pride and contempt?
These lips are described as full of pride and contempt because they are speaking against the righteous, showing a complete disregard for God's people and His truth, much like the proud and contemptuous hearts described in Proverbs 16:5.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the Psalms?
This verse fits into the broader theme of the Psalms, which often express trust in God's deliverance and judgment, as seen in Psalms 37:1-7, and it highlights the importance of speaking truth and trusting in God's sovereignty.
What can we learn from the Psalmist's request for these lips to be silenced?
We can learn that we should trust in God to vindicate us and silence those who speak against us, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as seen in Romans 12:19, and we should also be mindful of our own speech, ensuring that our words are truthful and edifying, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen lying lips speak against the righteous in my own life or in the world around me?
- How can I trust in God's deliverance and judgment, rather than trying to take revenge on those who speak against me?
- In what ways can I ensure that my own words are truthful and edifying, rather than prideful and contemptuous?
- What are some practical steps I can take to stand up for the truth and defend the righteous, even in the face of opposition or ridicule?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence,.... Being convicted of the lies told by them, and so silenced and confounded; or being cut off and destroyed, as all such will be in the Lord's own time, Psalms 12:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
Lying lips; slanderous tongues. Be put to silence, either by thy vindication and discovery of my integrity; or by some eminent judgment, which may either convince them, or cut them off. Grievous things, Heb. hard words, or things, the singular number being put for the plural. Of this expression, see 94:4 Jude 15. He means such as were grievous, and hard to be borne, as bitter calumnies, cruel mockings, terrible threatenings, and the like. Proudly and contemptuously; with great arrogancy, and confidence of success, and contempt of me and mine, whom they look upon as few in number, and impotent and fugitives, and such whom they can blow away with a breath. Against the righteous; against us, whom thou knowest to be righteous, notwithstanding all their false accusations; and therefore for thy love to righteousness save us, and silence our unjust enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
Psalms 31:18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.Ver. 18. Let the lying lips be put to silence] Heb. the lips of a lie, mendaciorum artifices, as Jeremiah 9:3; Jeremiah 9:5. Among the Persians it was αιχιστοντοφευδεσθαι, held a base shame to tell a lie. Oh that it were so among Christians! When shall that golden age return, that the argument may again proceed, Sacerdos est, non fallet; Christianus est, non mentietur; He is a minister, he will not deceive; he is a Christian, therefore he will not lie? (Herod. in Clio; Xenoph. Cyroep.; Strab. lib. 15). Which speak grievous things] Heb. a hard thing; dura et atr ociaverba, durable and longlasting reproaches, such as stick, and leave a scar, though the wound be healed up. Calumniare audacter, aliquid saltem adhaerebit. Such mouths shall one day smoke for it, Judges 1:15.
Proudly and contemptuously] Heb. In pride and contempt. It is pride that causeth contempt of others. Compare Proverbs 3:34 1 Peter 5:5. David elsewhere complaineth of proud, rhetorical mockers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
(18) Silence.—As a different word is used from that rendered silent in Psalms 31:17, translate let the lying lips be made dumb.Grievous.—Better, arrogant, as in 1 Samuel 2:3. (Comp. Psalms 94:4.) So in Psalms 75:5, “a stiff neck” is a neck thrown impudently back.Proudly and contemptuously.—Literally, in pride and contempt.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
Verse 18. Let the lying lips be put to silence] As to my enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, abate their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices. See Jeremiah 18:18.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:18
18. Let the lying lips be dumb; Which speak against the righteous arrogantly, In pride and contempt. Cp. Psalms 12:3; Psalms 94:4.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence - See the notes at Psalms 12:2-3. The lips which speak lies.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:18
18. Lying lips be put to silence— “Silence,” here, is a different word from that so rendered in Psalms 31:17, and means tongue-tied, dumb, bound. Proudly and contemptuously—Contemptuous of all restraint by the laws of God or man.
Sermons on Psalms 31:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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Visible Churches Warned by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle warns visible churches about the importance of genuine faith and the dangers of complacency in religious practices. He emphasizes that the letters to the seven churches i |
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A Day's Journey Into the Wilderness by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God. He references the story of Elijah and how God demonstrated His power by consuming the captain and his 50 men |
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A Prophetic Message by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher warns of fearful times ahead and the calamities that will come upon the nation. However, he encourages the listeners not to fear but to run to God in t |
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Matthew Ch2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbola shares a personal experience he had with a couple who came to him seeking help. Despite feeling physically and emotionally drained, Pastor Symbola re |
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(Basics) 2. God Makes Evil Work for Good by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a businessman who drifted away from God as his business prospered. Despite the elders of his church trying to bring him back to faith |
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(The Last Days) Faith That Overcomes Fear by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the future, focusing on the significance of prophecy in directing and guiding people. It highlights the need to walk wit |