Psalms 50:19
Psalms 50:19 in Multiple Translations
You unleash your mouth for evil and unharness your tongue for deceit.
Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.
Thou givest thy mouth to evil, And thy tongue frameth deceit.
You have given your mouth to evil, your tongue to words of deceit.
With your mouth you say evil things; you use your tongue to spread lies.
Thou giuest thy mouth to euill, and with thy tongue thou forgest deceit.
Thy mouth thou hast sent forth with evil, And thy tongue joineth deceit together,
“You give your mouth to evil. Your tongue frames deceit.
Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.
A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
You are always talking [MTY] about doing wicked things, and you are always trying to deceive people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 50:19
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 50:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פִּ֭י/ךָ
שָׁלַ֣חְתָּ
בְ/רָעָ֑ה
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנְ/ךָ֗
תַּצְמִ֥יד
מִרְמָֽה
פִּ֭י/ךָ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
שָׁלַ֣חְתָּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בְ/רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | N-fs
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנְ/ךָ֗
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Conj | N-cs | Suff
תַּצְמִ֥יד
tsâmad
H6775
to join
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 50:19
פִּ֭י/ךָ
peh
H6310
"lip"
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.
שָׁלַ֣חְתָּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בְ/רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנְ/ךָ֗
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
תַּצְמִ֥יד
tsâmad
H6775
"to join"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to join or link things together, like serving or working with someone. It appears in contexts like joining oneself to a group or task. This idea of connection is key to understanding its meaning.
Definition: 1) to bind, join, fasten 1a) (Niphal) to join, join or attach oneself to 1b) (Pual) to be fastened, be bound 1c)(Hiphil) to combine, fit together, hitch up
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: fasten, frame, join (self). See also: Numbers 25:3; 2 Samuel 20:8; Psalms 50:19.
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 50:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 50:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 50:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 50:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 50:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 50:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 50:19
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 50:19
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 50:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 50:19
- Sermons on Psalms 50:19
Context — The Mighty One Calls
17For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.
18When you see a thief, you befriend him, and throw in your lot with adulterers.
19You unleash your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.
20You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. 21You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 10:7 | His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue. |
| 2 | Psalms 52:2–4 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. |
| 3 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 4 | 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.” |
| 5 | Psalms 5:9 | For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 9:5 | Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. |
| 7 | Psalms 64:3–5 | who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. |
| 8 | James 3:5–9 | In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. |
| 9 | Psalms 36:3–4 | The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing. Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil. |
| 10 | Isaiah 59:3–4 | For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. |
Psalms 50:19 Summary
Psalms 50:19 is a warning against speaking words that are hurtful or dishonest. When we 'unleash our mouth for evil' and 'unharness our tongue for deceit', we can cause harm to ourselves and others, and it goes against God's character of love and truth (as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and Proverbs 12:18). As followers of God, we are called to speak words that are kind, gentle, and truthful, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32. By speaking words of life and encouragement, we can build each other up and bring joy to those around us, as seen in Proverbs 16:24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'unleash your mouth for evil' in Psalms 50:19?
This phrase means to speak words that are harmful, destructive, or wicked, as seen in the example of the tongue's power for good or evil in Proverbs 18:21 and James 3:6. As Christians, we are called to speak words of life and encouragement, not evil.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Psalms 50:19 is part of a larger rebuke by God to those who claim to be His people but live in sin, as seen in Psalms 50:17-21. This verse specifically highlights the sin of speaking evil and deceitful words, which is a symptom of a larger heart issue.
What is the significance of 'unharnessing your tongue for deceit'?
To 'unharness your tongue for deceit' means to let your words run wild and free, speaking lies and half-truths without restraint, as warned against in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:9-10. This kind of speech is damaging to ourselves and others, and is not in line with God's character of truth and love.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
To apply Psalms 50:19 to your life, consider the words you speak and the impact they have on those around you, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32. Ask God to help you speak words of life, encouragement, and truth, and to restrain your tongue from evil and deceit.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have spoken evil or deceitful words in the past, and how can I make amends and change my speech patterns?
- How do I feel when someone speaks evil or deceitful words to me, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- In what situations am I most tempted to speak evil or deceitful words, and how can I prepare myself to speak words of life and truth instead?
- What would my relationships and community look like if I consistently spoke words of life, encouragement, and truth, as encouraged in Proverbs 16:24 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 50:19
Thou givest thy mouth to evil,.... To speak evil things against Christ, his doctrines, ordinances, ministers and people; and to deliver out evil doctrines, pernicious to the souls of men; and thy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 50:19
Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou givest thy mouth to evil - Hebrew, 'Thou sendest;' i:e., Thou givest loose rein to thy mouth in regard to evil.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 50:19
Thou givest, Heb. thou sendest forth, to wit, free; for the word is used of men’ s dismissing their wives or their servants, whom they left to their freedom. Thou hast an unbridled tongue, and castest off all restraints of God’ s law, and of thy own conscience, and givest thy tongue liberty to speak what thou pleasest, though it be offensive and dishonourable to God, and injurious to thy neighbour, or to thy own soul; which is justly produced as an evidence of their hypocrisy. To evil; either to sinful or mischievous speeches. Frameth deceit, i.e. uttereth lies or fair words, wherewith to circumvent those who deal with them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 50:19
Psalms 50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.Ver. 19. Thou givest thy mouth to evil] Heb. Thou sendest, the devil borroweth thy mouth, and thou lettest him have it. And thy tongue frameth deceit] Heb. joineth, knitteth, compacteth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 50:19
(19) Givest.—Literally, lettest loose. Frameth.—Literally, weaves. So LXX. To weave snares is a common figure in all languages. Comp. “My brain, more busy than the labouring spider, Weaves tedious snares to trap mine enemies.” : 2 Henry VI. 3:2.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 50:19
19. Thou hast let loose thy mouth for evil, And thy tongue contriveth deceit. Giving way to unbridled speech, evil in substance and mischievous in aim: contriving a whole structure of deliberate falsehoods.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 50:19
Thou givest thy mouth to evil - Margin, as in Hebrew, “thou sendest.” That is, they gave it up to evil; they employed it in evil: in falsehood, malice, deceit, slander, deception, detraction.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 50:19
19. Mouth to evil… tongue frameth deceit—Wholly given to lies. Their business is to devise deceitful pretexts for unlawful gains and lustful pleasures.
Sermons on Psalms 50:19
| 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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Bearing the Rod by A.W. Pink | The preacher delves into the concept of cursing, originally meaning a wish or prayer for harm, but evolving into an invocation of evil upon another. Cursing involves expressing a d |
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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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What Is in the Well, Will Be in the Bucket by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of our words, warning that every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgment, as stated in Matthew 12:36. He categorizes variou |
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Follow the Lamb! (Selections) by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the continuous journey of following Christ, urging believers to keep their focus on Jesus and His cross for spiritual health and growth. He warns against |
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Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire |
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Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys |