Psalms 64:3
Psalms 64:3 in Multiple Translations
who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
Who have whet their tongue like a sword, And have aimed their arrows, even bitter words,
Who make their tongues sharp like a sword, and whose arrows are pointed, even bitter words;
What they say cuts like swords; they fire off poisonous words like arrows.
Which haue whette their tongue like a sword, and shot for their arrowes bitter wordes.
Who sharpened as a sword their tongue, They directed their arrow — a bitter word.
who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and aim their arrows, deadly words,
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
O hear my prayer: all flesh shall come to thee.
The hostile things they say [MTY] are like [SIM] sharp swords; their cruel words are like [SIM] arrows.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 64:3
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 64:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תַּ֭סְתִּירֵ/נִי
מִ/סּ֣וֹד
מְרֵעִ֑ים
מֵ֝/רִגְשַׁ֗ת
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי
אָֽוֶן
תַּ֭סְתִּירֵ/נִי
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
מִ/סּ֣וֹד
çôwd
H5475
counsel
Prep | N-ms
מְרֵעִ֑ים
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Hiphil
מֵ֝/רִגְשַׁ֗ת
regesh
H7285
throng
Prep | N-fs
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי
pâʻal
H6466
to work
V-Qal
אָֽוֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 64:3
תַּ֭סְתִּירֵ/נִי
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
מִ/סּ֣וֹד
çôwd
H5475
"counsel"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a council or gathering of people for discussion, and can also mean a secret or intimate conversation with God.
Definition: 1) council, counsel, assembly 1a) council (of familiar conversation) 1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends) 1a2) assembly, company 1b) counsel 1b1) counsel (itself) 1b2) secret counsel 1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel). See also: Genesis 49:6; Proverbs 3:32; Psalms 25:14.
מְרֵעִ֑ים
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Hiphil
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
מֵ֝/רִגְשַׁ֗ת
regesh
H7285
"throng"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a group of people scheming or plotting together. It can also describe a riotous or unruly crowd.
Definition: throng, in company
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: company, insurrection. See also: Psalms 55:15; Psalms 64:3.
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
V-Qal
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
אָֽוֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 64:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 64:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
- Sermons on Psalms 64:3
Context — The Hurtful Tongue
1Hear, O God, my voice of complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
2Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity,
3who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,
4ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. 5They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 57:4 | My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. |
| 2 | Psalms 58:7 | May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted. |
| 3 | James 3:6–8 | 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. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:18 | Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 9:3 | “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Psalms 11:2 | For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Proverbs 30:14 | there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men. |
Psalms 64:3 Summary
This verse, Psalms 64:3, talks about people who use their words to hurt others, comparing them to swords and arrows. It's a reminder that our words have the power to cause harm or to heal, as seen in Proverbs 12:18. We should strive to use our words to build each other up, rather than to tear each other down, just as Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to speak in a way that gives grace to those who hear. By being mindful of the impact of our words, we can create a more loving and supportive environment for those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to sharpen tongues like swords?
This phrase, found in Psalms 64:3, means to prepare and use words as a weapon to hurt or destroy others, much like Ephesians 4:29 warns against using corrupting talk, and instead, encourages edifying speech that gives grace to those who hear.
How can bitter words be compared to arrows?
The comparison of bitter words to arrows in Psalms 64:3 highlights their potential to cause deep and lasting harm, much like the wounds inflicted by arrows, as seen in the warning against the tongue's power in James 3:6.
What kind of people are being described in this verse?
The people described in Psalms 64:3 are those who intentionally seek to harm others with their words, acting in a manner contrary to the love and kindness taught in Scripture, such as in Proverbs 12:18, which contrasts the destructive power of the tongue with the healing power of gentle words.
Why is it important to consider the impact of our words?
Considering the impact of our words is crucial because, as Matthew 12:36-37 reminds us, we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak, making it essential to use our words to build up and encourage others, rather than to tear them down.
Reflection Questions
- How can I ensure that my words are used to uplift and encourage others, rather than to cause harm?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the impact of my words on those around me?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principle of using my tongue to give grace to those who hear, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29?
- How can I recognize when I am being influenced by the kind of bitter and hurtful speech described in Psalms 64:3, and what steps can I take to resist it?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:3
Who whet their tongue like a sword,.... Use cutting, wounding, killing, and devouring words; on which they set an edge, and make them keener and keener to hurt and ruin the characters and reputations
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:3
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: Who whet their tongue like a sword - (Psalms 57:4; Psalms 59:7.) Not mere common slanders; but those
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
Bend their bows to shoot their arrows; of which phrase See Poole "". Bitter words; slanderous and pernicious speeches against me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
Psalms 64:3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, [and] bend [their bows to shoot] their arrows, [even] bitter words:Ver. 3. Who whet their tongue like a sword] The tongue in its form resembleth a flaming sword, and being set on fire of hell, it woundeth deeply and dangerously. It is ordinary with David to compare aulicas criminationes cum armis castrensibus, court calumnies with warlike weapons, Psalms 5:6; Psalms 5:9-10 Psalms 11:5-6 Psalms 57:4. See there. And bend their bows to shoot their arrows] Heb. bend their arrow, that is, as Psalms 11:2, "they bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string," &c. See a like phrase Jeremiah 9:3. Even bitter words] Virulent and venomous, quae leviter volant, non leviter violant; for as Medius in Plutarch saith, though the wound they make be haply healed, yet there will be still a scar, ηηουλημενειτηςδιαβολης (Plut.). An aspersion, though not fully believed, leaveth behind it a lower estimation of the party than before.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
(3) For the figure in this and the following verse, see Psalms 10:7; Psalms 11:2; Psalms 52:2; Psalms 57:4; Psalms 59:7. “’Tis slander. Whose edge is sharper than the sword.” . For the ellipse in “they bend (literally, tread) their arrows,” see Psalms 58:7.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
Verse 3. Who whet their tongue like a sword] They devise the evil they shall speak, and meditate on the most provoking, injurious, and defamatory words; as the soldier whets his sword that he may thereby the better cut down his enemies. Their arrows - bitter words] Their defamatory sayings are here represented as deadly as poisoned arrows; for to such is the allusion here made.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:3
3. Who whet] R.V., who have whet. For the comparison see Psalms 55:21; Psalms 57:4; Psalms 59:7. and bend &c.] Render, They have aimed as their arrow a bitter scheme. For the peculiar phrase see Psalms 58:7. Dβbβr seems to mean scheme as in Psalms 64:5, rather than speech, or words. So the LXX πρᾶγμαπικρόν. Bitter = hurtful or venomous. Is the idea that of a poisoned arrow? The Targ. paraphrases, “They have anointed their arrows with deadly and bitter venom.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:3
Who whet their tongue like a sword - Who sharpen their tongue; that is, they utter words that will cut deep, or penetrate the soul.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:3
3. Bend their bows—Hebrew, They have bent their arrows. Same as “bend the bow,” Psalms 7:13, or placing or aiming the arrow, Psalms 58:7. Bitter words—Better, a bitter word.
Sermons on Psalms 64:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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The Taming of the Tongue by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound impact of the tongue, likening it to a sword that can inflict deep wounds and damage relationships. He reflects on the various types of to |
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Believing With All Your Heart by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the necessity of believing with all one's heart for baptism, illustrating that partial commitment to Christ can lead to spiritual downfall, much like a man w |
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The Secret of Victory by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fully dedicating oneself to God. He shares the story of a preacher who chose to retire and move away when he was diagnosed |
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My Heart Is Fixed by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of praising God and the importance of having a fixed heart. He shares a personal testimony of being healed through praising the Lo |
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Gracious Speech by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and the impact our words can have. He shares a personal experience of how a small spark from his mouth caused fires t |
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Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for personal cleansing and purity before God, as exemplified by the prophet's cry of being undone and having filthy lips. He highlights |