Psalms 73:9
Psalms 73:9 in Multiple Translations
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth.
Their mouth goes up to heaven; their tongues go walking through the earth.
They talk irreverently against heaven above, and defame people here on earth.
They set their mouth against heauen, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
They have set in the heavens their mouth, And their tongue walketh in the earth.
They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Our signs we have not seen, there is now no prophet: and he will know us no more.
They say evil things about God who is in heaven [MTY], and they talk boastfully/proudly about things that they have done here on the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:9
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 73:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שַׁתּ֣וּ
בַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
פִּי/הֶ֑ם
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנָ֗/ם
תִּֽהֲלַ֥ךְ
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
שַׁתּ֣וּ
shâthath
H8371
to appoint
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-md
פִּי/הֶ֑ם
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנָ֗/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Conj | N-cs | Suff
תִּֽהֲלַ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
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 73:9
שַׁתּ֣וּ
shâthath
H8371
"to appoint"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to appoint or set something in place, and it can also mean to lie down or rest. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's appointment of leaders or the setting of boundaries and rules. It conveys a sense of purpose and intention, whether it is a physical or spiritual setting.
Definition: (Qal) to set, appoint
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: be laid, set. t See also: Psalms 49:15; Psalms 73:9.
בַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-md
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
פִּי/הֶ֑ם
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.
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנָ֗/ם
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.
תִּֽהֲלַ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
- Sermons on Psalms 73:9
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
10So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. 11The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 13:6 | And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. |
| 2 | James 3:6 | 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. |
| 3 | Exodus 5:2 | But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” |
| 4 | Daniel 7:25 | He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 32:15 | So now, do not let Hezekiah deceive you, and do not let him mislead you like this. Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you from my hand!” |
| 6 | Daniel 3:15 | Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?” |
| 7 | Luke 18:4 | For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, |
| 8 | Psalms 52:4 | You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. |
| 9 | Job 21:14 | Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. |
Psalms 73:9 Summary
[This verse is talking about people who are being very arrogant and defiant against God, using their words to spread evil and corruption. They are essentially saying that they don't care about God or His rules, and they are going to do whatever they want. This is similar to what we see in Romans 1:28, where it says that people 'suppress the truth in unrighteousness'. We should be careful not to adopt this kind of attitude, and instead strive to use our words to build up and encourage others, as seen in Ephesians 4:29.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to set their mouths against the heavens?
This phrase suggests a bold and arrogant defiance against God, similar to the attitude described in Jude 1:8, where some people 'defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme glorious beings'.
How do the wicked strut across the earth with their tongues?
The wicked use their words to spread evil and corruption, as seen in Proverbs 10:32, where it says 'the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse'
Is this verse describing a specific group of people or a general attitude?
This verse is describing a general attitude of wickedness and arrogance, but it is exemplified in the context of Psalm 73 by the prosperity of the wicked, as mentioned in Psalm 73:7, which says 'from their prosperity proceeds iniquity'
What is the significance of the heavens in this verse?
The heavens represent the realm of God, as seen in Psalm 19:1, which says 'the heavens declare the glory of God', so setting their mouths against the heavens is a direct challenge to God's authority
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen people defy God with their words, and how can I respond to them in a way that honors Him?
- How can I ensure that my own words are used to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be unintentionally 'strutting across the earth' with my tongue, and how can I repent and change my behavior?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and reverence for God, rather than adopting an arrogant and defiant attitude?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:9
They set their mouth against the heavens,.... Against God in heaven, see Daniel 4:26, against his being, saying, there is no God; against his perfections, thinking him to be such an one as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:9
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. They set their mouth against the heavens.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
Against the heavens, i.e. against God, blaspheming his name, denying or deriding his providence, reviling his saints and servants. Walketh through the earth; using all manner of liberty, introducing and reproaching all sorts of persons, not caring whom they displease or hurt by it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
Psalms 73:9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.Ver. 9. They set their mouth against the heavens] They howl upward, as wolves; bark at the moon, as dogs; piss against the sun; belch out blasphemies against God, as did Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, Dionysius the tyrant, Antiochus, antichrist, Revelation 13:6 (Pope Julius III for instance, who would have his pork meat, forbidden him by his physicians, al despito di Dio); the Great Turk at the siege of Scodra, and again at the Rhodes; besides Hacker, in Queen Elizabeth’ s time, and the ranters in ours Dionysius commisso sacrilegio Deum dicebat sacrilegis bonam navigationem concedere. And their tongue walketh through the earth] Snapping at every one they meet, like a mad dog; and not sparing to speak, or rather to spue out, whatsoever lieth uppermost. Thou shalt not walk up and down as a slanderer, or pedlar with his pack, which he opens soon, and disperseth his wares, Leviticus 19:16. That is a true saying of Seneca, Ut quisque est dissolutissimae vitro, ita est solutissimae linguae, As any one is more dissolute in his life, so he is more heedless of his speeches.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
(9) They set.—The last clause is repeated here under a figure more defined: “They have set their mouth in [not against] the heavens, While their tongue walketh through the earth.” an image very expressive of a towering pride, vaunting itself to the skies, and trumpeting its own praises through the world.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
Verse 9. Set their mouth against the heavens] They blaspheme God, ridicule religion, mock at Providence, and laugh at a future state. Their tongue walketh through the earth.] They find fault with every thing; they traduce the memory of the just in heaven, and ridicule the saints that are upon earth. They criticize every dispensation of God.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:9
9. The A.V. gives a good sense: they blaspheme God and dictate to men. Cp. Daniel 7:25. But probably the R.V. is right in rendering, They have set their mouth In the heavens. The clause expands the words of the preceding verse “from on high.” They make an impious claim of divine authority, and dictate to men as though the earth belonged to them.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:9
They set their mouth against the heavens - Compare Revelation 13:6. Literally, “They set their mouth in heaven,” or in the heavens.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:9
9. Against the heavens—More properly, in the heavens. They have ascended to the abode of God.
Sermons on Psalms 73:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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Ger-12 Martyrdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, Arthur Katz discusses the power of the cross and the victory of God. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the self-sacrificing nature of Jesus Christ, who |
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Utter Committal to Jesus the Christ by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel in times of chaos and crisis. He believes that the only hope for this generation is for God to pour out judgmen |
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For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free by A.B. Simpson | The preacher delves into the significance of the word 'Dwell' (Dwelt, Spread Tabernacle), emphasizing how it symbolizes God's presence and communion with humanity. By exploring the |
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Epistle 91 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the signs of the end times and the presence of false prophets, deceivers, and mockers who lead people astray with their ungodly ways and teachings. He war |
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The Interval Between the Coming of the Lord for His Saints and With His Saints by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the distinct interval between the coming of the Lord Jesus to take His saints up to Himself and His coming with His saints. The first stage of |
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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 |