Psalm 140:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: They make their tongue sharp as a serpent 's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah

NIV: They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips.

NASB: They sharpen their tongues like a snake; The venom of a viper is under their lips. Selah

CSB: They make their tongues as sharp as a snake’s bite; viper’s venom is under their lips. Selah

NLT: Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips. Interlude

KJV: They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.

NKJV: They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah

Psalm 140:1–5 prays for rescue from vicious and immoral enemies. David speaks of plans, traps, and malicious words. These suggest a conspiracy (Psalm 140:8) to have David killed (1 Samuel 19:1–2) or overthrown as king (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Whoever these opponents are, David calls on the Lord for protection.

David prays for rescue from wicked and bloodthirsty enemies. He suggests violent conspiracies and traps, including false words. These enemies are plotting for his death, so he asks God for protection. This prayer comes with confidence that the Lord will grant David's request. David also asks the Lord to judge these evil opponents: to make them suffer defeat and death. This is also expressed with confidence that God will do what is right and care for the weak.

Psalm 140 is part of a series associated with David (Psalms 138—145). No specific event is mentioned. However, David experienced danger and conspiracy many times. King Saul sought to have him killed (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and David's own son, Absalom, conspired to take the throne (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Because David prays for negative consequences on these enemies, this is considered the last of the "imprecatory" psalms (Psalms 5; 10; 17; 35; 58; 59; 69; 70; 79; 83; 109; 129; 13). Davd's Psalm 7 has a similar progression of ideas and also relates to a hostile enemy.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 6/17/2025 4:45:34 PM