King James Version

What Does Psalms 12:2 Mean?

“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. a double: Heb. an heart and an heart”

Context

To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. upon: or, upon the eighth Help: or, Save

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. a double: Heb. an heart and an heart

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: proud: Heb. great

Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? are: Heb. are with us

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Vanity.**—So in Psalm 41:6 and Job 35:13. Literally, *evil. *“Falsehood” would be better. This verse may have been in St Paul’s mind (Ephesians 4:25). **Flattering lips.**—Literally, *lips of smoothness, *(Comp. Note, Psalm 5:9.) **With a double heart.**—Literally, *with a heart and a heart. *(Comp. 1Chronicles 12:33.) “One for the Church, another for the Change; one for Sundays, another for working-days; one for the king, another for the Pope. A man without a heart is a wonder, but a man with two hearts is a monster.”—*Thos. Adams, *A.D. 1614.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 12:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.