King James Version

What Does Psalms 120:2 Mean?

Psalms 120:2 in the King James Version says “Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 120 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.”

Psalms 120:2 · KJV

Context

1

A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

2

Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

3

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? What shall be given: or, What shall the deceitful tongue give unto thee? or, what shall is profit thee? done: Heb. added

4

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Sharp: or, It is as the sharp arrows of the mighty man, with coals of juniper

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The specific distress emerges: the psalmist suffers from 'lying lips' and 'deceitful tongue.' The Hebrew 'lashon remiyah' (deceitful tongue) refers to speech intended to mislead, manipulate, or destroy. Slander and false testimony were serious offenses in Israel's covenant community (Exodus 20:16; 23:1), as they violated both truth and neighbor-love. The double reference to speech organs ('lips' and 'tongue') emphasizes the comprehensive nature of verbal assault the psalmist endures. This prayer for deliverance recognizes that words wound deeply - gossip, lies, and manipulation inflict real harm. The appeal to God acknowledges that only divine intervention can vindicate the falsely accused. Human defense against slander often proves inadequate; God must act as defender of the righteous.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lying and deceit were endemic problems in ancient Near Eastern society, where honor and reputation carried immense weight. False accusation could result in loss of property, position, or even life. The Mosaic law prescribed severe penalties for false witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:16-21), recognizing slander's destructive power. The psalmist's appeal to God rather than human courts demonstrates faith that divine justice surpasses human judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Scripture repeatedly condemn lying and deceit as particularly offensive sins?
  2. How do 'lying lips' and 'deceitful tongue' harm both individuals and communities?
  3. What recourse do believers have when falsely accused or slandered?
  4. How does Jesus' experience of false testimony during His trial illuminate this psalm?
  5. In what ways might we inadvertently participate in spreading falsehood or gossip?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יְֽהוָ֗ה1 of 7

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַצִּ֣ילָה2 of 7

“Deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

נַ֭פְשִׁי3 of 7

“my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מִשְּׂפַת4 of 7

“lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

שֶׁ֑קֶר5 of 7

“from lying”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

מִלָּשׁ֥וֹן6 of 7

“tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

רְמִיָּֽה׃7 of 7

“and from a deceitful”

H7423

remissness, treachery

Study Guide

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 120:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 120:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 140:1-3Proverbs 12:22Psalms 109:1-2Psalms 52:2-4Matthew 26:59-62Psalms 35:11

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