King James Version

What Does Psalms 120:2 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

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

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Deliver . . .**—This is the cry for help of which mention has just been made. The thought is one we have met frequently. Of all the elements of bitterness which made up the lot of Israel under foreign dominion, taunts and calumnies seem to have made the deepest wound, and left the most lasting scar. This was “the torture prolonged from age to age,” under which we hear psalmist after psalmist raising his cry for deliverance.

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 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.