King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:3 Mean?

Psalms 140:3 in the King James Version says “They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 140:3 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; violent: Heb. man of violences

2

Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

3

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

4

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

5

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside ; they have set gins for me. Selah.

Read Psalms 140 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. This verse shifts from enemies' planning (v. 2) to their speech weaponry, using vivid metaphors from the snake world. "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent" (shanenu leshonam kemo-nachash, שָׁנְנוּ לְשׁוֹנָם כְּמוֹ־נָחָשׁ) compares slanderous speech to serpent's attack. Shanan (שָׁנַן) means "to sharpen, whet"—making a blade keen for cutting. The tongue, "sharpened," becomes weapon inflicting wounds through words (Proverbs 12:18, 18:21). Nachash (נָחָשׁ, "serpent") evokes Eden's deceiver (Genesis 3:1-5) and represents cunning, deadly danger.

This imagery recalls James 3:8: "the tongue... is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Verbal assault can destroy reputations, relationships, and lives without physical violence. Slander, lies, mockery, and manipulation cut deeply. David's enemies didn't merely oppose him militarily; they attacked through character assassination, spreading lies to turn public opinion and royal favor against him (Psalm 31:13, 35:11, 109:2-3).

"Adders' poison is under their lips" (chamat akhshuv tachat sefatemo, חֲמַת עַכְשׁוּב תַּחַת שְׂפָתֵימוֹ) intensifies the metaphor. Chamat (חֲמַת, "poison, venom") is deadly toxin. Akhshuv (עַכְשׁוּב) is a specific venomous snake, likely asp or viper. Tachat (תַּחַת, "under") suggests hidden danger—poison concealed beneath lips, ready to inject when opportunity arises. Paul quotes this verse (via the Septuagint) in Romans 3:13 as evidence of universal human sinfulness: "their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips."

"Selah" (סֶלָה) appears, marking pause for reflection on this sobering description of verbal evil.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ancient Near Eastern world understood the deadly danger of snake venom—medicine couldn't counteract it, and bites often proved fatal. Serpent imagery pervades Scripture as symbol of deadly evil, from Eden's serpent (Genesis 3) to Revelation's dragon (Revelation 12:9). Jesus called the Pharisees "serpents" and "generation of vipers" (Matthew 23:33), echoing John the Baptist's rebuke (Matthew 3:7). The association between serpents and deceptive, poisonous speech appears repeatedly (Psalm 58:3-4, 64:3, Jeremiah 8:17, 9:8). David's specific enemies—like Doeg the Edomite who informed Saul about Ahimelech helping David, resulting in the massacre of 85 priests (1 Samuel 22:9-19)—exemplified this serpentine tongue. Absalom's rebellion succeeded initially through smooth, deceitful words that 'stole the hearts' of Israel (2 Samuel 15:2-6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the metaphor of 'sharpened tongues' and 'poison under lips' capture the deadly danger of verbal sin like slander, gossip, and deception?
  2. What does it mean practically to guard against having 'poison under your lips,' and how can believers use speech for healing rather than harm (Proverbs 12:18)?
  3. How does Paul's use of this verse in Romans 3:13 to describe universal human sinfulness convict you personally about your own speech patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
שָֽׁנֲנ֣וּ1 of 9

“They have sharpened”

H8150

to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate

לְשׁוֹנָם֮2 of 9

“their tongues”

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,

כְּֽמוֹ3 of 9
H3644

as, thus, so

נָ֫חָ֥שׁ4 of 9

“like a serpent”

H5175

a snake (from its hiss)

חֲמַ֥ת5 of 9

“poison”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

עַכְשׁ֑וּב6 of 9

“adders”

H5919

an asp (from lurking coiled up)

תַּ֖חַת7 of 9
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

שְׂפָתֵ֣ימוֹ8 of 9

“is under their lips”

H8193

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

סֶֽלָה׃9 of 9

“Selah”

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

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 140:3 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 140:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 58:4Romans 3:13-142 Corinthians 11:3Proverbs 23:32Isaiah 59:3-5Matthew 12:34

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