King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:3 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

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

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) Comp. Psalm 64:3; Psalm 58:4; Psalm 52:2; Psalm 10:7. **Adders.—**The Hebrew word is peculiar to this place, and is explained by Gesenius to be a compound of two words, to represent “that which rolls itself up and lies in ambush.” “Besides the cobra and the cerastes, several other species of venomous snakes are common in Syria, and we may apply the name, either generically or specifically, to the vipers. Two species, *Vipera ammodytes *and *Vipera euphratica, we *found to be very common. The former of these was known to Linnæus as inhabiting Palestine. They are plainlycoloured serpents, with broad flat heads and suddenly-contracting tails” (Tristram, *Nat. Hist. of the Bible, *p. 275). The LXX. and Vulg. read “asp.” (Comp. Romans 3:13.)

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 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.