King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:9 Mean?

Psalms 140:9 in the King James Version says “As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.”

Psalms 140:9 · KJV

Context

7

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. lest: or, let them not be exalted

9

As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10

Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

11

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. an: Heb. a man of tongue: or an evil speaker, a wicked man of violence be established in the earth: let him be hunted to his overthrow

Read Psalms 140 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. David invokes poetic justice—requesting that enemies' own evil schemes rebound upon them. "As for the head of those that compass me about" (rosh mesibai, רֹאשׁ מְסִבָּי) uses rosh (רֹאשׁ, "head") possibly meaning (1) chief/leader of enemies, or (2) metaphorical 'head' as in 'sum total' of surrounding enemies. Sabab (סָבַב, "compass, surround") in Polel form means "to encircle completely." David is surrounded by enemies pressing in from all sides—a desperate military situation.

"Let the mischief of their own lips cover them" (amal sefatemo yekassemo, עֲמַל שְׂפָתֵימוֹ יְכַסֵּמוֹ) requests that enemies' verbal sins become their judgment. Amal (עָמָל, "mischief, trouble, harm") is evil produced through deliberate effort. Saphah (שָׂפָה, "lips") represents speech—the slander, lies, and false accusations mentioned in v. 3. Kasah (כָּסָה, "cover") suggests overwhelming, like floodwaters covering. David asks that the very lies they spoke against him overwhelm them instead.

This imprecatory prayer reflects 'measure for measure' justice principle pervasive in Scripture (Exodus 21:23-25, Deuteronomy 19:18-21, Esther 7:10, Proverbs 26:27). It's not personal vendetta but appeal to divine justice: let the punishment fit the crime. Those who weaponized speech should suffer from their own weapon. Psalm 7:15-16 expresses similar principle: "He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head." Romans 2:5 warns that the unrepentant "treasurest up unto thyself wrath."

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical history repeatedly demonstrates this principle of enemies' schemes backfiring. Haman built gallows for Mordecai but was hanged on it himself (Esther 7:9-10). Daniel's accusers plotted his death via lions' den law, then were thrown to the lions themselves with their families (Daniel 6:24). Those who accused Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were consumed by the furnace's flames (Daniel 3:22). Jesus warned: "with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" (Matthew 7:2). Judas's thirty pieces of silver, gained by betraying Jesus, purchased the field where he died (Matthew 27:3-8, Acts 1:18-19). God's justice often operates through natural consequences—sin carries inherent penalty. David's prayer asks God to let this natural justice run its course rather than allowing evil to prosper unpunished.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle of 'mischief of their own lips covering them' reflect God's justice that lets consequences naturally flow from choices?
  2. Is it appropriate for Christians to pray imprecatory prayers asking God to judge enemies, or should we only pray for their salvation (Matthew 5:44)?
  3. How does Jesus's warning 'with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you' (Matthew 7:2) both comfort victims and warn perpetrators of evil?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
רֹ֥אשׁ1 of 5

“As for the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

מְסִבָּ֑י2 of 5

“of those that compass me about”

H4524

a divan (as enclosing the room); abstractly (adverbial) around

עֲמַ֖ל3 of 5

“let the mischief”

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

שְׂפָתֵ֣ימוֹ4 of 5

“of their own lips”

H8193

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

יְכַסֵּֽומוֹ׃5 of 5

“cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

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 140:9 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 140:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 7:16Proverbs 18:7Psalms 94:23Proverbs 12:13Esther 7:10Psalms 64:8

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 140 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 140 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes