King James Version

What Does Psalms 141:3 Mean?

Psalms 141:3 in the King James Version says “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 141 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”

Psalms 141:3 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

2

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. set: Heb. directed

3

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

4

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

5

Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. me; it shall be a: or, let the rigteous smite mee kindly, and reprove me; let not their precious oil break my head, etc

Read Psalms 141 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." The petition shitah YHWH shomerah l'phi (set, O LORD, a guard for my mouth) asks for divine help controlling speech. Shomerah (guard/watchman) indicates sentinel protecting against invasion. Peh (mouth) encompasses all speech. Nitzrah al dal sefatai (keep watch over the door of my lips). Natsar (keep/guard/preserve); delet (door); sapah (lip). The double image—guard before mouth, door over lips—emphasizes desperate need for restraint. James 3:2-12 elaborates on the tongue's power and difficulty in taming it. David knew his own vulnerability to sinful speech and called on God to control what he himself couldn't fully govern.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's life included speech failures: rash vow regarding Nabal (1 Samuel 25), numbering Israel pridefully (2 Samuel 24), inadequate response to Amnon's sin (2 Samuel 13). Other biblical figures struggled with speech: Moses struck rock in anger rather than speaking to it (Numbers 20:10-12), Peter denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75), Paul had sharp contention with Barnabas (Acts 15:39). Proverbs extensively addresses speech: guarding lips preserves life (Proverbs 13:3), many words increase sin (Proverbs 10:19), pleasant words are like honeycomb (Proverbs 16:24). Jesus warned that every idle word will face judgment (Matthew 12:36-37).

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific areas of speech (gossip, criticism, lying, vulgarity, etc.) require God's guarding in your life?
  2. How can believers practically "set a guard" before their mouths in daily interactions?
  3. What is the relationship between heart condition and speech patterns (Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
שִׁיתָ֣ה1 of 8

“Set”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

יְ֭הוָה2 of 8

“O LORD”

H3068

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

שָׁמְרָ֣ה3 of 8

“a watch”

H8108

watchfulness

לְפִ֑י4 of 8

“before my mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

נִ֝צְּרָ֗ה5 of 8

“keep”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

עַל6 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דַּ֥ל7 of 8

“the door”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

שְׂפָתָֽי׃8 of 8

“of my lips”

H8193

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

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 141:3 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 141:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:26Psalms 39:1Micah 7:5Psalms 34:13James 3:2Psalms 71:8

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 141 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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