King James Version

What Does Psalms 5:9 Mean?

Psalms 5:9 in the King James Version says “For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; th...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. faithfulness: or, stedfastness their mouth: Heb. his mouth, that is, the mouth of any of them very: Heb. wickednesses”

Psalms 5:9 · KJV

Context

7

But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. thy holy: Heb. the temple of thy holiness

8

Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. mine: Heb. those which observe me

9

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. faithfulness: or, stedfastness their mouth: Heb. his mouth, that is, the mouth of any of them very: Heb. wickednesses

10

Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. Destroy: or, Make them guilty by: or, from their counsels

11

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. defendest: Heb. coverest over, or, protectest them

Read Psalms 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the wicked with surgical precision. 'No faithfulness in their mouth' means unreliable speech. 'Their inward part is very wickedness' uses Hebrew 'hawwah' (destruction/ruin), indicating inner corruption. 'Open sepulchre' (throat) suggests deadly speech that spreads death. 'They flatter with their tongue' shows manipulative deception. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 3:13 as evidence of universal human sinfulness. The progression from internal corruption to external expression shows that speech reveals the heart (Matthew 12:34).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This description fits David's enemies who used smooth words while plotting betrayal - Absalom, Ahithophel, and others. The sepulchre imagery would resonate with Jews who understood ritual uncleanness from contact with death. Early Christians saw this fulfilled in the Pharisees whom Jesus called 'whited sepulchres' (Matthew 23:27).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your words reveal the true condition of your heart?
  2. In what ways are you tempted to use flattery or deceptive speech rather than speaking truth in love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּ֤י1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֪ין2 of 11
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בְּפִ֡יהוּ3 of 11

“in their mouth”

H6310

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

נְכוֹנָה֮4 of 11

“For there is no faithfulness”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

קִרְבָּ֪ם5 of 11

“their inward”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

הַ֫וּ֥וֹת6 of 11

“part is very wickedness”

H1942

by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin

קֶֽבֶר7 of 11

“sepulchre”

H6913

a sepulcher

פָּת֥וּחַ8 of 11

“is an open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

גְּרוֹנָ֑ם9 of 11

“their throat”

H1627

the throat (as roughened by swallowing)

לְ֝שׁוֹנָ֗ם10 of 11

“with their tongue”

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,

יַחֲלִֽיקוּן׃11 of 11

“they flatter”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 3:13Jeremiah 9:3-6Psalms 62:4Micah 6:12Proverbs 29:5Psalms 51:6

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 5 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes