King James Version
Psalms 64:3 in the King James Version says “Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 64 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:”
Psalms 64:3 · KJV
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? matter: or, speech of: Heb. to hide his snares
KJV Study — Public Domain
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“Who whet”
H8150to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate
“like a sword”
H2719drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
“their tongue”
H3956the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
“and bend”
H1869to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
“their bows to shoot their arrows”
H2671properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
“words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
“even bitter”
H4751bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
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.
Psalms 64:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
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