Psalms 10:7

Authorized King James Version

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָלָ֤ה
of cursing
an imprecation
#2
פִּ֣יהוּ
His mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#3
מָ֭לֵא
is full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#4
וּמִרְמ֣וֹת
and deceit
fraud
#5
וָתֹ֑ךְ
and fraud
oppression
#6
תַּ֥חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#7
לְ֝שׁוֹנ֗וֹ
under his tongue
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,
#8
עָמָ֥ל
is mischief
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#9
וָאָֽוֶן׃
and vanity
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection