Psalms 10:7

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

אָלָ֤ה of cursing H423
אָלָ֤ה of cursing
Strong's: H423
Word #: 1 of 9
an imprecation
פִּ֣יהוּ His mouth H6310
פִּ֣יהוּ His mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 2 of 9
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
מָ֭לֵא is full H4390
מָ֭לֵא is full
Strong's: H4390
Word #: 3 of 9
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
וּמִרְמ֣וֹת and deceit H4820
וּמִרְמ֣וֹת and deceit
Strong's: H4820
Word #: 4 of 9
fraud
וָתֹ֑ךְ and fraud H8496
וָתֹ֑ךְ and fraud
Strong's: H8496
Word #: 5 of 9
oppression
תַּ֥חַת H8478
תַּ֥חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 6 of 9
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
לְ֝שׁוֹנ֗וֹ under his tongue H3956
לְ֝שׁוֹנ֗וֹ under his tongue
Strong's: H3956
Word #: 7 of 9
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,
עָמָ֥ל is mischief H5999
עָמָ֥ל is mischief
Strong's: H5999
Word #: 8 of 9
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
וָאָֽוֶן׃ and vanity H205
וָאָֽוֶן׃ and vanity
Strong's: H205
Word #: 9 of 9
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

Analysis & Commentary

Paul quotes this verse in Romans 3:14 as evidence of universal human depravity. The 'mouth full of cursing' reveals that speech flows from heart condition (Matthew 12:34). The Hebrew terms for 'oppression' and 'deceit' indicate violence cloaked in false words—a pattern seen throughout Scripture in false prophets and teachers.

Historical Context

Describes the speech patterns of unjust rulers and judges in ancient Israel who used their authority to oppress rather than protect.

Questions for Reflection