Psalms 12:2

Authorized King James Version

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁ֤וְא׀
H7723
vanity
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
#2
יְדַבֵּֽרוּ׃
H1696
They speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#3
אִ֤ישׁ
H376
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
אֶת
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
רֵ֫עֵ֥הוּ
H7453
with his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#6
שְׂפַ֥ת
H8193
lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#7
חֲלָק֑וֹת
H2513
with flattering
properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery
#8
וָלֵ֣ב
H3820
and with a double
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#9
וָלֵ֣ב
H3820
and with a double
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#10
יְדַבֵּֽרוּ׃
H1696
They speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection