Psalms 120:2
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
Original Language Analysis
יְֽהוָ֗ה
O LORD
H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נַ֭פְשִׁי
my soul
H5315
נַ֭פְשִׁי
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
מִשְּׂפַת
lips
H8193
מִשְּׂפַת
lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
4 of 7
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
שֶׁ֑קֶר
from lying
H8267
שֶׁ֑קֶר
from lying
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
5 of 7
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
Historical Context
Lying and deceit were endemic problems in ancient Near Eastern society, where honor and reputation carried immense weight. False accusation could result in loss of property, position, or even life. The Mosaic law prescribed severe penalties for false witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:16-21), recognizing slander's destructive power. The psalmist's appeal to God rather than human courts demonstrates faith that divine justice surpasses human judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Scripture repeatedly condemn lying and deceit as particularly offensive sins?
- How do 'lying lips' and 'deceitful tongue' harm both individuals and communities?
- What recourse do believers have when falsely accused or slandered?
- How does Jesus' experience of false testimony during His trial illuminate this psalm?
- In what ways might we inadvertently participate in spreading falsehood or gossip?
Analysis & Commentary
The specific distress emerges: the psalmist suffers from 'lying lips' and 'deceitful tongue.' The Hebrew 'lashon remiyah' (deceitful tongue) refers to speech intended to mislead, manipulate, or destroy. Slander and false testimony were serious offenses in Israel's covenant community (Exodus 20:16; 23:1), as they violated both truth and neighbor-love. The double reference to speech organs ('lips' and 'tongue') emphasizes the comprehensive nature of verbal assault the psalmist endures. This prayer for deliverance recognizes that words wound deeply - gossip, lies, and manipulation inflict real harm. The appeal to God acknowledges that only divine intervention can vindicate the falsely accused. Human defense against slander often proves inadequate; God must act as defender of the righteous.