Psalms 144:8
Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פִּ֭יהֶם
Whose mouth
H6310
פִּ֭יהֶם
Whose mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
דִּבֶּר
speaketh
H1696
דִּבֶּר
speaketh
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
שָׁ֑וְא
vanity
H7723
שָׁ֑וְא
vanity
Strong's:
H7723
Word #:
4 of 7
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
יְמִ֣ין
and their right hand
H3225
יְמִ֣ין
and their right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
5 of 7
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
Cross References
Psalms 12:2They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.Isaiah 44:20He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?Psalms 41:6And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.Psalms 62:4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern diplomacy involved elaborate oath ceremonies with right-hand rituals. Treaty violations were considered cosmic crimes invoking divine curses. David experienced treachery from Saul (breaking his oath, 1 Samuel 19-20), Absalom (pretended loyalty), and foreign nations (violated treaties). Truthfulness was fundamental to covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How do 'mouths speaking vanity' and 'right hands of falsehood' manifest in modern culture (propaganda, fake news, broken promises)?
- What does it mean for Christians to be people whose 'yes is yes and no is no' in a world of spin and deception?
- How does Christ's perfect truthfulness and covenant faithfulness contrast with enemy lies and broken oaths?
Analysis & Commentary
Whose mouth speaketh vanity (אֲשֶׁר פִּיהֶם דִּבֶּר־שָׁוְא)—Shav (vanity, falsehood, emptiness) describes enemy propaganda, lies, and deceptive treaties. And their right hand is a right hand of falsehood (viyminam yemin shaqer)—the right hand symbolizes covenant oaths and agreements (Genesis 24:9). A 'right hand of falsehood' means treacherous broken promises.
David identifies enemies not merely by military threat but by moral-spiritual character: they lie, deceive, and break oaths. This pattern appears in Absalom's conspiracy (2 Samuel 15:1-6), built on flattery and false promises. The antithesis is Christ, whose mouth speaks truth (John 14:6) and whose right hand never fails covenant promises. Believers must resist speaking 'vanity' and ensure their oaths are trustworthy (Matthew 5:33-37, James 5:12).