Psalms 15:3
He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רָגַ֨ל׀
He that backbiteth
H7270
רָגַ֨ל׀
He that backbiteth
Strong's:
H7270
Word #:
2 of 13
to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְשֹׁנ֗וֹ
not with his tongue
H3956
לְשֹׁנ֗וֹ
not with his tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
4 of 13
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,
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָשָׂ֣ה
nor doeth
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
nor doeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָשָׂ֥א
nor taketh up
H5375
נָשָׂ֥א
nor taketh up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
11 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Cross References
Romans 13:10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.Matthew 7:12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.James 4:11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.Leviticus 19:16Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.3 John 1:11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.Isaiah 56:2Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.Proverbs 25:3The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.Proverbs 22:10Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.Romans 1:30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Historical Context
Written as wisdom for those dwelling in God's presence (Psalm 15:1). Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature consistently condemned slander as socially destructive.
Questions for Reflection
- How carefully do you guard against participating in gossip or slander?
- In what ways do your words build up your neighbors rather than tear them down?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes the righteous person's speech ethics: no slander ('ragal' - going about as a talebearer), no evil to a neighbor, and no reproach against friends. The Hebrew 'ragal' literally means 'to go about on foot as a spy,' indicating gossip. James 3 echoes this teaching about the tongue's destructive power. Reformed ethics sees speech as covenant faithfulness—our words should build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29).