Psalms 5:9
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּפִ֡יהוּ
in their mouth
H6310
בְּפִ֡יהוּ
in their mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 11
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
נְכוֹנָה֮
For there is no faithfulness
H3559
נְכוֹנָה֮
For there is no faithfulness
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
קִרְבָּ֪ם
their inward
H7130
קִרְבָּ֪ם
their inward
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
הַ֫וּ֥וֹת
part is very wickedness
H1942
הַ֫וּ֥וֹת
part is very wickedness
Strong's:
H1942
Word #:
6 of 11
by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin
פָּת֥וּחַ
is an open
H6605
פָּת֥וּחַ
is an open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
8 of 11
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
Cross References
Romans 3:13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: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.Micah 6:12For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.Proverbs 29:5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.Psalms 51:6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.Psalms 52:2Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.Luke 11:44Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
Historical Context
This description fits David's enemies who used smooth words while plotting betrayal - Absalom, Ahithophel, and others. The sepulchre imagery would resonate with Jews who understood ritual uncleanness from contact with death. Early Christians saw this fulfilled in the Pharisees whom Jesus called 'whited sepulchres' (Matthew 23:27).
Questions for Reflection
- How do your words reveal the true condition of your heart?
- In what ways are you tempted to use flattery or deceptive speech rather than speaking truth in love?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes the wicked with surgical precision. 'No faithfulness in their mouth' means unreliable speech. 'Their inward part is very wickedness' uses Hebrew 'hawwah' (destruction/ruin), indicating inner corruption. 'Open sepulchre' (throat) suggests deadly speech that spreads death. 'They flatter with their tongue' shows manipulative deception. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 3:13 as evidence of universal human sinfulness. The progression from internal corruption to external expression shows that speech reveals the heart (Matthew 12:34).