Psalms 51:15
O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Original Language Analysis
שְׂפָתַ֣י
thou my lips
H8193
שְׂפָתַ֣י
thou my lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
2 of 6
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
תִּפְתָּ֑ח
open
H6605
תִּפְתָּ֑ח
open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
3 of 6
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
וּ֝פִ֗י
and my mouth
H6310
וּ֝פִ֗י
and my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Hebrews 13:15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.Psalms 9:14That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.Ezekiel 29:21In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.Psalms 119:13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.Exodus 4:11And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?Matthew 22:12And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.Ezekiel 3:27But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.Mark 7:34And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.Ezekiel 16:63That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.1 Samuel 2:9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition uses this verse to begin the Amidah (standing prayer), acknowledging that even prayer requires divine enabling. We cannot praise without God first opening our lips.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin 'close' our lips, and how does forgiveness 'open' them?
- What is the relationship between receiving mercy and declaring praise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The opened lips: 'O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.' Sin had silenced David; guilt closed his mouth. Divine forgiveness opens lips for praise. The same mouth that commanded Uriah's death will now declare God's praise. Transformation, not just pardon.