Psalms 52:2
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Original Language Analysis
תַּחְשֹׁ֣ב
deviseth
H2803
תַּחְשֹׁ֣ב
deviseth
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
לְשׁוֹנֶ֑ךָ
Thy tongue
H3956
לְשׁוֹנֶ֑ךָ
Thy tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
3 of 7
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,
כְּתַ֥עַר
razor
H8593
כְּתַ֥עַר
razor
Strong's:
H8593
Word #:
4 of 7
a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)
מְ֝לֻטָּ֗שׁ
like a sharp
H3913
מְ֝לֻטָּ֗שׁ
like a sharp
Strong's:
H3913
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to hammer out (an edge), i.e., to sharpen
Cross References
Proverbs 18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.Psalms 59:7Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Historical Context
Doeg's report to Saul about Ahimelech helping David (1 Samuel 22:9-10) led to the massacre of 85 priests. His 'sharp razor' words killed through royal decree.
Questions for Reflection
- How can speech 'work deceitfully' like a razor?
- What is particularly dangerous about calculated, careful evil speech?
Analysis & Commentary
The accusation: 'Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.' The 'tongue' represents speech and influence. 'Deviseth' indicates deliberate planning of harm. The razor image suggests cutting precision that wounds while appearing to serve. Deceitful speech appears helpful while actually harming.