Psalms 52:2

Authorized King James Version

Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַ֭וּוֹת

H1942

mischiefs

by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin

תַּחְשֹׁ֣ב

H2803

deviseth

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

לְשׁוֹנֶ֑ךָ

H3956

Thy tongue

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

H8593

razor

a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)

מְ֝לֻטָּ֗שׁ

H3913

like a sharp

properly, to hammer out (an edge), i.e., to sharpen

עֹשֵׂ֥ה

H6213

working

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

רְמִיָּֽה׃

H7423

deceitfully

remissness, treachery

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?