Psalms 52:4

Authorized King James Version

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Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

Original Language Analysis

אָהַ֥בְתָּ Thou lovest H157
אָהַ֥בְתָּ Thou lovest
Strong's: H157
Word #: 1 of 6
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
כָֽל H3605
כָֽל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵי words H1697
דִּבְרֵי words
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 3 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בָ֗לַע all devouring H1105
בָ֗לַע all devouring
Strong's: H1105
Word #: 4 of 6
a gulp; figuratively, destruction
לְשׁ֣וֹן tongue H3956
לְשׁ֣וֹן tongue
Strong's: H3956
Word #: 5 of 6
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,
מִרְמָֽה׃ O thou deceitful H4820
מִרְמָֽה׃ O thou deceitful
Strong's: H4820
Word #: 6 of 6
fraud

Analysis & Commentary

The summary: 'Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.' 'Devouring words' consume their victims--reputation, safety, life. The tongue is characterized as 'deceitful' in its essence, not just occasionally misleading. Words become weapons of destruction.

Historical Context

Doeg's words 'devoured' the priests of Nob--his report led directly to their deaths. His tongue was the instrument of massacre, showing how speech can kill as surely as swords.

Questions for Reflection