Psalms 55:21
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
Original Language Analysis
מַחְמָאֹ֣ת
than butter
H4260
מַחְמָאֹ֣ת
than butter
Strong's:
H4260
Word #:
2 of 10
something buttery (i.e., unctuous and pleasant), as (figuratively) flattery
פִּיו֮
The words of his mouth
H6310
פִּיו֮
The words of his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 10
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
לִ֫בּ֥וֹ
was in his heart
H3820
לִ֫בּ֥וֹ
was in his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 10
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
רַכּ֖וּ
were softer
H7401
רַכּ֖וּ
were softer
Strong's:
H7401
Word #:
6 of 10
to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively
דְבָרָ֥יו
his words
H1697
דְבָרָ֥יו
his words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 10
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
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 28:3Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.Proverbs 26:28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.Psalms 64:3Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:Psalms 12:2They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Matthew 26:25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.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.Psalms 59:7Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, treaties were often made with fine words while parties prepared for treachery. David experienced this both in Absalom's deceptive charm winning Israel's hearts (2 Samuel 15:6) and Ahithophel's persuasive counsel serving rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you develop discernment to recognize deception beneath persuasive speech?
- What role does Scripture play in exposing false teaching that appears superficially sound?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of words 'smoother than butter' yet harboring 'war' and softer than oil yet being 'drawn swords' captures deception's nature. The Hebrew 'chalaq' (smooth/flattering) appears in warnings against the adulteress (Proverbs 7:21), linking betrayal to spiritual adultery. This anticipates warnings against false teachers whose smooth words deceive the simple (Romans 16:18).