Psalms 59:7
Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
Original Language Analysis
יַבִּ֘יע֤וּן
Behold they belch out
H5042
יַבִּ֘יע֤וּן
Behold they belch out
Strong's:
H5042
Word #:
2 of 8
to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor)
בְּפִיהֶ֗ם
with their mouth
H6310
בְּפִיהֶ֗ם
with their mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
חֲ֭רָבוֹת
swords
H2719
חֲ֭רָבוֹת
swords
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
4 of 8
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
בְּשִׂפְתוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם
are in their lips
H8193
בְּשִׂפְתוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם
are in their lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
5 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
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 10:11He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.Psalms 73:11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Historical Context
Slander was a primary weapon in ancient Near Eastern politics and warfare. Saul's defamation of David (implied in the narrative) turned public opinion and justified persecution, showing how words can be as deadly as swords.
Questions for Reflection
- How does verbal assault function as spiritual warfare?
- What does the wicked's assumption that 'none hears' reveal about the importance of God's omniscience?
Analysis & Commentary
The enemies' verbal assaults ('belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips') reveal that slander wounds like weapons. The Hebrew 'naba' (belch/pour forth) suggests uncontrolled verbal violence. Their rhetorical question 'who doth hear?' indicates practical atheism—assuming no accountability. This anticipates James's teaching on the tongue's deadly power (James 3:5-8).