Psalms 73:9
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Original Language Analysis
בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
against the heavens
H8064
בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
against the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 6
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
פִּיהֶ֑ם
their mouth
H6310
פִּיהֶ֑ם
their mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם
and their tongue
H3956
וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם
and their tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
4 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,
Cross References
Revelation 13:6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.James 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Historical Context
Totalitarian regimes throughout history exemplify this pattern: official atheism or idolatry (mouths against heaven) combined with propaganda corrupting entire societies (tongues walking through earth).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to cultural blasphemy and mockery of God without becoming bitter or vengeful?
- What does it mean that wicked speech 'walks through the earth'—how does evil influence spread?
- How can Christians speak truth in societies where mouths are set against heaven?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Setting their mouth 'against the heavens' means blaspheming God directly. Their tongue 'walketh through the earth' suggests pervasive influence—their evil speech spreads everywhere. This describes comprehensive rebellion: vertical (against God) and horizontal (corrupting society). Their words violate both tables of the law. Yet God's truth will ultimately silence all blasphemy (Revelation 21:8), and every tongue will confess Christ's lordship (Philippians 2:11).