Psalms 140:3
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Psalms 140:3
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
Chapter Context
Psalms 140 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, hope, righteousness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 140:3
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
Analysis
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. This verse shifts from enemies' planning (v. 2) to their speech weaponry, using vivid metaphors from the snake world. "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent" (shanenu leshonam kemo-nachash, שָׁנְנוּ לְשׁוֹנָם כְּמוֹ־נָחָשׁ) compares slanderous speech to serpent's attack. Shanan (שָׁנַן) means "to sharpen, whet"—making a blade keen for cutting. The tongue, "sharpened," becomes weapon inflicting wounds through words (Proverbs 12:18, 18:21). Nachash (נָחָשׁ, "serpent") evokes Eden's deceiver (Genesis 3:1-5) and represents cunning, deadly danger.
This imagery recalls James 3:8: "the tongue... is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Verbal assault can destroy reputations, relationships, and lives without physical violence. Slander, lies, mockery, and manipulation cut deeply. David's enemies didn't merely oppose him militarily; they attacked through character assassination, spreading lies to turn public opinion and royal favor against him (Psalm 31:13, 35:11, 109:2-3).
"Adders' poison is under their lips" (chamat akhshuv tachat sefatemo, חֲמַת עַכְשׁוּב תַּחַת שְׂפָתֵימוֹ) intensifies the metaphor. Chamat (חֲמַת, "poison, venom") is deadly toxin. Akhshuv (עַכְשׁוּב) is a specific venomous snake, likely asp or viper. Tachat (תַּחַת, "under") suggests hidden danger—poison concealed beneath lips, ready to inject when opportunity arises. Paul quotes this verse (via the Septuagint) in Romans 3:13 as evidence of universal human sinfulness: "their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips."
"Selah" (סֶלָה) appears, marking pause for reflection on this sobering description of verbal evil.
Historical Context
The ancient Near Eastern world understood the deadly danger of snake venom—medicine couldn't counteract it, and bites often proved fatal. Serpent imagery pervades Scripture as symbol of deadly evil, from Eden's serpent (Genesis 3) to Revelation's dragon (Revelation 12:9). Jesus called the Pharisees "serpents" and "generation of vipers" (Matthew 23:33), echoing John the Baptist's rebuke (Matthew 3:7). The association between serpents and deceptive, poisonous speech appears repeatedly (Psalm 58:3-4, 64:3, Jeremiah 8:17, 9:8). David's specific enemies—like Doeg the Edomite who informed Saul about Ahimelech helping David, resulting in the massacre of 85 priests (1 Samuel 22:9-19)—exemplified this serpentine tongue. Absalom's rebellion succeeded initially through smooth, deceitful words that 'stole the hearts' of Israel (2 Samuel 15:2-6).
Reflection
- How does the metaphor of 'sharpened tongues' and 'poison under lips' capture the deadly danger of verbal sin like slander, gossip, and deception?
- What does it mean practically to guard against having 'poison under your lips,' and how can believers use speech for healing rather than harm (Proverbs 12:18)?
- How does Paul's use of this verse in Romans 3:13 to describe universal human sinfulness convict you personally about your own speech patterns?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 57:4, 58:4, Genesis 3:13, Proverbs 12:18, 23:32, Isaiah 59:13