They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.
They have made their tongues as sharp as a snake's; deadly poison flows from their lips. Selah.
The writer is saying that his enemies use their words as deadly weapons, speaking lies and harmful things that poison others like a venomous snake.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context, Psalm 140 is attributed to King David, who likely wrote it during periods of intense persecution, such as when he was fleeing from enemies like King Saul who sought to harm him through slander and plots. This verse uses the imagery of a serpent's tongue and poison to depict malicious speech, drawing from ancient Near Eastern culture where snakes symbolized deceit and danger, much like in other biblical texts. Such metaphors were common in Hebrew poetry to express the real threats posed by verbal attacks in a society where words could incite violence or social ruin.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.