Question 1

What does Psalms 120:2 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 120:2 is a plea from the writer asking the LORD to rescue him from people who lie and speak deceitfully. The verse expresses a deep desire for protection from harmful words and dishonesty that threaten the speaker’s well-being. In this psalm, the writer (traditionally understood to be an individual in distress) is speaking directly to the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible). The situation involves being surrounded or troubled by people whose words cannot be trusted—those with “lying lips” and a “deceitful tongue.” The verse highlights the pain and danger that false accusations and dishonest speech can cause, showing the psalmist’s dependence on God for deliverance.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 120:2

Accepted Answer

“Deliver” (נָצַל, natsal, H5337) means to snatch away or rescue. The word carries a sense of urgent need for help, not just a passive hope. “Soul” (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh, H5315) refers to the whole self or life, not just the inner spirit. The psalmist is asking for total rescue, not just emotional relief. “Lying” (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer, H8267) means falsehood or untruth. This word emphasizes intentional deception, not just a mistake. “Deceitful” (רְמִיָּה, remiyyah, H7423) means treacherous or crafty. This highlights that the harm comes from deliberate trickery, not just careless words.

Question 3

Why Psalms 120:2 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the psalmist’s trouble is not physical violence but the real harm caused by lies and deceitful speech, which can destroy reputations and relationships. The use of both “lying lips” and “deceitful tongue” shows the seriousness and depth of the problem, pointing to a situation where dishonesty is widespread or deeply personal. Psalms 120:2 sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which deals with the pain of living among people who do not value truth, making the plea for God’s intervention even more urgent and relatable.

Psalms 120:2 (KJV)