The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

PSALMS 55:21KJV
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Psalms 55:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 55:21 mean?

Psalms 55:21 describes someone whose speech sounds gentle and pleasant, but whose true intentions are hostile and dangerous. The verse uses vivid comparisons, saying the person's words are smoother than butter and softer than oil, yet underneath, they are as harmful as drawn swords.

In this psalm, David is speaking about betrayal by someone he once trusted, likely a close friend or companion. The verse highlights the pain and shock of realizing that kind, flattering words can hide deep-seated malice. The poetic language draws attention to the contrast between outward appearances and inner motives, warning that not everyone who speaks kindly can be trusted.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 55:21

  • "Smoother" (חָלַק, ḥālaq) means to be smooth or slippery. Here, it suggests that the person's words are polished and convincing, but also deceptive, hinting at a hidden danger beneath the surface.
  • "Butter" (חֶמְאָה, ḥem'āh) is a rich, soft food, used here to emphasize how pleasant and easy the words sound, making the betrayal even more unexpected.
  • "War" (קְרָב, qerav) means battle or conflict. The verse points out that while the speech is peaceful, the heart is actually planning harm, showing a sharp contrast between words and intentions.
  • "Drawn swords" (פְּתִיחוֹת, pethichot) refers to swords that are unsheathed and ready for attack. This image makes clear that the soft words are actually as dangerous as weapons, not just empty flattery.

Why Psalms 55:21 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that gentle or flattering speech always means goodwill; it warns that words can be used to disguise harmful intentions.
  • Psalms 55:21 emphasizes the emotional pain of betrayal, especially when it comes from someone close, which is a major theme in the surrounding verses.
  • The vivid contrasts in this verse help the reader see the difference between appearance and reality, a warning that is echoed elsewhere in the Bible and in everyday life.

Where else these words appear

“softer” Hebrew H7401 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.
  • Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

“war” Hebrew H7128 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
  • Psalms 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
  • Psalms 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

“smoother” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Kings 18:6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.