Psalms 55:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 55:9 mean?

Psalms 55:9 is a plea from the psalmist asking God to bring confusion and division among his enemies by disrupting their communication, because he has witnessed violence and conflict in the city. The verse expresses a desire for God to intervene and break the unity of those causing trouble.

King David is speaking in this psalm, crying out to God because he feels betrayed and surrounded by turmoil in Jerusalem. The request to "divide their tongues" refers to confusing the speech or plans of those stirring up trouble, much like the story of Babel. David’s words show his distress over the violence and strife he sees around him, and his hope that God will step in to stop it.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 55:9

• "Destroy" (בָּלַע, bala‘): This word often means to swallow up or bring to ruin, showing David’s wish for God to completely undo the plans of the wicked.
• "Divide" (פָּלַג, palag): This word means to split or separate, and here it points to breaking up the unity or cooperation of David’s enemies, making it harder for them to work together.
• "Tongues" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon): This word means languages or speech, so dividing their tongues suggests causing confusion in how the troublemakers communicate, echoing the confusion at Babel.

Why Psalms 55:9 matters

• The verse highlights how David sees the power of communication in causing or stopping conflict; by asking God to divide their tongues, he targets the root of their unity.
• It connects to the wider psalm, where David is deeply troubled by betrayal and violence, showing his dependence on God to bring justice rather than taking matters into his own hands.
• The mention of violence and strife in the city grounds the verse in real, visible problems, making David’s prayer a response to specific dangers rather than a general complaint.