Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

PSALMS 55:9KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“divide” Hebrew H6385 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 10:25 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:19 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan.
  • Job 38:25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;

“Destroy” Hebrew H1104 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 41:7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
  • Job 8:18 If he destroy him from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, I have not seen thee.
  • Isaiah 9:16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

“violence” Hebrew H2555 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • Psalms 72:14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
  • Jeremiah 51:46 And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

“strife” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.