Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.

PSALMS 58:6KJV
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Psalms 58:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 58:6 mean?

Psalms 58:6 is a plea for God to stop the harm done by wicked people. The speaker asks God to take away their power to hurt others, using the picture of breaking the teeth of dangerous animals.

After describing the wicked as deaf to correction, the speaker turns directly to God. The “young lions” picture their strength and ferocity. Addressing God as “O LORD” makes the appeal personal and direct.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 58:6

  • “great teeth” — מְתַלְּעוֹת (metalleʿot): The word refers to teeth used for biting, often understood as fangs or jaw teeth. Here it sharpens the picture of lions equipped to seize and tear.
  • “young lions” — כְּפִירִים (kefirim): The word refers to young lions. The image suggests animals strong enough to hunt, rather than helpless cubs.

Why Psalms 58:6 matters

  • The plea concerns people who have misused power. Earlier in the psalm, the speaker accuses them of weighing out violence on the earth (verse 2).
  • The verse is a request to God, not an instruction to the people being addressed. Both commands, “Break” and “break out,” are directed to God.

Where else these words appear

“lions” Hebrew H3715 · used in 32 verses

  • Judges 14:5 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
  • Proverbs 20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
  • Ezekiel 19:5 Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.

“out” Hebrew H5422 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 10:27 And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
  • Job 19:10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.

“Break” Hebrew H2040 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Psalms 28:5 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
  • Jeremiah 50:15 Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.

“teeth” Hebrew H8127 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 49:12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
  • Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
  • Song of Solomon 5:14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.