Psalms 59:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 59:7 mean?

Psalms 59:7 describes people whose words are dangerous and who speak as though no one will hold them responsible. The speaker draws attention not only to what comes out of their mouths, but also to their apparent confidence that no one is listening.

After describing them as prowling dogs in verse 6, the speaker portrays their speech as weapons. The question “who, say they, doth hear?” gives voice to their attitude: they assume their words will go unheard.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 59:7

• “out” — נָבַע (navaʿ): This word can describe something flowing or pouring out. With “belch” in the KJV, it pictures speech coming out in a rush rather than as a single remark.
• “hear” — שָׁמַע (shamaʿ): This word means to hear or listen. In the question at the end of the verse, it draws attention to the speakers’ assumption that no one hears them.

Why Psalms 59:7 matters

• The danger includes speech as well as physical pursuit. “Swords are in their lips” gives the reader a picture of words that can wound.
• The question at the end expresses the attackers’ confidence, not the psalm speaker’s conclusion. The KJV marks the question as theirs with “say they.”
• The wider passage answers that confidence with a contrast. In verse 8, the speaker says that the Lord laughs at them, rather than remaining unaware of them.