Psalm 120 3

Psalm 120:3 kjv

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

Psalm 120:3 nkjv

What shall be given to you, Or what shall be done to you, You false tongue?

Psalm 120:3 niv

What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue?

Psalm 120:3 esv

What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?

Psalm 120:3 nlt

O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you?
How will he increase your punishment?

Psalm 120 verses

Psalm 120 3 Meaning

Psalm 120:3 expresses a rhetorical question that functions as an imprecation or a strong declaration of certain judgment. It inquires about the inevitable recompense that awaits a "deceitful tongue," implying that severe divine consequences will certainly be meted out for such malicious speech. The verse underscores the gravity of speaking falsely and maliciously in God's eyes, assuring that such sin will not go unpunished.

Psalm 120 3 Context

Psalm 120 is the first of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Pss 120-134), a collection traditionally believed to have been sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for the great annual festivals or by priests ascending the steps to the temple. This Psalm reflects the psalmist's personal distress from living among quarrelsome and deceitful people, characterized by hostile, mendacious communication. He cries out to the Lord (v. 1-2) for deliverance from "lying lips" and a "deceitful tongue," highlighting the pervasive torment caused by falsehood and malicious speech. Verse 3, therefore, flows directly from this plea, expressing a rhetorical imprecation against the source of his suffering—the lying tongue—and confidently declaring its eventual divine judgment. The mention of living among "Meshech" and "Kedar" (v. 5), traditionally nomadic, warlike peoples, symbolizes the constant strife and hostility experienced by the psalmist, making the deceitful tongue not just a nuisance, but a weapon causing real harm and undermining peace.

Psalm 120 3 Word analysis

• What: The Hebrew word is mah (מַה). It's an interrogative particle but used here rhetorically to express indignation, surprise, or an emphatic question. It signifies an expected, albeit dreaded, consequence. It's not a mere query but a pronouncement disguised as a question, implying a severe, appropriate judgment will indeed be exacted.

• shall be given: From the Hebrew verb nathan (נָתַן, yitten in the future tense). Literally "to give," but in this context, it carries the nuance of rendering, delivering, or inflicting. It suggests divine recompense, a payment or consequence "given" in return for actions.

• to you: Refers directly to the "deceitful tongue" (personification), emphasizing that the retribution is specifically targeted and deserved.

• and what more: The Hebrew v'mah (וּמַה) further emphasizes the rhetorical question, suggesting a second, perhaps even greater or cumulative, consequence. It's not just "what will be given," but "what else" or "what will be added" to that initial recompense.

• shall be done / shall he add: From the Hebrew verb yasaph (יָסַף, yosif in the future tense), meaning "to add," "to continue," "to increase." Some translations render this as "shall be done," suggesting an active consequence. The root idea of "adding" implies that the judgment might be ongoing, amplified, or that new calamities will be accumulated upon the deceitful one.

• you deceitful tongue: The Hebrew is leshôn r'miyâh (לְשׁוֹן רְמִיָּה).

  • leshôn (לְשׁוֹן): Means "tongue" or "language." It's used here metonymically to represent the entire person whose speech is characterized by deceit, or the act of deceptive speech itself. It highlights the instrument of the sin.
  • r'miyâh (רְמִיָּה): Signifies "deceit," "treachery," "trickery," "faithlessness," or "fraud." It implies deliberate falsehood and a malicious intent to mislead or harm, often involving betrayal. This is not simply error but intentional verbal manipulation with negative consequences.

• Words-group Analysis: "What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you": This pairing of rhetorical questions amplifies the certainty and severity of the impending judgment. It suggests not just one act of retribution but potentially an escalating or multifaceted divine response. The structure intensifies the imprecation, asserting that there will be no escaping the consequence, and it will be proportionate or even exceeding the harm caused.

• Words-group Analysis: "you deceitful tongue": This personification directly indicts the instrument of wickedness. By addressing the tongue directly, the psalmist emphasizes its active role and the responsibility attached to verbal conduct. It underlines the belief that God holds accountable not only the heart but also its external manifestations, especially harmful speech. The use of "deceitful" pinpoints the exact nature of the offense: intentional perversion of truth for harmful purposes.

Psalm 120 3 Bonus section

• The rhetorical structure of the verse creates a powerful sense of conviction and emotional intensity. The psalmist is not genuinely asking for options but expressing a profound certainty regarding the destiny of a deceitful tongue.
• This verse links intimately with wisdom literature throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Proverbs), which frequently addresses the dangers and consequences of the tongue, emphasizing prudence and integrity in speech.
• The emphasis on "given" and "added" suggests a direct and proportionate (perhaps even overflowing) response from divine justice, aligning with the principle of "measure for measure" or sowing and reaping.
• Within the context of the Songs of Ascents, the psalmist's prayer against lying speech highlights a common threat faced by God's people both physically on their journey and spiritually within contentious communities.

Psalm 120 3 Commentary

Psalm 120:3 serves as a potent declaration of divine retribution against malicious and deceptive speech. Following the psalmist's plea for deliverance from those who afflict him with lies (v. 1-2), this verse is not merely a question, but a rhetorical pronouncement. It boldly anticipates and articulates the judgment that awaits such evil. The "deceitful tongue" represents individuals who use their words as weapons of betrayal, manipulation, and falsehood. In biblical thought, the tongue is an incredibly powerful member, capable of both immense good and profound destruction. The repeated interrogatives ("What... and what more...") intensify the certainty and measure of the coming punishment, suggesting it will be undeniable, comprehensive, and potentially escalating. It reinforces the theological truth that God is a God of justice who sees and responds to the perversion of truth and the harm caused by unrighteous speech. This assurance provides comfort to those who suffer from the lies of others, affirming that ultimate vindication rests with the righteous Judge. It serves as a stern warning that every careless or malicious word will face scrutiny and receive its just due.