Psalm 149 6

Psalm 149:6 kjv

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;

Psalm 149:6 nkjv

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand,

Psalm 149:6 niv

May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,

Psalm 149:6 esv

Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,

Psalm 149:6 nlt

Let the praises of God be in their mouths,
and a sharp sword in their hands ?

Psalm 149 verses

Psalm 149 6 Meaning

Psalm 149:6 describes God's dedicated people as those who possess fervent praise to the Most High God in their mouths and a highly effective, powerful weapon – a two-edged sword – in their hands. This verse portrays a people engaged simultaneously in ardent worship and active spiritual battle or the execution of divine judgment, emphasizing that their devotion to God is intrinsically linked to their participation in His redemptive and authoritative work.

Psalm 149 6 Context

Psalm 149 belongs to the collection of "Hallel Psalms" (146-150), often associated with communal worship and festivals. It opens with an exuberant call for God's saints—His chosen and redeemed people, identified as "Israel"—to sing new songs of praise. The psalm moves from celebrating God's delight in His people (Ps 149:4) and their victory through Him, to describing their active participation in the execution of His divine judgments on the nations. Historically, while Psalm 149 might reflect ancient Israel's experience in physical conquest and battle, its deeper fulfillment and application, particularly concerning the "two-edged sword," extends beyond mere physical weaponry to spiritual warfare and the authoritative proclamation of God's Word, especially within the New Covenant. The verse under analysis sits within this context of enthusiastic worship leading into, and accompanying, the fulfillment of God's decrees of judgment and triumph over all opposing forces.

Psalm 149 6 Word analysis

• "Let the high praises" (רוֹמְמוֹת - rowmemoth): This word signifies exalted, majestic, and superlative praise. It refers to lifting God up in supreme adoration, acknowledging His unparalleled greatness and authority. It suggests fervent, intense worship that rises to Him.

• "of God" (אֵל - 'ēl): This is a powerful, ancient Semitic term for "God," often associated with might, strength, and transcendence. It specifies the true, sovereign Deity as the worthy recipient of such exalted praise, contrasting Him with any false gods or limited powers.

• "be in their mouth" (בִּגְרוֹנָם - big'rōnām): Literally "in their throat" or "gullet," it functions as a metonym for speech or vocal expression. This highlights that the praise is not merely intellectual or internal but audibly and vocally expressed, indicating a public and continuous proclamation of God's glory flowing from their very being.

• "and a two-edged sword" (וְחֶרֶב פִּיפִיּוֹת - weḥereḇ pîypîyōṯ):

  • "sword" (חֶרֶב - ḥereḇ): A conventional military weapon, symbolizing power, authority, decisive action, and judgment. In the Bible, it often represents the instrument by which divine justice is executed or truth is established.
  • "two-edged" (פִּיפִיּוֹת - pîypîyōṯ): Derived from the word for "mouth" or "edge" (dual form), meaning literally "mouth-mouths." It denotes a sword sharpened on both sides, signifying extreme effectiveness, cutting power, and the ability to penetrate deeply in any direction. This makes it a supremely effective weapon for cutting through opposition and exposing truth.

• "in their hand" (בְּיָדָם - beyāḏām): "Hand" symbolizes action, power, agency, and control. This indicates that the sword is actively wielded by the saints, signifying that they are equipped for and engaged in effective action, whether in spiritual battle, executing divine decrees, or ministering the powerful Word of God.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "high praises of God be in their mouth": This phrase underlines the centrality of fervent, vocal worship in the life of God's people. It suggests that worship is not passive but an active declaration of God's sovereignty and a powerful spiritual act that aligns the believer with divine purposes, sometimes even acting as a weapon itself.
  • "and a two-edged sword in their hand": This complementary phrase portrays the saints as actively engaged in God's work of justice and truth. The "two-edged sword" is overwhelmingly interpreted in the New Testament as the Word of God, indicating that the believer's role is to wield spiritual truth and authority to expose error, bring down spiritual strongholds, and advance God's righteous kingdom. This action flows from and is empowered by their worship.

Psalm 149 6 Bonus section

• The imagery of the "two-edged sword" points to completeness and efficacy; nothing can stand against it. In this context, it is wielded not for personal vengeance but as an instrument of divine justice, consistent with God's ultimate righteous judgments upon evil.
• This verse can be understood eschatologically, depicting the triumph of the saints in the end times, where their fervent praise is part of their ultimate victory and their participation in God's established kingdom.
• The Psalm reminds believers that praise is an offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. When God's people genuinely worship, they align with God's power, allowing Him to work on their behalf and through them to dismantle spiritual opposition.
• The fusion of worship and action ensures that spiritual authority is always rooted in divine relationship and devotion, preventing the misuse of power for selfish gain or carnal means.
• Some rabbinic interpretations suggest a connection between this psalm and the Messianic age, where God's chosen people will usher in His kingdom with both praise and judgment.

Psalm 149 6 Commentary

Psalm 149:6 presents a dynamic paradox for God's people: profound, heartfelt worship alongside active engagement in divine purposes. "High praises in their mouth" speaks of deep intimacy with God, overflowing into vocal declarations of His supremacy and worthiness. This is not casual adoration but an intense, spiritual exaltation that stems from an awareness of God's holiness and power. Simultaneously, "a two-edged sword in their hand" portrays these same worshippers as equipped for powerful, authoritative action. Under the New Covenant, this "sword" is primarily understood as the Word of God (Heb 4:12; Eph 6:17), which cuts through all falsehood, convicts hearts, and possesses the power to divide soul and spirit. It signifies that the spiritual warfare of believers involves the authoritative proclamation of God's truth, the enforcement of divine decrees, and participation in Christ's authority over spiritual darkness. This verse teaches that authentic worship is not detached from righteous action; rather, worship fuels and empowers believers to wield the potent Word of God for spiritual victory and to see God's will accomplished on earth.

Examples for practical usage:

• Fervent worship (like in Acts 16 when Paul and Silas sang in prison) often precedes and enables miraculous breakthrough against spiritual barriers.
• Proclaiming specific Scriptures ("the sword of the Spirit") aloud in prayer against oppressive spiritual forces or for justice in a situation.
• Living out the uncompromising truths of God's Word, which challenges and transforms society, like a sharp sword cutting through sin and injustice.