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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 58:6 O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/58-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/19_Psa_058_006.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 58:6 - God Judges the Earth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/58-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/58-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/58.htm">Chapter 58</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/58-5.htm" title="Psalm 58:5">◄</a> Psalm 58:6 <a href="/psalms/58-7.htm" title="Psalm 58:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/58.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/58.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Break off their fangs, O God! Smash the jaws of these lions, O LORD!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/58.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/58.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/58.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Break their teeth in their mouth, O God! Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/58.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/58.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/58.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/58.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, O Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/58.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />O God, break their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/58.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God, knock the teeth out of their mouths; LORD, tear out the young lions’ fangs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/58.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God, knock the teeth out of their mouths; LORD, tear out the young lions&#8217 fangs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/58.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: Break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/58.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My enemies are fierce as lions, LORD God! Shatter their teeth. Snatch out their fangs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/58.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/58.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />O God, knock the teeth out of their mouths. Break the young lions' teeth, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/58.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Break the teeth of these fierce lions, O God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/58.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; LORD, break the fangs of the young lions!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/58.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/58.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />O God, break the teeth in their mouths! Smash the jawbones of the lions, O LORD! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/58.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/58.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/58.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/58.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />O God, break their teeth in their mouth, "" Break down the jaw-teeth of young lions, O YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/58.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> O God, break their teeth in their mouth, The jaw-teeth of young lions break down, O Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/58.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />God destroyed their teeth in their mouth: Jehovah broke down the young lions grinders.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/58.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />God shall break in pieces their teeth in their mouth: the Lord shall break the grinders of the lions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/58.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 57:7>God will crush their teeth within their own mouth. The Lord will break the molars of the lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/58.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />O God, smash the teeth in their mouths; break the fangs of these lions, LORD! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/58.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/58.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Break their teeth in their mouths, O God; pull out the fangs of the lions, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/58.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />God will shatter their teeth in their mouths and LORD JEHOVAH pulls out the fangs of the Lions.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/58.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth; Break out the cheek-teeth of the young lions, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/58.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />God has crushed their teeth in their mouth: God has broken the cheek-teeth of the lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/58-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6850" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm">God Judges the Earth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕlō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">O God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2040.htm" title="2040: hă·rās- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To throw down, break or tear down. A primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, &? Destroy.">shatter</a> <a href="/hebrew/8127.htm" title="8127: šin·nê·mōw (N-cdc:: 3mp) -- Tooth, ivory. From shanan; a tooth; specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff.">their teeth</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: bə·p̄î·mōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">in their mouths;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">O LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5422.htm" title="5422: nə·ṯōṣ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To pull down, break down. A primitive root; to tear down.">tear out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4459.htm" title="4459: mal·tə·‘ō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A grinder, back tooth. Transp. For mthall'ah; a grinder, i.e. Back tooth.">the fangs</a> <a href="/hebrew/3715.htm" title="3715: kə·p̄î·rîm (N-mp) -- Young lion. From kaphar; a village; also a young lion.">of the lions.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/4-10.htm">Job 4:10-11</a></span><br />The lion may roar, and the fierce lion may growl, yet the teeth of the young lions are broken. / The old lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/3-7.htm">Psalm 3:7</a></span><br />Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a></span><br />My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-15.htm">Psalm 10:15</a></span><br />Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call him to account for his wickedness until none is left to be found.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/11-6.htm">Psalm 11:6</a></span><br />On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12</a></span><br />like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-17.htm">Psalm 35:17</a></span><br />How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-15.htm">Psalm 37:15</a></span><br />But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-9.htm">Psalm 46:9</a></span><br />He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a></span><br />but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Isaiah 31:4</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Isaiah 38:13</a></span><br />I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a></span><br />Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-7.htm">Hosea 13:7-8</a></span><br />So like a lion I will pounce on them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path. / Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.</p><p class="hdg">Break their</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-7.htm">Psalm 3:7</a></b></br> Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies <i>upon</i> the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-15.htm">Psalm 10:15</a></b></br> Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil <i>man</i>: seek out his wickedness <i>till</i> thou find none.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-10.htm">Job 4:10,11</a></b></br> The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken… </p><p class="hdg">young</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12</a></b></br> Like as a lion <i>that</i> is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/91-13.htm">Psalm 91:13</a></b></br> Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24</a></b></br> Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat <i>of</i> the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/52-5.htm">Break</a> <a href="/psalms/55-20.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/job/29-17.htm">Fangs</a> <a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">Great</a> <a href="/job/29-17.htm">Jaw-Teeth</a> <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Lions</a> <a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/job/41-17.htm">Pulled</a> <a href="/psalms/48-7.htm">Shatter</a> <a href="/psalms/56-8.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Teeth</a> <a href="/psalms/51-19.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Break</a> <a href="/psalms/60-1.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/joel/1-6.htm">Fangs</a> <a href="/psalms/60-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-14.htm">Jaw-Teeth</a> <a href="/psalms/74-4.htm">Lions</a> <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Pulled</a> <a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Shatter</a> <a href="/psalms/137-7.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/psalms/112-10.htm">Teeth</a> <a href="/psalms/68-25.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 58</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">David reproves wicked judges</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">describes the nature of the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">devotes them to God's judgments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">whereat the righteous shall rejoice</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/58.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/58.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths;</b><br>This phrase is a vivid metaphorical plea for divine intervention against the wicked. The imagery of shattering teeth suggests a complete disarmament of the enemy's power and ability to cause harm. In ancient Near Eastern culture, teeth were often symbolic of strength and aggression, particularly in predatory animals. The psalmist's request for God to shatter the teeth indicates a desire for God to render the wicked powerless. This aligns with other biblical passages where God is called upon to protect the righteous and judge the wicked, such as in <a href="/psalms/3-7.htm">Psalm 3:7</a>, where David asks God to strike his enemies on the jaw. Theologically, this reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and justice, emphasizing that ultimate judgment and retribution belong to Him.<p><b>O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.</b><br>The reference to "lions" symbolizes powerful and dangerous adversaries. In biblical times, lions were common in the region and represented formidable threats. The psalmist's plea for God to tear out the fangs of the lions is a request for God to neutralize the threat posed by these enemies. This imagery is consistent with other scriptural references where lions symbolize danger or evil forces, such as in <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, where the devil is described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. The act of tearing out the fangs signifies a complete removal of the enemy's ability to inflict harm. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer and protector of His people, defeating the powers of evil and rendering them ineffective against His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, David is expressing a plea for divine justice against the wicked.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Elohim)</a></b><br>The supreme being to whom David directs his plea for intervention and justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/lions.htm">Lions</a></b><br>Symbolic representation of the wicked and their destructive power, often used in biblical literature to depict danger and aggression.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice.htm">Divine Justice</a></b><br>The psalmist's plea for God to "shatter their teeth" reflects a deep trust in divine justice. Believers are encouraged to rely on God to address wrongs rather than taking vengeance into their own hands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_lions.htm">Symbolism of Lions</a></b><br>The use of lions as a metaphor for the wicked highlights the ferocity and danger posed by those who oppose righteousness. Christians are reminded to be aware of spiritual and moral threats.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_weapon.htm">Prayer as a Weapon</a></b><br>David's prayer is a powerful example of using prayer as a means to combat evil. Believers are encouraged to bring their struggles and concerns to God in prayer, trusting in His power to intervene.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteous_anger.htm">Righteous Anger</a></b><br>The psalm reflects a righteous anger against injustice. It is important for Christians to discern when anger is justified and to channel it towards seeking God's will and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>The call for God to act against the wicked is a reminder that God's timing is perfect. Believers are encouraged to be patient and trust that God will act at the right time.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_58.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 58</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_psalm_58's_imprecation_added_later.htm">Is there archaeological or textual evidence suggesting that Psalm 58’s imprecatory themes were later additions or alterations to the original text?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_context_justifies_psalm_58's_curses.htm">Which historical context supports the harsh curses in Psalm 58 when other biblical texts advocate forgiveness? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_137_call_for_violence.htm">Why would a sacred text like Psalm 137 call for retributive violence, contradicting other passages that promote forgiveness? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_58_6_invoke_violence.htm">Why does David, in Psalm 58, invoke violent divine judgment (verse 6) when other passages emphasize mercy? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/58.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Break their teeth.</span>--The change is abrupt from the image of obstinacy deaf to all charms, to that of violence that must be tamed by force.<p><span class= "bld">Great teeth.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">biters, grinders.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/58.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 6-9.</span> - "Description passes into imprecation, with an 'Elohim' emphatically placed first" (Cheyne). Metaphors are accumulated. Menace follow menace. The wrath of God is first invoked upon the evil doers (vers. 6-8); then (ver. 9) coming judgment is announced. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth.</span> Serpent charmers sometimes, when they have caught their snake, proceed to beat out the poison fangs with a stone or stick (Geike, 'The Holy Land and the Bible,' vol. 1, p. 245). The psalmist, in the first clause, seems to allude to this practice; in the second, he changes the metaphor, reverting to his favourite image of the young lion (<span class="accented">kephir</span>)<span class="accented">. <span class="cmt_word"></span>Break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord.</span> The "cheek teeth" (<a href="/joel/1-6.htm">Joel 1:6</a>), or principal fangs on either side, are intended. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/58-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">O God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱ‍ֽלֹהִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕlō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shatter</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲרָס־</span> <span class="translit">(hă·rās-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their teeth</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁנֵּ֥ימוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(šin·nê·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8127.htm">Strong's 8127: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tooth, ivory, a cliff</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in their mouths;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִ֑ימוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄î·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tear out</span><br /><span class="heb">נְתֹ֣ץ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṯōṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5422.htm">Strong's 5422: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, break down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the fangs</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְתְּע֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mal·tə·‘ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">A grinder, back tooth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the lions.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּ֝פִירִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(kə·p̄î·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3715.htm">Strong's 3715: </a> </span><span class="str2">A village, a young lion</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/58-6.htm">Psalm 58:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 58:6 Break their teeth God in their mouth (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/58-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 58:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 58:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/58-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 58:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 58:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>