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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 73:9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/73-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/19_Psa_073_009.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 73:9 - Endow the King with Your Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.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/73-8.htm" title="Psalm 73:8">◄</a> Psalm 73:9 <a href="/psalms/73-10.htm" title="Psalm 73:10">►</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/73.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/73.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/73.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/73.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/73.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/73.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/73.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/73.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue goes through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/73.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue swaggers through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/73.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/73.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/73.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/73.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They dare to speak against God and to order others around. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/73.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They have set their mouth in the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/73.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They verbally attack heaven, and they order people around on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/73.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They speak evil of God in heaven and give arrogant orders to everyone on earth, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/73.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They choose to speak against heaven; while they talk about things on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/73.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/73.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/73.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/73.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/73.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/73.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They have set their mouth in the heavens, "" And their tongue walks in the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/73.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> They have set in the heavens their mouth, And their tongue walketh in the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/73.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue will go in the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/73.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They have set their mouth against heaven: and their tongue hath passed through the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/73.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 72:9>They have set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue has traversed the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/73.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They set their mouths against the heavens, their tongues roam the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/73.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues range over the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/73.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They have set their mouths in the sky, but their tongues drag in the dirt;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/73.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They set their mouths in the sky and their tongue walks in the dirt.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/73.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/73.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They have set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue has gone through upon the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/73-9.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=8855" 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/73.htm">Endow the King with Your Justice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8371.htm" title="8371: šat·tū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To set, appoint. A primitive root; to place, i.e. Array; reflex. To lie.">They set</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî·hem (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">their mouths</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: ḇaš·šā·ma·yim (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">against the heavens,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: ū·lə·šō·w·nām (Conj-w:: N-csc:: 3mp) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">and their tongues</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ti·hă·laḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">strut</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">across the earth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.…<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="/isaiah/37-23.htm">Isaiah 37:23</a></span><br />Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-25.htm">Daniel 7:25</a></span><br />He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-6.htm">Revelation 13:6</a></span><br />And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-14.htm">Job 21:14-15</a></span><br />Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. / Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/35-13.htm">Ezekiel 35:13</a></span><br />You boasted against Me with your mouth and multiplied your words against Me. I heard it Myself!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-15.htm">Jude 1:15-16</a></span><br />to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.” / These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:4</a></span><br />He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm">Isaiah 14:13-14</a></span><br />You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-13.htm">Isaiah 10:13-14</a></span><br />For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. / My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Romans 1:30</a></span><br />slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">2 Peter 2:18</a></span><br />With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-8.htm">Isaiah 3:8</a></span><br />For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/48-26.htm">Jeremiah 48:26</a></span><br />“Make him drunk, because he has magnified himself against the LORD; so Moab will wallow in his own vomit, and he will also become a laughingstock.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.</p><p class="hdg">set</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a></b></br> And Pharaoh said, Who <i>is</i> the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/32-15.htm">2 Chronicles 32:15</a></b></br> Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-14.htm">Job 21:14</a></b></br> Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.</p><p class="hdg">tongue</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4</a></b></br> Thou lovest all devouring words, O <i>thou</i> deceitful tongue.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-4.htm">Luke 18:4</a></b></br> And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a></b></br> And the tongue <i>is</i> a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/41-11.htm">Claim</a> <a href="/psalms/72-19.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/68-33.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/72-7.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/psalms/71-19.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/71-10.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/psalms/71-15.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/63-11.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/psalms/69-35.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/psalms/71-24.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/68-23.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/psalms/15-2.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/psalms/68-21.htm">Walks</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Claim</a> <a href="/psalms/73-25.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/74-23.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/73-25.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/psalms/73-25.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/76-6.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-30.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/psalms/78-55.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/psalms/78-36.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/78-36.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/psalms/91-6.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/psalms/81-13.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/psalms/91-6.htm">Walks</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 73</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">The prophet, prevailing in a temptation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Shows the occasion thereof, the prosperity of the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">The wound given thereby, diffidence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-15.htm">The victory over it, knowledge of God's purpose.</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/73.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/73.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They set their mouths against the heavens</b><br>This phrase indicates a posture of arrogance and defiance against God. In biblical context, "heavens" often symbolizes God's dwelling place and authority (<a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3</a>). The imagery of setting one's mouth against the heavens suggests blasphemy or speaking against divine authority. Historically, this reflects the attitude of the wicked who challenge God's sovereignty, similar to the Tower of Babel narrative (<a href="/genesis/11-4.htm">Genesis 11:4</a>), where humanity sought to reach the heavens through their own efforts. This defiance is a recurring theme in Scripture, where the prideful are often depicted as opposing God (<a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm">Isaiah 14:13-14</a>).<p><b>and their tongues strut across the earth</b><br>The imagery of tongues strutting suggests boastfulness and pride. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, speech was a powerful tool, and the tongue is often associated with influence and authority (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>). This phrase highlights the pervasive influence of the wicked, whose words impact the earth, spreading their defiance and corruption. The strutting tongue can be seen as a metaphor for the spread of ungodly ideas and practices, reminiscent of the serpent's deceit in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>. This also contrasts with the humble and truthful speech encouraged in the New Testament (<a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>), where believers are called to use their words to edify and glorify God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court. He is known for his deep reflections on the prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>The primary focus of this verse, the wicked are those who live in arrogance and defiance of God, often prospering in their ways despite their rebellion.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavens.htm">Heavens</a></b><br>Symbolic of God's dwelling place, the heavens represent divine authority and the spiritual realm that the wicked speak against.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/earth.htm">Earth</a></b><br>Represents the realm of human existence where the wicked's influence and arrogance are displayed.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctuary_of_god.htm">The Sanctuary of God</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is a pivotal place in the broader context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a> where Asaph finds understanding and peace.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_arrogance_of_the_wicked.htm">The Arrogance of the Wicked</a></b><br>The verse highlights the pride and defiance of those who speak against God. This serves as a reminder of the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility before God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>The imagery of tongues strutting across the earth emphasizes the influence and impact of our words. Believers are called to use their speech to glorify God and edify others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>While the wicked may seem to prosper, their defiance is ultimately futile. Christians are encouraged to maintain an eternal perspective, trusting in God's justice and sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_understanding_in_god's_presence.htm">Seeking Understanding in God's Presence</a></b><br>Like Asaph, believers should seek clarity and peace in God's presence, especially when grappling with the apparent success of the wicked.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_73.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 73</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'male_and_female'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of 'Sing to the Lord a New Song'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_lying_ever_justified.htm">Is it okay to lie? (Exodus 20:16 vs. 1 Kings 22:21-22)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_paul_misquote_psalms_in_romans.htm">If the Bible is divinely inspired, why does Paul misquote the Old Testament (Romans 3:10-18 vs. Psalms)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_children's_church.htm">What does 'confess with your mouth' mean in Romans 10:9?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/73.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">They set.</span>--The last clause is repeated here under a figure more defined:<p>"They have set their mouth in [not <span class= "ital">against] </span>the heavens,<p>While their tongue walketh through the earth."<p>an image very expressive of a towering pride, <span class= "ital">vaunting </span>itself to the skies, and trumpeting its own praises through the world.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/73.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They set their mouth against the heavens.</span> So Hupfeld and Canon Cook, who understand the expression of blasphemy; but most modern critics translate, "They have set their mouth in the heavens," and regard the meaning as nearly allied to that of the second clause of the preceding verse, "They speak as though they were inhabitants of the heavens." <span class="cmt_word">And their tongue walketh through the earth.</span> Their tongue is always busily employed - boasting (ver. 3), lying, backbiting. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/73-9.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">They set</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁתּ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(šat·tū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8371.htm">Strong's 8371: </a> </span><span class="str2">To place, array, reflex, to lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their mouths</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּיהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(pî·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">against the heavens,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ḇaš·šā·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and their tongues</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·šō·w·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strut</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּֽהֲלַ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ti·hă·laḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">across the earth.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאָֽרֶץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/73-9.htm">Psalm 73:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/73-9.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 73:9 They have set their mouth (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/73-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 73:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/73-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 73:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:10" /></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>