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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 140:9 May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/140-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/19_Psa_140_009.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 140:9 - Rescue Me, O LORD, From Evil Men" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused." /><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'; 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may the mischief of their lips engulf them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/140.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/140.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/140.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/140.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>As for</i> the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/140.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“<i>As for</i> the head of those who surround me, Let the evil of their lips cover them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/140.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“As for the head of those who surround me, May the harm of their lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/140.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220As for the head of those who surround me, May the mischief of their lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/140.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“As for the head of those who surround me, May the mischief of their lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/140.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“As for the head of those who surround me, May the trouble <i>from</i> their lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/140.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Those who surround me raise their heads; May the mischief of their own lips come upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/140.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When those who surround me rise up, may the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/140.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When those who surround me rise up, may the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/140.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As for the head of those that compass me about, Let the mischief of their own lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/140.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They have me surrounded, but make them the victims of their own vicious lies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/140.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/140.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with their own threats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/140.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't let my enemies be victorious; make their threats against me fall back on them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/140.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />May those who surround me discover that the trouble they talk about falls on their own head!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/140.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/140.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />As for the heads of those who surround me--may the harm done by their lips overwhelm them! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/140.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/140.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As for the head of those that encompass me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/140.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/140.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The chief of my surrounders, "" The perverseness of their lips covers them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/140.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The chief of my surrounders, The perverseness of their lips covereth them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/140.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The head of those surrounding me, the labor of their lips shall cover them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/140.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The head of them compassing me about: the labour of their lips shall overwhelm them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/140.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 139:10>The head of those who encompass me, the labor of their lips, will overwhelm them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/140.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who surround me raise their heads; may the mischief they threaten overwhelm them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/140.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who surround me lift up their heads; let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/140.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let the mischief of their own lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/140.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The evil of their lips will cover them.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/140.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As for the head of those that compass me about, Let the mischief of their own lips cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/140.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>As for</i> the head of them that compass me, the mischief of their lips shall cover them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/140-9.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=17458" 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/140.htm">Rescue Me, O LORD, From Evil Men</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">May the heads</a> <a href="/hebrew/4524.htm" title="4524: mə·sib·bāy (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- That which surrounds or is round. Plural masculine mcibbiym; or feminine mcibbowth; from cabab; a divan; abstractly around.">of those who surround me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3680.htm" title="3680: yə·ḵas·sū·mō (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To cover. A primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. Fill up hollows; by implication, to cover.">be covered</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ‘ă·mal (N-msc) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">in the trouble</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄ā·ṯê·mōw (N-fdc:: 3mp) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">their lips have caused.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.…<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="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Proverbs 26:27</a></span><br />He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-15.htm">Psalm 7:15-16</a></span><br />He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. / His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-8.htm">Psalm 35:8</a></span><br />May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-6.htm">Psalm 57:6</a></span><br />They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/141-10.htm">Psalm 141:10</a></span><br />Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm">Proverbs 11:6</a></span><br />The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Proverbs 28:10</a></span><br />He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/7-10.htm">Esther 7:10</a></span><br />So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-24.htm">Daniel 6:24</a></span><br />At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Matthew 7:2</a></span><br />For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Revelation 13:10</a></span><br />“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-1.htm">Romans 2:1</a></span><br />You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.</p><p class="hdg">let the mischief</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-16.htm">Psalm 7:16</a></b></br> His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/64-8.htm">Psalm 64:8</a></b></br> So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/94-23.htm">Psalm 94:23</a></b></br> And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; <i>yea</i>, the LORD our God shall cut them off.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/136-14.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/psalms/140-1.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/118-12.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/psalms/140-7.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/psalms/140-7.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/psalms/109-19.htm">Covereth</a> <a href="/psalms/49-5.htm">Encompass</a> <a href="/psalms/140-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/140-7.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/110-6.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/psalms/140-2.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/psalms/139-11.htm">Overwhelm</a> <a href="/psalms/101-4.htm">Perverseness</a> <a href="/psalms/138-7.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/125-2.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/psalms/79-4.htm">Surrounders</a> <a href="/psalms/138-7.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-6.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/psalms/143-9.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/psalms/147-8.htm">Covereth</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Encompass</a> <a href="/psalms/140-11.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Head</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-27.htm">Overwhelm</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-14.htm">Perverseness</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/psalms/27-6.htm">Surrounders</a> <a href="/psalms/142-2.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 140</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/140-1.htm">David prays to be delivered from Saul and Doeg</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/140-8.htm">He prays against them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/140-12.htm">He comforts himself by confidence in God</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/140.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/140.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>May the heads of those who surround me</b><br>This phrase reflects a plea for divine justice against adversaries. In biblical times, the "head" often symbolized leadership or authority, and calling for something to happen to one's head could imply a desire for judgment or retribution. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, frequently faced enemies who sought his harm, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">1 Samuel 23:26-28</a> when Saul pursued David. The imagery of being "surrounded" suggests a situation of imminent danger, akin to David's experiences when he was encircled by foes. This plea can be seen as a call for God to intervene against those who unjustly attack the righteous.<p><b>be covered in the trouble</b><br>The concept of being "covered" in trouble suggests a complete and overwhelming experience of the consequences of one's actions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, retributive justice was a common theme, where individuals would face the repercussions of their deeds. This aligns with the principle of sowing and reaping found in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>, where actions have corresponding outcomes. The psalmist's request is not merely for personal vengeance but for a divine balancing of justice, where the wicked experience the turmoil they intended for others.<p><b>their lips have caused</b><br>The focus on "lips" highlights the power of words and the damage they can inflict. In biblical literature, speech is often portrayed as a potent force, capable of both blessing and cursing (<a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-10</a>). The psalmist's adversaries likely used slander, deceit, or false accusations, as seen in other psalms like <a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3</a>, where words are likened to arrows. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God holds individuals accountable for their speech, as seen in <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a>, emphasizing the moral responsibility associated with one's words.<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 protection and justice against his enemies.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>The unspecified adversaries who are causing trouble for David through their words and actions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge and protector whom David is appealing to for deliverance and justice.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of which David is king, often facing threats from surrounding nations and internal strife.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/trouble.htm">Trouble</a></b><br>The consequences or calamities that David wishes upon his enemies as a result of their malicious words.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words can cause significant harm and trouble. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech, ensuring it aligns with God's truth and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice.htm">Divine Justice</a></b><br>Trust in God's justice. While we may desire immediate retribution, God’s timing and methods are perfect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_protection.htm">Prayer for Protection</a></b><br>Like David, we should turn to God in prayer when facing adversaries, trusting Him to protect and vindicate us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-reflection.htm">Self-Reflection</a></b><br>Consider whether our own words might be causing trouble for others. Seek repentance and strive to speak life and encouragement.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Remember that God is in control, and He will ultimately deal with those who oppose His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_140.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 140</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_psalm_140_9-10_and_matthew_5_44_clash.htm">Do verses like Psalm 140:9–10 contradict the New Testament teaching of loving one's enemies (e.g., Matthew 5:44)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_mention_infants_dashed_in_bible.htm">Why does the Bible mention infants dashed to pieces?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_120_4_contradict_god's_love.htm">Psalm 120:4 - Does referring to 'warrior's sharp arrows' and 'burning coals' raise contradictions with a supposedly loving and merciful God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_psalm_40_12_hyperbole_or_historical.htm">Does historical evidence show David or any Israelite king facing countless troubles as in Psalm 40:12, or is this hyperbole affecting historical accuracy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/140.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "note">(</span>9<span class= "note">)</span> <span class= "bld">Head.--</span>Ewald, who keeps to the text, takes <span class= "ital">rosh </span>in the sense of poison (see <a href="/psalms/69-22.htm" title="Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.">Psalm 69:22</a>, Note):--<p>"The poison of those encircling me,<p>Let them be covered with the perdition of their lips.<p>This brings <a href="/context/psalms/140-8.htm" title="Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.">Psalm 140:8-9</a> into harmony with <a href="/psalms/140-4.htm" title="Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.">Psalm 140:4</a>. But the emendation given above is better.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/140.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As for the head of those that compass me about</span>. The "head" of David's enemies is put in contrast with his own "head" (see ver. 7). While God shields and protects his head, theirs has no protection, but the <span class="cmt_word">mischief of their own lips which covers them</span>, but with confusion, rather than with defense or safety. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/140-9.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">May the heads</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֥אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of those who surround me</span><br /><span class="heb">מְסִבָּ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(mə·sib·bāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4524.htm">Strong's 4524: </a> </span><span class="str2">That which surrounds or is round</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be covered</span><br /><span class="heb">יְכַסֵּֽמוֹ׃‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḵas·sê·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3680.htm">Strong's 3680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To plump, fill up hollows, to cover</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the trouble</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲמַ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·mal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> </span><span class="str2">Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their lips have caused.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפָתֵ֣ימוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄ā·ṯê·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/140-9.htm">Psalm 140:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/140-9.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 140:9 As for the head of those who (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/140-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 140:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 140:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/140-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 140:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 140:10" /></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>