Psalms 55:21

21 His buttery words are smooth,^[a] but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.

Psalms 55:21 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter
Such were the words of Ahithophel, when in counsel with David; and such the words of Judas, when he said to Christ, "hail, master", and kissed him, ( Matthew 26:49 ) ;

but war [was] in his heart;
even a civil war, rebellion against his prince; that was what Ahithophel meditated in his heart; and nothing less than to take away the life of Christ was designed by Judas. The words may be rendered, "they were divided" ^F5; that is, his mouth and his heart: "his mouth [was] butter, and his heart war"; the one declared for peace, when the other intended war; see ( Jeremiah 9:8 ) ;

his words were softer than oil;
at one time full of soothing and flattery:

yet [were] they drawn swords:
at another time sharp and cutting, breathing out threatening and slaughter, destruction and death.

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (wqlx) (diemerisyhsan) , Sept. "divisi sunt", V. L. Hammond.

Psalms 55:21 In-Context

19 God, the One enthroned from long ago, will hear, and will humiliate them Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.

20 He acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant.

21 His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.

22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

23 You, God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other Hb mss, Sym, Syr, Tg, Jer read His speech is smoother than butter