Psalm 55:21

21 The {buttery words} of his mouth were smooth, but [there was] battle in his heart. His words were smoother than oil, but they [were] drawn swords.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 55:21 In-Context

19 God will hear and answer them, [he] who [is] enthroned from of old, Selah Because they do not change, and they do not fear God.

20 He has put forth his hands against {his friends}; he has defiled his covenant.

21 The {buttery words} of his mouth were smooth, but [there was] battle in his heart. His words were smoother than oil, but they [were] drawn swords.

22 Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

23 But you, O God, you will bring them down to [the] pit of corruption. [The] men of bloodshed and deceit will not live half their days, but I will trust you.

Footnotes

• [a] Literally "butter"