Bible Strands
Psalms 120:4
Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist directly addresses a deceitful tongue, characterizing slander as a personal assault. This declaration occurs within a lament describing his forced residence among hostile, nomadic groups.
The words — שְׁנוּנִ֑ים (she.nu.Nim) literally means "sharpened," while גַחֲלֵי רְתָמִים (ga.cha.Lei re.ta.Mim) translates to "burning coals of broom plants." These terms describe weapons engineered to inflict prolonged, searing pain.
The thread — The metaphor of destructive speech mirrors the warning that a tiny spark ignites massive destruction (James 3:5). It aligns with the consistent biblical claim that false witnesses and lying tongues guarantee their own ruin (Proverbs 18:21; Proverbs 19:9).
Why it lands — The text identifies malicious words as calculated instruments of harm rather than idle complaints. It requires the reader to treat slander as a serious threat demanding both discernment and accountability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Cross-references
- James 3:5 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.
- Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
- Proverbs 19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.
- Psalms 45:5 Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet.
- Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.
- Proverbs 16:27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
- Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
- Deuteronomy 32:23 I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them.
- Psalms 7:13 He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire.
- Psalms 52:5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah