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Psalms 52

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 52 of 150

1 To the chief musician. A Contemplation. A Psalm of David when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said to him, David has come to the house of Ahimelech. Why do you boast yourself in evil, O mighty one? The mercy of God is all the day.

2 Like a sharp razor your tongue devises destruction, working deceit.

3 You love evil more than good, lying more than to speak righteousness. Selah.

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Chapter Summary

David prophesies the destruction of Doeg. To the chief musician. A Contemplation. A Psalm of David when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said to him, David has come to the house of Ahimelech.

Key Hebrew Words

הָלַל boast H1984 · TWOT 500
חֶ֫סֶד mercy, kindness H2617 · TWOT 698a
לָשׁוֹן tongue H3956 · TWOT 1131a
מִרְמָה deceit H4820 · TWOT 2169b
בָּטַח trust H982 · TWOT 233
צַדִּיק righteous one H6662 · TWOT 1879c

People & Context

David

King of Israel; author who denounces the boastful informer and trusts in God's mercy.

Doeg the Edomite

Saul's servant who informed on David; the boasting, deceitful 'mighty one' this psalm condemns.

Saul

King of Israel to whom Doeg reported that David had come to Ahimelech.

Ahimelech

The priest at whose house David arrived, prompting Doeg's report to Saul.

Timeline

Doeg's Treachery

Doeg the Edomite informs Saul about David, prompting David to condemn the mighty man's deceitful tongue.

Psalms 52:1-5
The Green Olive Tree

While the wicked are uprooted, David describes himself as a luxuriant olive tree flourishing in the house of God.

Psalms 52:8-9

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Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

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