Lexical Summary machsom: Muzzle Original Word: מַחְסוֹם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bridle From chacam; a muzzle -- bridle. see HEBREW chacam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chasam Definition a muzzle NASB Translation muzzle (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַחְסוֺם noun masculine muzzle, ׳אֶשְׁמְרָהלְֿפִי מ Psalm 39:2 let me keep a muzzle for my mouth, to avoid (hasty and) erring speech. Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery מַחְסוֹם (machsom) evokes the picture of a tight-fitting device placed over the mouth of an animal to keep it from biting, feeding, or making noise. By extension, it illustrates deliberate, forceful restraint of speech. The imagery is concrete: lips pressed shut, impulses checked, and potentially destructive words prevented from escaping. Biblical Occurrence Psalm 39:1 is the sole occurrence: “I said, ‘I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle while the wicked are before me.’”. David resolves to fasten a “muzzle” upon himself, indicating an active, moment-by-moment vigilance whenever hostile observers are present. Historical Background In ancient husbandry muzzles were commonly fashioned from leather or woven fibers and secured with straps behind the head. Their primary purpose was either to protect people and other animals from harm or to keep livestock from eating grain that belonged to the owner. The law’s command, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4), shows that the device was well known. David’s metaphor would thus resonate with agrarian Israel; every hearer understood the decisive action required to clamp a muzzle in place. Theological Significance 1. Moral self-restraint: David equates undisciplined speech with sin (Psalm 39:1; compare Proverbs 21:23). Related New Testament Themes • James 1:26 links bridling the tongue to authentic religion. Practical Ministry Application Pastors, teachers, and parents can press Psalm 39:1 upon hearts prone to unfiltered commentary, gossip, or anger. A “muzzle” is not permanent silence but purposeful delay: words held until they can edify, heal, or bear witness to the gospel. Counseling settings may employ the verse to help believers battling impulsive speech patterns, reinforcing disciplines such as brief pauses, prayerful reflection, and Scripture memory before responding. Homiletical and Devotional Uses • Sermons on spiritual disciplines: Machsom becomes a vivid illustration for fasting of the tongue. Conclusion מַחְסוֹם stands as a single, sharp word that cuts through excuses for intemperate speech. By choosing the strongest physical image available—a muzzle—David teaches that sanctified silence often requires deliberate, even uncomfortable measures. The righteous speak life, yet they also know when to say nothing at all, trusting God to vindicate and to give utterance in due season. Forms and Transliterations מַחְס֑וֹם מחסום machSom maḥ·sō·wm maḥsōwmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 39:1 HEB: אֶשְׁמְרָ֥ה לְפִ֥י מַחְס֑וֹם בְּעֹ֖ד רָשָׁ֣ע NAS: my mouth as with a muzzle While KJV: my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked INT: will guard my mouth A muzzle against the wicked 1 Occurrence |
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