Psalm 12:6
New International Version
And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

New Living Translation
The LORD’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.

English Standard Version
The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

Berean Standard Bible
The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.

King James Bible
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

New King James Version
The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.

New American Standard Bible
The words of the LORD are pure words; Like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, filtered seven times.

NASB 1995
The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.

NASB 1977
The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.

Legacy Standard Bible
The words of Yahweh are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the ground, refined seven times.

Amplified Bible
The words and promises of the LORD are pure words, Like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.

Christian Standard Bible
The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.

American Standard Version
The words of Jehovah are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, Purified seven times.

Contemporary English Version
Our LORD, you are true to your promises, and your word is like silver heated seven times in a fiery furnace.

English Revised Version
The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, purified seven times.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The promises of the LORD are pure, like silver refined in a furnace and purified seven times.

Good News Translation
The promises of the LORD can be trusted; they are as genuine as silver refined seven times in the furnace.

International Standard Version
The words of the LORD are pure, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.

Majority Standard Bible
The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.

NET Bible
The LORD's words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined.

New Heart English Bible
The words of the LORD are flawless words, as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.

Webster's Bible Translation
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

World English Bible
Yahweh’s words are flawless words, as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Sayings of YHWH [are] pure sayings—Silver tried in a furnace of earth, refined sevenfold.

Young's Literal Translation
Sayings of Jehovah are pure sayings; Silver tried in a furnace of earth refined sevenfold.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sayings of Jehovah are pure sayings: silver tried in the crucible of the earth, purified seven times.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried by the fire, purged from the earth refined seven times.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The eloquence of the Lord is pure eloquence, silver tested by fire, purged from the earth, refined seven times.

New American Bible
The promises of the LORD are sure, silver refined in a crucible, silver purified seven times.

New Revised Standard Version
The promises of the LORD are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on earth, they are purified seven times.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The words of LORD JEHOVAH are pure words, choice silver in a furnace in the Earth, and purified each by seven.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The words of the LORD are pure words, As silver tried in a crucible on the earth, refined seven times.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The oracles of the Lord are pure oracles; as silver tried in the fire, proved in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Godly are No More
5“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” 6The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold. 7You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation.…

Cross References
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 18:30
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 119:140
Your promise is completely pure; therefore Your servant loves it.

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

1 Peter 1:25
but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

James 1:18
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.

Psalm 19:7-10
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...

Psalm 119:89
Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.

Psalm 119:160
The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.


Treasury of Scripture

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

words

Psalm 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Psalm 19:8
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 119:140
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

as silver

Psalm 66:10
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

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Burned Clay Clean Crucible Earth Fire Flawless Furnace Ground Promises Pure Purified Refined Sayings Seven Sevenfold Silver Tested Times Tried True. Words
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Burned Clay Clean Crucible Earth Fire Flawless Furnace Ground Promises Pure Purified Refined Sayings Seven Sevenfold Silver Tested Times Tried True. Words
Psalm 12
1. David, destitute of human comfort, craves help of God
3. He comforts himself with God's promises, and his judgments on the wicked














The words of the LORD are flawless
This phrase emphasizes the perfection and purity of God's words. In biblical context, the term "flawless" suggests that God's words are without error or imperfection, reflecting His divine nature. This aligns with the belief that Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) and is trustworthy for teaching and guidance. The idea of flawless words also connects to the concept of God's truthfulness and faithfulness, as seen in Numbers 23:19, where God is described as one who does not lie or change His mind.

like silver refined in a furnace
The refining process of silver involves intense heat to remove impurities, symbolizing purification and value. In ancient times, silver refining was a meticulous process, often requiring multiple stages to achieve purity. This imagery suggests that God's words have been tested and proven true, much like refined silver. The furnace represents trials and testing, indicating that God's words withstand scrutiny and remain pure. This metaphor is echoed in Proverbs 30:5, which states that every word of God is flawless.

like gold purified sevenfold
Gold, a precious and highly valued metal, undergoes purification to remove impurities, enhancing its worth and beauty. The number seven in biblical literature often signifies completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation account in Genesis 1. Thus, "purified sevenfold" implies a process of thorough purification, indicating the ultimate purity and perfection of God's words. This phrase underscores the reliability and enduring nature of divine revelation, as seen in Psalm 19:9-10, where God's decrees are described as more precious than gold. The purification process also serves as a type of Christ, who is described as pure and without blemish, fulfilling the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17).

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 12, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. He often wrote psalms during times of distress, seeking God's intervention and expressing trust in His word.

2. The LORD
The central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, whose words are described as flawless and pure.

3. Refining Process
The imagery of refining silver and gold is used to describe the purity and perfection of God's words. This process involves intense heat to remove impurities, symbolizing the thoroughness and reliability of divine communication.
Teaching Points
The Perfection of God's Word
God's words are without flaw, providing a reliable foundation for faith and life. Believers can trust in the Scriptures as a source of truth and guidance.

The Refining Process
Just as silver and gold are refined to remove impurities, God's words are pure and tested. This imagery encourages believers to seek purity in their own lives, allowing God's word to refine their hearts and minds.

The Value of Scripture
The comparison to precious metals highlights the immense value of God's word. Believers are encouraged to treasure Scripture, investing time in reading and meditating on it.

Trust in Divine Promises
The flawless nature of God's words assures believers that His promises are trustworthy. This assurance can provide comfort and hope in times of uncertainty.

Application in Daily Life
Believers are called to apply the truths of Scripture in their daily lives, allowing God's word to guide their decisions and actions.(6) As silver.--This solemn promise of Jehovah may be relied on, for His words are not like those of deceitful men--alloyed with self and falsehood--but are pure as silver seven times smelted.

In a furnace.--Either a "workshop" or a "crucible," according as derived.

Of earth.--These words are difficult; they must mean either in earth, referring to the ashes in which the smelted silver falls, or as to earth, i.e., as to the alloy, or as we say, purified of the alloy.

But erets is never else used for the material, earth, and Hitzig's emendation, rats = bar, or piece (Psalm 68:30), "melted into a bar from the crucible," is almost convincing in its simplicity and aptness.

Verse 6. - The words of the Lord are pure words. There is no base alloy in them: therefore they may be trusted. What God promises, he will perform. As silver tried in a furnace of earth; rather, perhaps, silver assayed in a crucible on earth (Kay). Purified seven times (comp. Psalm 18:30; Psalm 19:8; Psalm 119:140; Proverbs 30:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The words
אִֽמֲר֣וֹת (’i·mă·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 565: Utterance, speech, word

of the LORD
יְהוָה֮ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

are flawless,
טְהֹ֫ר֥וֹת (ṭə·hō·rō·wṯ)
Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 2889: Clean, pure

like silver
כֶּ֣סֶף (ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

refined
צָ֭רוּף (ṣā·rūp̄)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 6884: To smelt, refine, test

in a furnace,
בַּעֲלִ֣יל (ba·‘ă·lîl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5948: Perhaps furnace, crucible

like gold
לָאָ֑רֶץ (lā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

purified
מְ֝זֻקָּ֗ק (mə·zuq·qāq)
Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2212: To strain, extract, clarify

sevenfold.
שִׁבְעָתָֽיִם׃ (šiḇ·‘ā·ṯā·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 7659: Sevenfold, seven times


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OT Poetry: Psalm 12:6 The words of Yahweh are flawless words (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 12:5
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