Psalm 39:9
New International Version
I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

New Living Translation
I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you.

English Standard Version
I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.

Berean Standard Bible
I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

King James Bible
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

New King James Version
I was mute, I did not open my mouth, Because it was You who did it.

New American Standard Bible
“I have become mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who have done it.

NASB 1995
“I have become mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who have done it.

NASB 1977
“I have become dumb, I do not open my mouth, Because it is Thou who hast done it.

Legacy Standard Bible
I have become mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who have done it.

Amplified Bible
“I am mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who has done it.

Christian Standard Bible
I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what you have done.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

American Standard Version
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; Because thou didst it.

Contemporary English Version
You treated me like this, and I kept silent, not saying a word.

English Revised Version
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I remained speechless. I did not open my mouth because you are the one who has done this.

Good News Translation
I will keep quiet, I will not say a word, for you are the one who made me suffer like this.

International Standard Version
I remain silent; I do not open my mouth, for you are the one who acted.

Majority Standard Bible
I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

NET Bible
I am silent and cannot open my mouth because of what you have done.

New Heart English Bible
I was mute. I did not open my mouth, because you did it.

Webster's Bible Translation
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

World English Bible
I was mute. I didn’t open my mouth, because you did it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I have been mute, I do not open my mouth, "" Because You have done [it].

Young's Literal Translation
I have been dumb, I open not my mouth, Because Thou -- Thou hast done it.

Smith's Literal Translation
I was dumb, I will not open my mouth; for thou didst.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I was dumb, and I opened not my mouth, because thou hast done it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I was silenced, and I did not open my mouth, because it was you who acted.

New American Bible
I am silent and do not open my mouth because you are the one who did this.

New Revised Standard Version
I am silent; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I am dumb, and I did not open my mouth, because you have done it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I am dumb, I open not my mouth; Because Thou hast done it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I was dumb, and opened not my mouth; for thou art he that made me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
I Will Watch My Ways
8Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the reproach of fools. 9I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done. 10Remove Your scourge from me; I am perishing by the force of Your hand.…

Cross References
Job 40:4-5
“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. / I have spoken once, but I have no answer—twice, but I have nothing to add.”

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Lamentations 3:26-28
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. / It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young. / Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Ecclesiastes 3:7
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

Matthew 27:12-14
And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.

Luke 23:9
Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.

Job 2:10
“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

1 Samuel 3:18
So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

2 Samuel 16:10-12
But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” / Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. / Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”

Micah 7:9
Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Hebrews 12:5-7
And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?


Treasury of Scripture

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because you did it.

Psalm 38:13
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

1 Samuel 3:18
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

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Psalm 39
1. David's care of his thoughts
4. The consideration of the brevity and vanity of life
7. the reverence of God's judgments
10. and prayer, are his bridles of impatience














I have become mute
The phrase "I have become mute" reflects a deliberate choice to remain silent. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "נֶאֱלַמְתִּי" (ne'elamti), which conveys a sense of being speechless or dumbfounded. This silence is not merely the absence of speech but a profound, intentional quietness. In the context of the psalm, this silence can be seen as an act of submission and humility before God. Historically, silence in the face of divine will is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing trust and surrender to God's sovereignty.

I do not open my mouth
The continuation "I do not open my mouth" emphasizes the psalmist's resolve to refrain from speaking. This phrase underscores the discipline and self-control required to remain silent, especially in times of distress or when one might naturally want to defend oneself or complain. The act of not opening one's mouth can be seen as a form of worship, acknowledging that God's wisdom and plans are beyond human understanding. In the broader scriptural context, this mirrors the behavior of Jesus during His trials, where He often chose silence over defense.

because it is You who have done this
The phrase "because it is You who have done this" reveals the reason for the psalmist's silence. The acknowledgment that God is the one orchestrating events in his life is a profound statement of faith. The Hebrew root here, "עָשִׂיתָ" (asita), means "You have done," indicating God's active role in the circumstances. This recognition of divine action is central to the psalmist's acceptance and submission. Historically, this reflects the understanding of God's providence and sovereignty, a key tenet in conservative Christian theology. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when it is not immediately clear or comfortable.

(9) Thou is emphatic. Kimchi well explains: "I could not complain of man, for it was God's doing; I could not complain of God, for I was conscious of my own sin."

Verse 9. - I was dumb, I opened not my mouth (comp. vers. 1, 2). Because thou didst it. The knowledge that my afflictions came from thee, and were the just punishment of my transgressions, helped me to keep the silence which I observed while the ungodly was in my sight.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I have become mute;
נֶ֭אֱלַמְתִּי (ne·’ĕ·lam·tî)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 481: To tie fast, to be tongue-tied

I do not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

open
אֶפְתַּח־ (’ep̄·taḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

my mouth
פִּ֑י (pî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

because
כִּ֖י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

it is You
אַתָּ֣ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

who have done it.
עָשִֽׂיתָ׃ (‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make


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OT Poetry: Psalm 39:9 I was mute (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 39:8
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