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Psalms 109:16

Psalms 109:16 in Multiple Translations

For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.

Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

Because he remembered not to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart, to slay them.

Because he had no mercy, but was cruel to the low and the poor, designing the death of the broken-hearted.

For he didn't think to be kind to others, instead he harassed and killed the poor, the needy, the brokenhearted.

Because he remembred not to shew mercie, but persecuted the afflicted and poore man, and the sorowfull hearted to slay him.

Because that he hath not remembered to do kindness, And pursueth the poor man and needy, And the smitten of heart — to slay,

because he didn’t remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them.

Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

He never was kind to anyone; he ◄persecuted/cause problems for► poor and needy people and even killed helpless people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 109:16

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 109:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יַ֗עַן אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹ֥א זָכַר֮ עֲשׂ֪וֹת חָ֥סֶד וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֡ף אִישׁ עָנִ֣י וְ֭/אֶבְיוֹן וְ/נִכְאֵ֨ה לֵבָ֬ב לְ/מוֹתֵֽת
יַ֗עַן yaʻan H3282 because Conj
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
זָכַר֮ zâkar H2142 to remember V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עֲשׂ֪וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Inf-a
חָ֥סֶד chêçêd H2617 kindness N-ms
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֡ף râdaph H7291 to pursue Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
עָנִ֣י ʻânîy H6041 afflicted Adj
וְ֭/אֶבְיוֹן ʼebyôwn H34 needy Conj | Adj
וְ/נִכְאֵ֨ה kâʼâh H3512 be disheartened Conj | V-Niphal
לֵבָ֬ב lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms
לְ/מוֹתֵֽת mûwth H4191 to die Prep | V-o-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 109:16

יַ֗עַן yaʻan H3282 "because" Conj
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
זָכַר֮ zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
עֲשׂ֪וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
חָ֥סֶד chêçêd H2617 "kindness" N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֡ף râdaph H7291 "to pursue" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עָנִ֣י ʻânîy H6041 "afflicted" Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
וְ֭/אֶבְיוֹן ʼebyôwn H34 "needy" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
וְ/נִכְאֵ֨ה kâʼâh H3512 "be disheartened" Conj | V-Niphal
To be disheartened or broken is what this word means, like when the Israelites were grieved after hearing the report of the 12 spies in Numbers 13.
Definition: 1) to be sad, be disheartened 1a) (Niphal) to be disheartened, be cowed 1b) (Hiphil) to make sad
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: broken, be grieved, make sad. See also: Psalms 10:10; Ezekiel 13:22; Psalms 109:16.
לֵבָ֬ב lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
לְ/מוֹתֵֽת mûwth H4191 "to die" Prep | V-o-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

Study Notes — Psalms 109:16

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.
2 James 2:13 For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
3 Psalms 37:14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
4 Matthew 18:33–35 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed. That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
5 Job 19:2–3 “How long will you torment me and crush me with your words? Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me.
6 Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
7 Psalms 10:14 But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.
8 2 Samuel 17:1–2 Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king
9 2 Samuel 16:11–12 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.”
10 Matthew 27:35–46 When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left. And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him. From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Psalms 109:16 Summary

Psalms 109:16 describes a person who never thought to show kindness, but instead hurt and pursued those who were already suffering, like the poor and needy. This kind of behavior is not what God wants from us, as we see in verses like Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:31-46, where we are commanded to love and care for others. We should strive to be kind and compassionate, just like God is, and treat others with fairness and respect, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and Luke 6:31. By doing so, we can reflect God's love and character to those around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of person is being described in Psalms 109:16?

The person being described in Psalms 109:16 is someone who has consistently shown a lack of kindness and compassion, particularly towards those who are vulnerable, such as the poor and needy, as seen in their actions described in this verse and similar behaviors condemned in Proverbs 28:27 and Isaiah 58:6-7.

Why does the Bible emphasize the treatment of the poor and needy?

The Bible emphasizes the treatment of the poor and needy because God has a special concern for those who are marginalized and vulnerable, as seen in Psalms 140:12 and Jeremiah 22:16, and He expects His people to reflect His character by showing kindness and compassion to them.

How does this verse relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?

This verse relates to the concept of justice in the Bible by highlighting the importance of treating all people with fairness and compassion, as commanded in Micah 6:8 and Zechariah 7:9-10, and warning against exploiting or oppressing those who are vulnerable.

What can we learn from the contrast between the wicked person's actions and God's commands?

We can learn from the contrast between the wicked person's actions and God's commands that God values kindness, compassion, and justice, as seen in Psalms 109:16 and other verses like Deuteronomy 10:18-19, and that we should strive to reflect these values in our own lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I show kindness and compassion to those around me who are poor, needy, or brokenhearted, as God commands in Psalms 41:1 and Proverbs 19:17?
  2. What are some ways that I might be unknowingly contributing to the suffering of others, and how can I change my actions to better reflect God's heart for the vulnerable?
  3. How does my treatment of others reflect my relationship with God, and what can I do to ensure that my actions are pleasing to Him, as taught in Matthew 25:31-46 and James 1:27?
  4. What can I learn from the example of the wicked person in Psalms 109:16 about the dangers of pursuing my own interests at the expense of others, and how can I prioritize the well-being of those around me, as encouraged in Philippians 2:3-4 and Romans 15:1-3?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:16

Because that he remembered not to show mercy,.... As Judas did not; neither to the poor, whom he cared not for, John 12:6 nor to Christ, whom he betrayed with a kiss to his enemies: nor had these

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:16

Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour. -God's visitation on the wicked man's property (Psalms 109:11-12); on his name and memorial (Psalms 109:13-15).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 109:16

Remembered not his duty to God, and his obligation to me my former kindness, expressed ,5. The poor and needy man; myself, who was desolate and miserable, whose required pity, and not additions of cruelty. The broken in heart; whose spirit was grieved, and even broken the burden of his calamities.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:16

Psalms 109:16 Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.Ver. 16. Because that he remembered not to show mercy] Here the prophet beginneth to show why he useth such doleful imprecations against his enemies, viz. not out of a spirit of revenge, or a false zeal, but as truly seeking God’ s glory, and his Church’ s safety, which could not otherwise be procured, unless these merciless men were devoted to destruction. He remembered not, that is, de industria oblitus est et omisit, he forgot and neglected it on purpose.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 109:16

(16) Poor.—The Hebrew word thus rendered, viz., ‘anî, has suggested a reference to the murder of the high priest Onias (2Ma 4:34-36).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 109:16

Verse 16. Persecuted the poor and needy man] In the case of Jesus Christ all the dictates of justice and mercy were destroyed, and they persecuted this poor man unto death. They acted from a diabolical malice. On common principles, their opposition to Christ cannot be accounted for.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:16

6–20. The thought of the enormity of this ingratitude overmasters the Psalmist. He breaks out suddenly into a passionate prayer that due retribution may fall upon the chief offender. May the ruin he was planning for another overtake himself! The singular (‘over him’ &c.), which now takes the place of the plural, may be collective, the Psalmist’s enemies being regarded as a whole; or distributive, each one of the mass being singled out: but more probably it fastens upon the leader of the gang (Psalms 109:2) upon whom rests the real guilt. Cp. for the sudden transition Psalms 55:12 ff., Psalms 55:20 ff.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:16

Because that he remembered not to show mercy - He had no compassion; he was severe, harsh, unjust, unfeeling. But persecuted the poor and needy man - The man that was destitute of friends; that was a wanderer and a beggar.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:16

16. Because… he remembered not—He remembered not to show mercy, and therefore God will remember to punish his iniquity. Here begin the reasons for the foregoing judgments.

Sermons on Psalms 109:16

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill A Pure Heart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, Dr. Luke Reisman preaches from the historic pulpit of John Wesley in London. He highlights the power of reading and understanding the Word of God. He emphasizes the
D.L. Moody Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi
K.P. Yohannan (Pdf Book) Beauty of Christ Through Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of brokenness in the Christian life, illustrating that true humility and surrender to God are essential for reflecting Christ's image. He
Art Katz Art's Testimony - Part 1 by Art Katz This sermon reflects on a Jewish atheist's journey from rejection of God to a profound encounter with faith, triggered by deep questions about human existence, experiences in post-
David Wilkerson Jehovah Jireh by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abram and the Abrahamic covenant. He highlights how Abram's faith wavered for 13 years after receiving the covenant promise. Th
David Wilkerson With God All Things Are Possible by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the message of hope and restoration for those who feel they have fallen too far from God's grace. It highlights the power of God's love and compassion to rea
Peter Marshall Contrast of Faith by Peter Marshall Peter Marshall contrasts two maritime disasters to illustrate the evolution of faith in society. He reflects on the survivors of the Athenia, who sang lighthearted songs in the fac

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