Psalms 109:17
Psalms 109:17 in Multiple Translations
The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.
As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
Yea, he loved cursing, and it came unto him; And he delighted not in blessing, and it was far from him.
As he took pleasure in cursing, so let it come on him; and as he had no delight in blessing, let it be far from him.
He loved to put a curse on others—let it come back on him. He had no time for blessings—so may he never receive any.
As he loued cursing, so shall it come vnto him, and as he loued not blessing, so shall it be farre from him.
And he loveth reviling, and it meeteth him, And he hath not delighted in blessing, And it is far from him.
Yes, he loved cursing, and it came to him. He didn’t delight in blessing, and it was far from him.
As he loved cursing, so let it come to him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
He liked to curse people. So cause those terrible things that he requested to happen to others to happen to him! He did not want to bless others, so cause that no one will bless him!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 109:17
BAB
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 109:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֣ב
קְ֭לָלָה
וַ/תְּבוֹאֵ֑/הוּ
וְֽ/לֹא
חָפֵ֥ץ
בִּ֝/בְרָכָ֗ה
וַ/תִּרְחַ֥ק
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
קְ֭לָלָה
qᵉlâlâh
H7045
curse
N-fs
וַ/תְּבוֹאֵ֑/הוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
וְֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
חָפֵ֥ץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּ֝/בְרָכָ֗ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
Prep | N-fs
וַ/תִּרְחַ֥ק
râchaq
H7368
to remove
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 109:17
וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
קְ֭לָלָה
qᵉlâlâh
H7045
"curse"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a curse, which is a wish for harm or evil to come to someone. It is used in many places, including the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy. Curses were taken seriously in biblical times.
Definition: curse, vilification, execration
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: (ac-) curse(-d, -ing). See also: Genesis 27:12; 1 Kings 2:8; Psalms 109:17.
וַ/תְּבוֹאֵ֑/הוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וְֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
חָפֵ֥ץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
בִּ֝/בְרָכָ֗ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
וַ/תִּרְחַ֥ק
râchaq
H7368
"to remove"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Psalms 109:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 109:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
- Sermons on Psalms 109:17
Context — The Song of the Slandered
15May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth.
16For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.
17The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.
18The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil. 19May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 7:2 | For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:14 | The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 35:6 | therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will give you over to bloodshed and it will pursue you. Since you did not hate bloodshed, it will pursue you. |
| 4 | 2 Thessalonians 2:10–11 | and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, |
| 5 | Psalms 52:4–5 | You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah |
| 6 | Psalms 59:12–13 | By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter. Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah |
| 7 | Revelation 16:6 | For they have spilled the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, as they deserve.” |
Psalms 109:17 Summary
This verse is saying that the mean and hurtful things someone does or says should come back to them, and the good things they don't want to do or say should stay away from them. It's like what happens when we plant seeds - we get what we plant, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8. We should be careful what we say and do, because it can affect us and others, and instead we should try to speak and act in loving and kind ways, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29-32. By trusting in God's justice and righteousness, we can have peace and confidence that He will take care of everything, as seen in Psalms 37:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cursing is being referred to in Psalms 109:17?
The cursing in this verse refers to the harmful and destructive words or actions that the individual has spoken or committed against others, as seen in Psalms 109:16 where it says he pursued the poor and needy, and this is a form of cursing that God hates, as mentioned in Proverbs 24:23-25.
Is this verse promoting revenge or retaliation?
No, this verse is not promoting revenge or retaliation, but rather it is a prayer that the consequences of one's actions would come back to them, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where it says we reap what we sow.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the words we speak and the actions we take, and making sure they are loving and kind, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29-32, and also by trusting in God's justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalms 37:5-6.
Is it okay to pray for bad things to happen to someone who has wronged us?
While it's understandable to feel that way, the Bible teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as seen in Matthew 5:44, and instead of praying for harm, we should pray for their repentance and salvation, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have spoken or acted in hurtful ways towards others, and how can I make amends?
- How can I trust in God's justice and righteousness when I see wrongdoing or injustice in the world?
- What are some blessings in my life that I have taken for granted, and how can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and delight in them?
- How can I balance the desire for justice with the command to love and forgive my enemies?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:17
As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him,.... Judas loved that which brought a curse upon him, sin; and so he may be said to love the curse; just as sinners are said to love death, Proverbs 8:36.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:17
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 109:17
Cursing; either, 1. Cursed or sinful courses. Or rather, 2. To curse others, as appears from the blessing here opposed to it, and from the next verse; to wish and to procure to others, and especially to me. In blessing; in and promoting the welfare of others, which indeed an eye-sore and torment to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
Psalms 109:17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.Ver. 17. As he loved cursing, &c.] "The backslidcr in heart shall be filled with his own ways," Proverbs 14:14. Cursing men are cursed men, as were easy to instance in sundry, as Hacker, hanged in Queen Elizabeth’ s reign, and Sir Jervase Elloways, lieutenant of the Tower in King James’ s days, according to their own wishes. See Mr. Clark’ s Mirror, p. 210, &c. The Jews are still great cursers of Christians, they shut up their daily prayers with Maledic Domine Nazaraeis, and how it cometh home to them who knoweth not, even wrath to the utmost? 1 Thessalonians 2:16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
(17, 18) Let.—The optatives in the English are wrong. These verses express facts, and the imprecation follows in Psalms 109:19. Render— He loved cursing; and it comes; He delighted not in blessing; and it departs; Yea, he clothed himself in cursing as with his cloak, And it came like water into his bowels, And like oil into his bones; May it be, &c. Comp. the proverb, “Curses, like chickens, always come home to roost.” The fabled shirt of Nessus, which ate into the mighty form of Hercules, has suggested itself to commentators in illustration of this image. In a good sense the same figure is a favourite one with the Hebrews. (See Isaiah 11:5.) Psalms 109:19 has struck most commentators as an anticlimax, and the quotation theory is supported by this fact. But imprecations show their impotence in this way; the angry soul can never be quite “unpacked with curses;” the language of passion exhausts itself too soon, and a violent speech often dies away in unintelligible mutterings or even gestures of rage.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
Verse 17. As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him] The Jews said, when crucifying our Lord, His blood be upon us and our children! Never was an imprecation more dreadfully fulfilled.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:17
17. And he loved cursing, and it came to him; And delighted not in blessing, and it was far from him:
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:17
As he loved cursing ... - As he loved to curse others; as he seemed to have a pleasure alike in the act of cursing and in the feeling which prompts to cursing, let him see what it is; let it come upon him in its fullness.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:17
17. As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him—Hebrew, And he loved cursing, and it came to him; and so the second member, “and he delighted not in blessing, and it was far from him.” He not only
Sermons on Psalms 109:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Third Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the gravity of the Third Commandment, which instructs believers not to take the name of the Lord in vain. He explains that this commandment calls for sincere, |
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The Sacrifice That Is Pleasing to God by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's second chance. He highlights that after death, there is no second chance, but in life, God gives us the opportunity to c |
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Be a Blessing by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promises made by God to Abraham in Genesis. The four promises mentioned are: making Abraham into a great nation, blessing him, making his |
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Beatitudes - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a woman named Mrs. Crook who shares some distressing news. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God and trustin |
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When You Pray by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of prayer and the kingdom of God. He begins by sharing a parable from Matthew 18, where Jesus illustrates the concept of forg |
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The Day of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of God and its various aspects. The first aspect is the event of the judgment, which is referred to as the day of the Lord. The s |
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(Obadiah) How God Deals With Pride by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the downfall of a proud and fortified nation. He emphasizes that despite their confidence in their defenses, God declares that they will be s |