Psalms 109:19
Psalms 109:19 in Multiple Translations
May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him.
Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.
Let it be unto him as the raiment wherewith he covereth himself, And for the girdle wherewith he is girded continually.
Let it be to him as a robe which he puts on, let it be like a band which is round him at all times.
May his curses stick to him like clothing, may they be pulled tight around him like a belt.”
Let it be vnto him as a garment to couer him, and for a girdle, wherewith he shalbe alway girded.
It is to him as apparel — he covereth himself, And for a continual girdle he girdeth it on.
Let it be to him as the clothing with which he covers himself, for the belt that is always around him.
Let it be to him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle with which he is girded continually.
Cause that those terrible things will cling to him like his clothes and be around him like the belt that he wears every day.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 109:19
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 109:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּהִי
ל֭/וֹ
כְּ/בֶ֣גֶד
יַעְטֶ֑ה
וּ֝/לְ/מֵ֗זַח
תָּמִ֥יד
יַחְגְּרֶֽ/הָ
תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
ל֭/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כְּ/בֶ֣גֶד
beged
H899
treachery
Prep | N-ms
יַעְטֶ֑ה
ʻâṭâh
H5844
to enwrap
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ֝/לְ/מֵ֗זַח
mâzîyach
H4206
belt
Conj | Prep | N-ms
תָּמִ֥יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
יַחְגְּרֶֽ/הָ
châgar
H2296
to gird
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 109:19
תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ל֭/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כְּ/בֶ֣גֶד
beged
H899
"treachery"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
יַעְטֶ֑ה
ʻâṭâh
H5844
"to enwrap"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to grasp or cover something, like wrapping oneself in a cloak. It is used in Exodus 28:42 to describe the clothing of the priests. It can also mean to turn aside or change direction.
Definition: 1) to cover, enwrap, wrap oneself, envelop oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wrap, envelop oneself 1a2) to cover (the beard in mourning) 1a3) mourner, one who covers (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to cover, enwrap, envelop
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: array self, be clad, (put a) cover (-ing, self), fill, put on, [idiom] surely, turn aside. See also: Leviticus 13:45; Psalms 109:29; Psalms 71:13.
וּ֝/לְ/מֵ֗זַח
mâzîyach
H4206
"belt"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
In biblical times, a belt or girdle was a symbol of strength, as seen in the story of Elijah. This word is used to describe a belt that holds up one's pants, but also represents spiritual strength and courage.
Definition: girdle Also means: ma.zi.ach (מְזִיחַ "belt" H4206B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: girdle, strength. See also: Job 12:21; Psalms 109:19; Isaiah 23:10.
תָּמִ֥יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
יַחְגְּרֶֽ/הָ
châgar
H2296
"to gird"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 109:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 109:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 109:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 109:19
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:19
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:19
Context — The Song of the Slandered
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.
20May this be the LORD’s reward to my accusers, to those who speak evil against me. 21But You, O GOD, the Lord, deal kindly with me for the sake of Your name; deliver me by the goodness of Your loving devotion.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 109:29 | May my accusers be clothed with disgrace; may they wear their shame like a robe. |
| 2 | Psalms 132:18 | I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown upon him will gleam.” |
| 3 | Psalms 109:18 | The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil. |
| 4 | Psalms 35:26 | May those who gloat in my distress be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed in shame and reproach. |
Psalms 109:19 Summary
This verse is saying that the bad things that someone has done will come back to them, like a robe that they wear every day. It's not about getting revenge, but about trusting that God will take care of things, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:35. We can learn from this verse by recognizing that our actions have consequences, and by trusting in God's love and justice, as seen in Psalms 103:8. By doing so, we can live with integrity and trust in God's sovereignty, as described in Proverbs 10:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the curse to be like a robe wrapped about him?
This means that the consequences of the person's actions will be a constant and intimate part of their life, much like the robe that is worn next to the skin, as seen in Psalms 109:19, similar to how sin can cling to us as described in Psalms 51:5.
Is this verse promoting revenge or hatred towards others?
No, this verse is a prayer for God's justice to be done, as seen in Psalms 109:20, and is not about promoting personal revenge or hatred, but rather trusting in God's sovereignty as described in Romans 12:19.
How does this verse relate to the concept of karma?
While the concept of karma suggests that what goes around comes around, this verse is more about God's justice and the consequences of one's actions, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where it says that we will reap what we sow.
Can we apply this verse to our own lives and relationships?
Yes, we can apply this verse by recognizing that our words and actions have consequences, and by trusting in God's justice and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 37:3-7, where it says to trust in the Lord and do good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen the consequences of sin play out in my own life or in the lives of others?
- How can I trust in God's justice and sovereignty, even when it seems like the wicked are prospering, as described in Psalms 73:3-5?
- What are some ways that I can 'wear' the consequences of my actions, and how can I turn to God for forgiveness and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9?
- How can I balance the desire for justice with the command to love my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44-45?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:19
Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him,.... Let him be surrounded on all sides with the wrath of God; and let it be visible to all, as a man's garment on him is: see Isaiah 66:24.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:19
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 109:19
Which cleaves closer and faster to a man than a garment, than the Eastern garments did, which were large and loose.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:19
Psalms 109:19 Let it be unto him as the garment [which] covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.Ver. 19. Let it be unto him as a garment] Yet as an inner, but outer garment also, that men may see and say, This is an accursed person; the visible vengeance of God pursueth him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 109:19
Verse 19. And for a girdle] Let the curse cleave to him throughout life: as the girdle binds all the clothes to the body, let the curse of God bind all mischiefs and maladies to his body and soul. The Hindoos, Budhists, and others often wear a gold or silver chain about their waist. One of those chains, once the ornament of a Moudeliar in the island of Ceylon, lies now before me: it is silver, and curiously wrought.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:19
19. (So) let it be unto him as the garment in which he wraps himself, And as the belt wherewith he girds himself continually. As the text stands, the verbs in Psalms 109:17-18 cannot be rendered as optatives, let it come … let it be far … let it come. At first sight it is tempting to make the slight change in vocalisation which would give this sense (cp. LXX and Jer.); but the text admits of a good explanation. The past tenses it came … it was far … it came are not to be explained as ‘futures of certainty,’ water and oil (possibly with a reference to the water of jealousy, Numbers 5:22) being regarded as figures for what will inevitably penetrate his whole body. Water and oil naturally denote what is refreshing and strengthening (Job 15:16; Job 34:7; Proverbs 3:8). The wicked man deliberately chose the policy of cursing, and welcomed it to a home in his heart; he banished blessing from his thoughts and purposes. Cursing became the habit of mind, which he assumed each day as naturally as his garment: it was a positive refreshment and invigoration of his whole being. Therefore let it cleave inseparably to him and let him never be able to free himself from it Let it cling to him like a Nessus-shirt of venom.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:19
Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him - He has chosen to put it on, to wear it, to appear in it; so let him constantly feel its consequences.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:19
19. Continually—This garment and girdle are to be worn perpetually, not to be intermitted, or laid off, as with common apparel.