Psalms 109:20
Psalms 109:20 in Multiple Translations
May this be the LORD’s reward to my accusers, to those who speak evil against me.
Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
This is the reward of mine adversaries from Jehovah, And of them that speak evil against my soul.
Let this be the reward given to my haters from the Lord, and to those who say evil of my soul.
May all this be the punishment of the Lord on my enemies, on those who speak evil of me.
Let this be the rewarde of mine aduersarie from the Lord, and of them, that speake euill against my soule.
This [is] the wage of mine accusers from Jehovah, And of those speaking evil against my soul.
This is the reward of my adversaries from the LORD, of those who speak evil against my soul.
Let this be the reward of my adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
Yahweh, I want you to punish all my enemies that way, those who say evil things about me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 109:20
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 109:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֹ֤את
פְּעֻלַּ֣ת
שֹׂ֭טְנַ/י
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/הַ/דֹּבְרִ֥ים
רָ֝֗ע
עַל
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
זֹ֤את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
פְּעֻלַּ֣ת
pᵉʻullâh
H6468
wages
N-fs
שֹׂ֭טְנַ/י
sâṭan
H7853
to oppose
V-Qal | Suff
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/הַ/דֹּבְרִ֥ים
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | Art | V-Qal
רָ֝֗ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 109:20
זֹ֤את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
פְּעֻלַּ֣ת
pᵉʻullâh
H6468
"wages"
N-fs
Wages or reward is the meaning of this word, describing the payment or result of someone's work or labour. It is often used to refer to the fruit of one's efforts.
Definition: 1) work, recompense, reward 1a) work 1b) wages
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: labour, reward, wages, work. See also: Leviticus 19:13; Isaiah 40:10; Psalms 17:4.
שֹׂ֭טְנַ/י
sâṭan
H7853
"to oppose"
V-Qal | Suff
To oppose or act as an adversary is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It is used in the Bible to describe resistance or accusation, often in a legal or spiritual sense.
Definition: (Qal) to be or act as an adversary, resist, oppose
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (be an) adversary, resist. See also: Psalms 38:21; Psalms 109:20; Psalms 71:13.
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/הַ/דֹּבְרִ֥ים
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
רָ֝֗ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Psalms 109:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 109:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
- Sermons on Psalms 109:20
Context — The Song of the Slandered
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. 22For I am poor and needy; my heart is wounded within me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 4:14 | Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 2:44 | The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head. |
| 3 | Psalms 94:23 | He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them. |
| 4 | Psalms 2:5–6 | Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury: “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” |
| 5 | Psalms 21:8–12 | Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You. You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them. You will wipe their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from the sons of men. Though they intend You harm, the schemes they devise will not prevail. For You will put them to flight when Your bow is trained upon them. |
| 6 | Matthew 26:66–67 | What do you think?” “He deserves to die,” they answered. Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 12:3 | Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. |
| 8 | Matthew 11:19 | The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” |
| 9 | Psalms 110:1 | The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” |
| 10 | Psalms 110:5–6 | The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead; He will crush the leaders far and wide. |
Psalms 109:20 Summary
This verse is a prayer from the psalmist, asking God to give his accusers the kind of treatment they have given to him. He is trusting in God's justice and leaving the revenge to Him, rather than taking matters into his own hands. This is similar to what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:38-42, where He says to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. By trusting in God's justice, we can avoid seeking revenge and instead, focus on loving and praying for those who have wronged us, as seen in 1 Peter 2:23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of reward is the psalmist asking God to give to his accusers?
The psalmist is asking God to give his accusers the kind of treatment they have given to him, as seen in Psalms 109:18-19, which describes the cursing and evil they have spoken against him, similar to the principle found in Psalms 62:12 and Proverbs 26:27.
Is the psalmist seeking revenge on his own, or is he leaving it to God?
The psalmist is leaving the revenge to God, as indicated by the phrase 'May this be the LORD's reward', which shows he is trusting in God's justice, as also seen in Romans 12:19 and Deuteronomy 32:35.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is a continuation of the psalmist's prayer for God to deal with his enemies, and it is followed by a contrast in Psalms 109:21, where the psalmist asks God to deal kindly with him, showing a trust in God's goodness and justice, similar to Psalms 23:4 and Psalms 103:8.
What can we learn from the psalmist's attitude towards his accusers?
We can learn to trust in God's justice and leave revenge to Him, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as taught in Matthew 5:38-42 and 1 Peter 2:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have spoken evil against others, and how can I seek forgiveness and restoration?
- How can I trust God to deal with those who have wronged me, rather than seeking revenge on my own?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character and His desire for justice?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting God for justice in my own life, especially when faced with difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:20
Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the Lord,.... Who were so many Satans, as the word used signifies; and Judas particularly is called a devil; and of the same malevolent and diabolical
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:20
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 109:20
Of mine adversaries; of those who were confederate with that arch enemy in his wicked enterprise. Against my soul; with design to take away my life.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
Psalms 109:20 [Let] this [be] the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.Ver. 20. Let this be the reward] Opus vel operae precium. The same Hebrew word signifieth work and wages, Actio et merces, Job 7:2 Isaiah 49:4; persecutors shall be sure of their payment.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
(20) Reward.—Either “work” or “wages.” The LXX. and Vulg. take it in the former sense, “This is their work who,” &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
Verse 20. Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the Lord, and of them that speak evil against my soul.] Following the mode of interpretation already adopted, this may mean: All these maledictions shall be fulfilled on my enemies; they shall have them for their reward. So all the opposition made by the Jews against our Lord, and the obloquies and execrations wherewith they have loaded him and his religion, have fallen upon themselves; and they are awful examples of the wrath of God abiding on them that believe not. But is not this verse a key to all that preceded it? The original, fairly interpreted, will lead us to a somewhat different meaning: זאת פעלת שטני מאת יהוה והדברים רע על נפשי zoth peullath soteney meeth Yehovah, vehaddoberim ra al naphshi. "This is the work of my adversaries before the Lord, and of those who speak evil against my soul," or life. That is, all that is said from the sixth to the twentieth verse consists of the evil words and imprecations of my enemies against my soul, laboring to set the Lord, by imprecations, against me, that their curses may take effect. This, which is a reasonable interpretation, frees the whole Psalm from every difficulty. Surely, the curses contained in it are more like those which proceed from the mouth of the wicked, than from one inspired by the Spirit of the living God. Taking the words in this sense, which I am persuaded is the best, and which the original will well bear and several of the Versions countenance, then our translation may stand just as it is, only let the reader remember that at the sixth verse David begins to tell how his enemies cursed HIM, while he prayed for THEM.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:20
20. Let this be the reward] Or as R.V., This (is) the reward; the wages, as the word implies, which they have earned by their behaviour. adversaries] See note on Psalms 109:4.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:20
Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the Lord,... - The word rendered “reward” means usually work, labor, occupation, business; then, what one earns by his work - reward, recompence, Leviticus 19:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:20
20. Let this be the reward—Literally, this is the work, or wages, of my adversaries. The word signifies both work and wages, or reward, as Leviticus 19:13; Proverbs 10:16
Sermons on Psalms 109:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
David Speaking Out Against His Enemies Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study of the Bible, focusing on Psalm 109. David, the author of the psalm, prays for God's judgment on his adversari |
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2 Timothy 4:9-13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of seizing spiritual riches with violence and fortitude, urging believers to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly possessions. He emp |
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Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up? by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the |
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Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th |
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His Dreadful Threatenings! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the inseparable connection between sin and its consequences, asserting that the wages of sin is death as stated in Romans 6:23. He argues that a just and r |
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Message From Pslam 2 by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's actions are sovereign and cannot be changed by human advice. He highlights the grand fact that God has set his king on the holy h |
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The King Will Be Exalted in Strength by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Psalm 21, which speaks of the joy and gladness that comes from being in the presence of the Lord. The passage emphasizes the tru |