Psalms 40:15
Psalms 40:15 in Multiple Translations
May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame.
Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
Let them be desolate by reason of their shame That say unto me, Aha, aha.
Let those who say to me, Aha, aha! be surprised because of their shame.
May they be shocked at their defeat, those who taunted me.
Let them be destroyed for a rewarde of their shame, which say vnto me, Aha, aha.
They are desolate because of their shame, Who are saying to me, 'Aha, aha.'
Let them be desolate by reason of their shame that tell me, “Aha! Aha!”
Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say to me, Aha, aha.
I hope/desire that those who make fun of me will be dismayed when you defeat them.
Those people make fun of me, and they laugh at me. God, please make them shamed, so that they feel really sad.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 40:15
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 40:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ
וְ/יַחְפְּר֨וּ
יַחַד֮
מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י
נַפְשִׁ֗/י
לִ/סְפּ֫וֹתָ֥/הּ
יִסֹּ֣גוּ
אָ֭חוֹר
וְ/יִכָּלְמ֑וּ
חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י
רָעָתִֽ/י
יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יַחְפְּר֨וּ
châphêr
H2659
be ashamed
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יַחַד֮
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
לִ/סְפּ֫וֹתָ֥/הּ
çâphâh
H5595
to snatch
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
יִסֹּ֣גוּ
çûwg
H5472
to turn
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
אָ֭חוֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-ms
וְ/יִכָּלְמ֑וּ
kâlam
H3637
be humiliated
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י
châphêts
H2655
delighting
Adj
רָעָתִֽ/י
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 40:15
יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
וְ/יַחְפְּר֨וּ
châphêr
H2659
"be ashamed"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Châphêr means to be ashamed or blush, often used to describe feeling embarrassed or guilty. In Ezra 9:6, the people are ashamed of their sins, recognizing their wrongdoing. It involves a sense of regret.
Definition: 1) to be ashamed, be confounded, be abashed, feel abashed 1a) (Qal) to be ashamed, be abashed 1b) (Hiphil) to display shame, demonstrate shame, cause embarrassment
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, be confounded, be brought to confusion (unto shame), come (be put to) shame, bring reproach. See also: Job 6:20; Proverbs 13:5; Psalms 34:6.
יַחַד֮
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
נַפְשִׁ֗/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.
לִ/סְפּ֫וֹתָ֥/הּ
çâphâh
H5595
"to snatch"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to snatch or sweep something away, like destroying or consuming it. It can also mean to gather or catch up something. The KJV translates it as consume, destroy, or add.
Definition: 1) to sweep or snatch away, catch up, destroy, consume 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be snatched away 1a2) to sweep or snatch away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swept away, be destroyed 1b2) to be caught up, be captured 1c) (Hiphil) to catch up, gather
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: add, augment, consume, destroy, heap, join, perish, put. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 27:1; Psalms 40:15.
יִסֹּ֣גוּ
çûwg
H5472
"to turn"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word çûwg means to turn back or go back, and can also imply apostasy or backsliding. In the KJV translation, it is often used to describe someone who turns away from God or their faith, as seen in various biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to move, go, turn back, move away, backslide 1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself away, turn back 1b2) to be turned or driven back, be repulsed Also means: sug (שׂוּג "to turn back" H7734)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: backslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back). See also: Psalms 35:4; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 40:15.
אָ֭חוֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
וְ/יִכָּלְמ֑וּ
kâlam
H3637
"be humiliated"
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
To be humiliated means to be insulted or shamed, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe people's reactions to their mistakes. It is about feeling ashamed or reproached.
Definition: 1) to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be humiliated, be ashamed 1a2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put to shame, insult, humiliate, cause shame to 1b2) to exhibit shame 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be insulted, be humiliated 1c2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame. See also: Numbers 12:14; Proverbs 25:8; Psalms 35:4.
חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י
châphêts
H2655
"delighting"
Adj
This word describes someone who delights in something, like a person who takes pleasure in following God's commands. It's about having a strong desire or liking for something.
Definition: desiring, delighting in, having pleasure in
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: delight in, desire, favour, please, have pleasure, whosoever would, willing, wish. See also: 1 Kings 13:33; Psalms 34:13; Psalms 5:5.
רָעָתִֽ/י
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 40:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 40:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 40:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:15
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:15
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:15
- Sermons on Psalms 40:15
Context — I Waited Patiently for the LORD
13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me.
14May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated.
15May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame.
16May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!” 17But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:21 | They gape at me and say, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!” |
| 2 | Psalms 69:24–25 | Pour out Your wrath upon them, and let Your burning anger overtake them. May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents. |
| 3 | Psalms 35:25 | Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, just what we wanted!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up!” |
| 4 | Psalms 109:6–20 | Set over him a wicked man; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayer be regarded as sin. May his days be few; may another take his position. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children wander as beggars, seeking sustenance far from their ruined homes. May the creditor seize all he owns, and strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May there be no one to extend kindness to him, and no one to favor his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth. For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death. The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil. May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May this be the LORD’s reward to my accusers, to those who speak evil against me. |
| 5 | Luke 21:23–24 | How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. |
| 6 | Psalms 70:3–4 | May those who say, “Aha, aha!” retreat because of their shame. May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “Let God be magnified!” |
| 7 | Psalms 73:19 | How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! |
| 8 | Luke 19:43–44 | For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God. ” |
Psalms 40:15 Summary
[Psalms 40:15 is a prayer that those who mock and ridicule us would be ashamed of their own sin. This is not about seeking revenge, but about trusting in God's justice, as seen in Psalms 37:28. We can apply this verse to our lives by praying for those who have wronged us and trusting that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing (Romans 12:19). By doing so, we can experience the peace and comfort that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 26:3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say 'Aha, aha!' in Psalms 40:15?
The phrase 'Aha, aha!' in Psalms 40:15 is an expression of mockery or triumph over someone else's misfortune, similar to the taunts experienced by the Psalmist in Psalms 35:21 and Psalms 35:25. This kind of behavior is condemned in Proverbs 24:17-18, where it is written that we should not rejoice when our enemies fall.
Why does the Psalmist want those who say 'Aha, aha!' to be appalled at their own shame?
The Psalmist desires that those who mock him would be ashamed of their own wickedness, recognizing the error of their ways, as seen in Psalms 36:1-4, where the wicked are described as having no fear of God. This is in line with the principle stated in Galatians 6:7-8, which says that we will reap what we sow.
Is this verse promoting revenge or retaliation?
No, Psalms 40:15 is not promoting revenge or retaliation, but rather a desire for God's justice to be upheld, as seen in Psalms 37:28, where the Lord will not forsake those who are righteous. The Psalmist is trusting in God to vindicate him and bring shame to those who have wronged him, in accordance with Deuteronomy 32:35, which says that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply Psalms 40:15 to our lives by trusting in God's justice and not taking revenge into our own hands, as taught in Romans 12:19. Instead, we should pray for those who have wronged us, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44, and trust that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing, as seen in Psalms 27:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced mocking or ridicule from others, and how can I trust in God's justice during those times?
- In what ways can I be a source of comfort and support to those who are being mocked or persecuted, as seen in Hebrews 13:3?
- How can I balance the desire for justice with the command to love my enemies, as taught in Matthew 5:38-42?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's justice and not take matters into my own hands, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:15
Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame,.... Of their shameful wishes, words, and actions, as they were: their habitations in Jerusalem were desolate, and so was their house or temple there,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:15
Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 40:15
Desolate, or amazed, or dismayed, or overthrown: of such imprecations I have spoken before. Their shame, i.e. their sinful and shameful actions, as shame is put for a shameful idol, , and as fear is oft put for the evil feared.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:15
Psalms 40:15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.Ver. 15. Let them be desolate for a reward] A poor reward; but such as sin payeth to her servants: "the wages of sin is death." Sin payeth all her servants in black money. See Psalms 35:21. The word here rendered reward signifieth a heel. It is as if the prophet should say, Let one desolation tread upon the heels of another, till they be utterly undone.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:15
Verse 15. That say unto me, Aha, aha.] האח האח heach, heach. See on Psalms 35:21.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:15
15. R.V., Let them be desolate (Lamentations 1:16) by reason of their shame, the defeat of their malicious plans: or, less probably, let them be astonished (Leviticus 26:32) for a reward of their shame, at the shame which is their recompense. Psalms 70:4 reads let them turn back, as in Psalms 6:10. The difference of reading probably arose out of the confusion of sound or form between M and B (ιωξε—ιωαε). Aha, aha] The exclamation of malicious pleasure at another’s misfortune. Cp. Psalms 35:21; Psalms 35:25.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:15
Let them be desolate - The word here employed means to be astonished or amazed; then, to be laid waste, or made desolate.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:15
15. Desolate—The word may be taken in the sense of astonished, struck dumb with fear, Jeremiah 18:16, or of laid waste, as Ezekiel 35:12. The verb is in Kal future, and may be rendered, they shall be astonished.
Sermons on Psalms 40:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holl-06 Israel's Final Restoration by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on personal failures and the challenges faced in relationships and teaching. The State of Israel is mentioned as an opportunity to recognize an |
|
The Folly of Looking Back in Fleeing Out of Sodom by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the folly of looking back when fleeing out of Sodom, drawing parallels between the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world to the judgment |