Psalms 70:3
Psalms 70:3 in Multiple Translations
May those who say, “Aha, aha!” retreat because of their shame.
Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
Let them be turned back by reason of their shame That say, Aha, aha.
Let those who say Aha, aha! be turned back as a reward of their shame.
May they be shocked at their defeat, those who taunted me.
Let them be turned backe for a rewarde of their shame, which said, Aha, aha.
Let them turn back because of their shame, Who are saying, 'Aha, aha.'
Let them be turned because of their shame who say, “Aha! Aha!”
Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a place of strength: that thou mayst make me safe. For thou art my firmament and my refuge.
I hope/desire that you will cause them to become dismayed and ashamed because you have defeated them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 70:3
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 70:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
וְ/יַחְפְּרוּ֮
מְבַקְשֵׁ֪י
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥/י
יִסֹּ֣גוּ
אָ֭חוֹר
וְ/יִכָּלְמ֑וּ
חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י
רָעָתִֽ/י
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יַחְפְּרוּ֮
châphêr
H2659
be ashamed
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מְבַקְשֵׁ֪י
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | 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
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 70:3
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
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/יַחְפְּרוּ֮
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.
מְבַקְשֵׁ֪י
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.
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥/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.
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 70:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 70:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 70:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 70:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 70:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 70:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 70:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 70:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 70:3
- Sermons on Psalms 70:3
Context — Hurry, O LORD, to Help Me!
1Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me!
2May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated.
3May those who say, “Aha, aha!” retreat because of their shame.
4May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “Let God be magnified!” 5But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 40:15 | May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame. |
| 2 | Acts 1:18 | (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 26:2 | “Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken; it has swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will be filled,’ |
| 4 | Ezekiel 25:3 | Tell the Ammonites to hear the word of the Lord GOD, for this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you exclaimed, “Aha!” when My sanctuary was profaned, when the land of Israel was laid waste, and when the house of Judah went into exile, |
| 5 | Proverbs 24:17–18 | Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him. |
| 6 | Psalms 35:21 | They gape at me and say, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!” |
| 7 | Psalms 35:25 | Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, just what we wanted!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up!” |
| 8 | Ezekiel 36:2 | This is what the Lord GOD says: Because the enemy has said of you, ‘Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession,’ |
Psalms 70:3 Summary
This verse is about how the psalmist wants those who are mocking him to be ashamed and stop. It's like when someone is bullying you and you want them to leave you alone. The psalmist is asking God to make this happen, just like in Psalms 35:4, where he prays for his enemies to be put to shame. He trusts that God will take care of him and bring justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God is described as a God of justice. We can learn from the psalmist's example by trusting in God's goodness and justice, even when we are faced with difficult situations, and by remembering that our ultimate hope is in God's salvation, as seen in Psalms 27:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'Aha, aha!' mean in Psalms 70:3?
The phrase 'Aha, aha!' in Psalms 70:3 is an expression of gloating or mocking, similar to what is seen in Psalms 35:21 and Psalms 40:15, where the wicked rejoice at the misfortune of the righteous.
Why do the wicked say 'Aha, aha!' and what is the desired outcome?
The wicked say 'Aha, aha!' because they take pleasure in the suffering of others, as seen in Psalms 22:7-8, but the psalmist prays that they will be put to shame and retreat, illustrating the contrast between the wicked and the righteous in Proverbs 28:12.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is part of a larger prayer for deliverance and protection, as seen in Psalms 70:1-2, where the psalmist asks God to hurry and help him, and in Psalms 70:4-5, where he expresses his trust in God's salvation and deliverance.
What can we learn from the psalmist's attitude towards his enemies?
The psalmist's attitude towards his enemies is one of trust in God's justice, as seen in Romans 12:19, where it is written that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and in Psalms 37:1-2, where the righteous are encouraged not to fret because of the wicked.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen the 'Aha, aha!' attitude manifested in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
- How can I, like the psalmist, trust in God's justice and deliverance when faced with mockery or persecution, as seen in 1 Peter 2:20?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'retreat because of shame' when I have acted in a way that is contrary to God's will, as seen in Luke 15:18-19?
- How can I balance the desire for God's justice with the command to love my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 70:3
Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame,.... In Psalms 40:15 it is, "let them be desolate"; which seems to respect their land and houses, here their persons; [See comments on Psalms
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 70:3
No text from Poole on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 70:3
Psalms 70:3 Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.Ver. 3. Let them be turned back for a reward] Vel sicut per insidias vel supplantationem, more athletarum, a ò÷á, Let them be supplanted, defeated. That say, Aha, aha] Augustine rendereth it, Euge, Euge, that is, Well done; and giveth this note upon it, Plus persequitur lingua adulatoris quam manus interfectoris, The tongue of a flatterer may mischief a man more than the hand of a murderer. The apostle, Hebrews 11:37, ranketh their tempting and flattering promises among their bloody deeds, their rising tongues with their terrifying jaws.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 70:3
Verse 3. That say, Aha, aha.] האה האה heach! heach! a note of supreme contempt. See on Psalms 40:15.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 70:3
3. Let them be turned back] Let them turn back, retreating after their ignominious repulse (Psalms 70:2). Cp. Psalms 6:10. The reading of Psa 40:15 is let them be desolate. The difference probably arose out of a confusion between the letters m and b (ιωξε—ιωαε), but may be due to intentional alteration. for a reward of their shame] Better as R.V., by reason of their shame, being foiled in their malicious plans. Aha, aha] An exclamation of malicious pleasure at another’s misfortune. Cp. Psalms 35:21; Psalms 35:25. The text of Psa 40:15 reads ‘that say unto me’; and so the LXX here, from which it has passed through the Vulg. into the P.B.V., ‘that cry over me.’
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 70:3
Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame - The only change which occurs in this verse is the substitution of the milder phrase “Let them be turned back,” for “Let them be desolate.” See the notes at Psalms 40:15.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 70:3
3. Turned—A different and softer word than “turned” in Psalms 70:2, without the strengthening word “backward” attached, as there.
Sermons on Psalms 70:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Great Commission by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not getting distracted from the main purpose of Christianity. He highlights that Christianity is not just about being mora |
|
Pilgrims Problems No. 14 the Suicide of Judas by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of focusing on money and the love of money as the root of all evil. He mentions the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus f |
|
Why Go to Church? 2 by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible systematically rather than relying on chance or selective reading. He warns against using a promise box t |
|
And Judas Iscariot by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the tragic story of Judas Iscariot, highlighting his heartless betrayal of Jesus, rejection of grace, and dreadful end. Chapman draws lessons from |
|
Judas Commits Suicide Matthew 27:1-10 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the tragic story of Judas Iscariot, highlighting his remorse and ultimate despair leading to his suicide after betraying Jesus. Judas' misguided actions a |