Psalms 79:12
Psalms 79:12 in Multiple Translations
Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord.
And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
And render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom Their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
And give punishment seven times over into the breast of our neighbours for the bitter words which they have said against you, O Lord.
Pay each of these neighbors back seven times for the scorn and ridicule they directed against you, Lord.
And render to our neighbours seuen folde into their bosome their reproche, wherewith they haue reproched thee, O Lord.
And turn Thou back to our neighbours, Sevenfold unto their bosom, their reproach, Wherewith they reproached Thee, O Lord.
Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord.
And render to our neighbors seven-fold into their bosom their reproach, with which they have reproached thee, O LORD.
It stretched forth its branches unto the sea, and its boughs unto the river.
In return for their having often insulted you, punish them seven times as much!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 79:12
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 79:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ֘שֵׁ֤ב
לִ/שְׁכֵנֵ֣י/נוּ
שִׁ֭בְעָתַיִם
אֶל
חֵיקָ֑/ם
חֶרְפָּ֘תָ֤/ם
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
חֵרְפ֣וּ/ךָ
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
וְ/הָ֘שֵׁ֤ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לִ/שְׁכֵנֵ֣י/נוּ
shâkên
H7934
neighboring
Prep | Adj | Suff
שִׁ֭בְעָתַיִם
shibʻâthayim
H7659
sevenfold
N-fd
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
חֵיקָ֑/ם
chêyq
H2436
bosom
N-ms | Suff
חֶרְפָּ֘תָ֤/ם
cherpâh
H2781
reproach
N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
חֵרְפ֣וּ/ךָ
châraph
H2778
to taunt
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 79:12
וְ/הָ֘שֵׁ֤ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לִ/שְׁכֵנֵ֣י/נוּ
shâkên
H7934
"neighboring"
Prep | Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who lives near you, like a neighbor or a fellow citizen. It's used in books like Genesis and Jeremiah to talk about the people around you.
Definition: 1) inhabitant, neighbour 1a) inhabitant 1b) neighbour
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: inhabitant, neighbour, nigh. See also: Exodus 3:22; Psalms 89:42; Psalms 31:12.
שִׁ֭בְעָתַיִם
shibʻâthayim
H7659
"sevenfold"
N-fd
This word means seven times or sevenfold, like the sevenfold vengeance God promised Cain in Genesis 4:15. It emphasizes something happening multiple times or being greatly increased.
Definition: 1) sevenfold, seven times 1a) sevenfold, seven times as much 1b) seven times
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: seven(-fold, times). See also: Genesis 4:15; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 12:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חֵיקָ֑/ם
chêyq
H2436
"bosom"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.
חֶרְפָּ֘תָ֤/ם
cherpâh
H2781
"reproach"
N-fs | Suff
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
חֵרְפ֣וּ/ךָ
châraph
H2778
"to taunt"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 79:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 79:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 79:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 79:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 79:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 79:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
- Sermons on Psalms 79:12
Context — A Prayer for Deliverance
10Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations Your vengeance for the bloodshed of Your servants.
11May the groans of the captives reach You; by the strength of Your arm preserve those condemned to death.
12Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord.
13Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will thank You forever; from generation to generation we will declare Your praise.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 32:18 | You show loving devotion to thousands but lay the iniquity of the fathers into the laps of their children after them, O great and mighty God whose name is the LORD of Hosts, |
| 2 | Genesis 4:15 | “Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him. |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:28 | then I will walk in fury against you, and I, even I, will punish you sevenfold for your sins. |
| 4 | Leviticus 26:21 | If you walk in hostility toward Me and refuse to obey Me, I will multiply your plagues seven times, according to your sins. |
| 5 | Psalms 74:18–22 | Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name. Do not deliver the soul of Your dove to beasts; do not forget the lives of Your afflicted forever. Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land. Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name. Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long. |
| 6 | Luke 6:38 | Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:31 | Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house. |
| 8 | Isaiah 65:5–7 | They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long. Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps, both for your iniquities and for those of your fathers,” says the LORD. “Because they burned incense on the mountains and scorned Me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their former deeds.” |
| 9 | Psalms 44:16 | at the voice of the scorner and reviler, because of the enemy, bent on revenge. |
| 10 | Psalms 74:10 | How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? |
Psalms 79:12 Summary
Psalms 79:12 is a prayer for God's justice and vindication when His people are mocked or reproached. The psalmist asks God to pay back those who have wronged Him, not out of a desire for personal revenge, but because He wants God's name to be honored and His people to be protected. This is similar to what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:10-12, where He said that those who are persecuted for righteousness will be blessed. As we reflect on this verse, we can pray for God's justice and righteousness to be revealed in our own lives and in the world around us, and trust that He will ultimately vindicate His people (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'pay back into the laps of our neighbors' in Psalms 79:12?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's judgment on those who have wronged His people, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 32:35, where God says He will avenge those who have wronged His people.
Why does the psalmist ask God to 'pay back sevenfold' the reproach of the neighbors?
The request for sevenfold payment is an expression of the severity of the punishment the psalmist believes is deserved, as seen in Leviticus 26:18 and Proverbs 6:31, where sevenfold is used to signify completeness or intensity of punishment.
Is the psalmist promoting revenge or hatred towards the neighbors?
No, the psalmist is actually calling for God's justice and vindication, not personal revenge, as seen in Romans 12:19, where it says 'do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.'
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?
While Jesus teaches forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15, the psalmist's cry for justice is not about personal revenge, but about God's righteousness and the vindication of His people, which is consistent with Jesus' teachings on God's justice and righteousness in Matthew 5:10-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen or experienced God's people being reproached or mocked, and how can I pray for God's justice and vindication in those situations?
- How can I balance my desire for justice and righteousness with Jesus' command to 'love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me' in Matthew 5:44?
- In what ways can I be a voice for the oppressed and marginalized, and pray for God's deliverance and justice on their behalf, as seen in Psalms 79:11?
- What does it mean for me to 'declare God's praise from generation to generation' as mentioned in Psalms 79:13, and how can I live out that truth in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 79:12
And render unto our neighbours seven fold into their bosom, ec.] Not seven fold for one, as the Targum paraphrases it, or a seven fold punishment for one sin; but that he would recompense their sins,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 79:12
And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
Sevenfold, i.e. either, 1. Abundantly, as this phrase notes, ,7 Jeremiah 32:18 . Or, 2. Sensibly, so as it may come home to them, and fall heavily upon them in their own persons. Reproached thee, as impotent, or unfaithful, or unmerciful to his own people. So they intimate that this desire did not proceed from a revengeful mind, but from a due sense of God’ s favour.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
Psalms 79:12 And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.Ver. 12. Into their bosom] Full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, Luke 6:38. See Isaiah 65:6-7 Jeremiah 32:18. Wherewith they have reproached thee] viz. In reproaching us, who do quarter arms, as it were, with thee.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
(12) Neighbours.—The sharpest pang of the suffering came from the taunts of “neighbours. (See Psalms 79:4.) Sevenfold.—As in Genesis 4:15. We naturally contrast the law of Christian forgiveness. Into their bosom.—The deep folds of the Eastern dress were used as a pocket. (Comp. Rth 3:15; Isaiah 65:7; Jeremiah 32:18; Luke 6:38, &c)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
Verse 12. Sevenfold into their bosom] That is, Let them get in this world what they deserve for the cruelties they have inflicted on us. Let them suffer in captivity, who now have us in bondage. Probably this is a prediction.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 79:12
12. our neighbours] Cp. Psalms 79:4 : the nations around, such as the Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites, which instead of sympathising rejoiced at Israel’s calamity. Cp. Ezekiel 25. sevenfold] Cp. Genesis 4:15; and contrast Christ’s law of forgiveness, Matthew 18:22. into their bosom] A metaphor from the practice of carrying articles in the folds of the dress. It further suggests the idea of full and intimate recompence. Cp. Isaiah 65:6; Jeremiah 32:18; Luke 6:38.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 79:12
And render unto our neighbors - That is, the neighbors who had reproached them; the surrounding people who had seen these calamities come upon them, and who had regarded these calamities as proof
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 79:12
12. And render unto our neighbours—Comp, Psalms 79:6. These “neighbours” were the nations lying around Jerusalem, as the Tyrians, Syrians, Moabites, Edomites, who either helped the army of
Sermons on Psalms 79:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Violent Overthrow of God's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, Pastor David speaks about the violent overthrow of God's house, referencing the story of Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem. The city was moved by Jesus' presen |
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God's Judgment, Heaven and Hell - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the two main ways God brings judgment: historical judgments affecting generations based on responses to God, and eternal judgments impacting one's destiny i |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the Bible. He highlights the significance of Abel's blood crying out to God from the ground, representing th |
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Mark of the Beast by Carter Conlon | Carter Conlon preaches about the significance of the mark of the beast in Revelation, highlighting the end-time events leading to a one-world government and the rise of the Antichr |
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Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |
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Don't Forget by William Booth | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively helping those in need, rather than simply offering prayers or advice. The speaker encourages the audience to take |
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(Pdf Book) My All for Him / 5 Chapters by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that |