Psalm 109 11

Psalm 109:11 kjv

Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.

Psalm 109:11 nkjv

Let the creditor seize all that he has, And let strangers plunder his labor.

Psalm 109:11 niv

May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor.

Psalm 109:11 esv

May the creditor seize all that he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil!

Psalm 109:11 nlt

May creditors seize his entire estate,
and strangers take all he has earned.

Psalm 109 verses

Psalm 109 11 Meaning

Psalm 109:11 is a part of a powerful imprecatory prayer, where the psalmist calls upon God to execute severe judgment against a deceitful and malicious enemy. This particular verse specifies the prayer for the enemy's economic ruin, entreating that a creditor seize all his possessions and that outsiders plunder the fruits of his hard work. It expresses a desire for complete financial devastation and the reversal of fortunes as divine retribution for wickedness.

Psalm 109 11 Context

Psalm 109 is classified as an imprecatory psalm, a direct plea to God for justice against personal enemies. The psalmist, traditionally David, pours out his anguish and describes the wicked behavior of his adversary, who has spoken falsely, returned evil for good, hated without cause, and cursed him (verses 2-5). Following this lament, the psalmist requests a series of severe judgments upon his foe (verses 6-19), including a wicked person set over him, a life cut short, his children becoming orphans, and, as specified in verse 11, complete financial destitution where creditors seize his possessions and strangers plunder his labor. This detailed enumeration of curses highlights the intensity of the suffering inflicted upon the psalmist and his deep yearning for divine vindication in a culture where justice was often sought through the appeal to God. Historically, these curses align with the legal and social norms of the ancient Near East, where oaths and curses invoked divine wrath against transgressors, particularly those who broke covenants or acted with malicious intent.

Psalm 109 11 Word analysis

• Let the creditor: The Hebrew word for 'creditor' here is part of the verb y'naqqesh (יְנַקֵּשׁ), derived from naqash (נָקַשׁ), meaning "to lay a snare," "to ensnare," or "to seize." In this context, it vividly pictures a financial snare, where one is entrapped by debt. It highlights the aggressive, almost predatory nature of the seizure, more than just a typical business transaction.

• seize: The verb y'naqqesh itself means to "seize," "ensnare," or "take possession of." It denotes a forceful, unavoidable taking, implying a loss of control and ownership that results in complete dispossession. This is a deliberate, legal or pseudo-legal taking of property, reflecting a dire consequence of unpaid debts.

• all that he has: The phrase kol-asher lo (כָּל־אֲשֶׁר לוֹ) means literally "all which to him." This signifies the entirety of his possessions, everything he owns or has a claim to. It's a comprehensive loss, leaving the individual with absolutely nothing. This includes land, goods, and anything else of value.

• and let strangers: The Hebrew v'yavozo z'rim (וְיָבֹזּוּ זָרִים) connects "strangers" (zarim) with the act of plundering. Zarim refers to outsiders, foreigners, or those who are not part of the family or community. Their involvement in plundering symbolizes a complete societal disgrace and exposure, as protective communal ties are broken, allowing even those unconnected to exploit his downfall.

• plunder: The verb v'yavozo (וְיָבֹזּוּ), from bazaz (בָּזַז), means "to pillage," "spoil," or "carry off forcibly." This word implies violent or aggressive confiscation, often associated with wartime actions or severe punishment. It contrasts with the legal seizure by a creditor, pointing to chaotic, unrestrained taking.

• his labor: The term y'gi'o (יְגִיעוֹ) means "toil," "labor," or the "product of one's toil/labor." This is not just wealth acquired through inheritance or fortune, but what has been gained through hard, persistent effort. Plundering one's labor signifies the destruction of one's livelihood and the futility of their entire working life, erasing their efforts and denying them any benefit.

• "Let the creditor seize all that he has": This phrase depicts a systematic and legal or pseudo-legal taking of all material possessions, indicating utter financial ruin and loss of dignity. It points to a situation where the person is completely unable to meet their obligations, leading to enforced dispossession by an official agent.

• "and let strangers plunder his labor": This adds another layer of destitution, implying that even the accumulated fruits of his hard work, possibly stored wealth or crops, would be indiscriminately pillaged by those with no claim, signifying utter anarchy and complete vulnerability. This denotes not just formal confiscation, but rampant theft and loss, perhaps from enemies or outlaws.

Psalm 109 11 Bonus section

The intensity of the curses in Psalm 109, including verse 11, reflect the ancient Israelite understanding that social order and personal well-being were intrinsically linked to obedience to God's covenant. When covenant loyalty was betrayed through malicious acts, as described against the psalmist, the natural consequence expected was a reversal of God's blessings, leading to curses detailed in passages like Deuteronomy 28. The comprehensive nature of the financial ruin described—loss to both an internal "creditor" (potentially one who justly reclaims debt, or one who acts with malicious intent akin to a creditor, as some interpretations suggest a specific oppressor rather than just generic debt) and external "strangers"—highlights a total dismantling of security and status. This dual nature of loss emphasizes absolute desolation, mirroring the psalmist's sense of profound betrayal and total vulnerability.

Psalm 109 11 Commentary

Psalm 109:11 delivers a stark plea for economic desolation upon the wicked enemy, reflecting a profound desire for divine justice. The imagery is layered: first, the "creditor seizing all that he has" speaks to a loss rooted in financial default and a systemic failure leading to the formal, but painful, confiscation of every last possession. This aligns with legal ramifications for unresolved debt in ancient societies. Second, the demand that "strangers plunder his labor" points to a chaotic, unrestrained taking, perhaps by invaders or opportunistic marauders, of what was acquired through diligent effort. This signifies not merely debt-driven ruin but total personal collapse where accumulated toil brings no security or reward.

This verse is an integral part of an imprecatory psalm, not an endorsement of personal revenge, but an impassioned appeal to God as the ultimate judge to bring recompense for injustice. It is often viewed through the lens of ultimate divine judgment for the wicked, particularly noted in the New Testament's application to Judas Iscariot in Acts 1:20, which references Psalm 109:8 ("Let another take his office"). Thus, the curses found in this psalm can be seen as prophetic pronouncements against those who stand against God and His anointed, or as the righteous outcries of those seeking God's intervention in the face of profound wickedness, recognizing that true vengeance belongs to God alone. It illustrates the severity of divine justice and the ultimate fruitlessness of evil actions.