Psalm 109 20

Psalm 109:20 kjv

Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.

Psalm 109:20 nkjv

Let this be the LORD's reward to my accusers, And to those who speak evil against my person.

Psalm 109:20 niv

May this be the LORD's payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me.

Psalm 109:20 esv

May this be the reward of my accusers from the LORD, of those who speak evil against my life!

Psalm 109:20 nlt

May those curses become the LORD's punishment
for my accusers who speak evil of me.

Psalm 109 verses

Psalm 109 20 Meaning

Psalm 109:20 is a solemn plea for divine retribution, where the psalmist requests that the severe curses and judgments detailed in the preceding verses be the just "reward" or recompense meted out by the LORD Himself upon his malicious accusers and those who speak wickedness against his very being. It encapsulates a profound desire for God's righteousness to be visibly vindicated against unprovoked evil and slander.

Psalm 109 20 Context

Psalm 109 is a deeply impassioned imprecatory psalm attributed to David, a cry from the heart of one who is righteous yet suffers profound injustice and malicious attack from his enemies. The psalm is characterized by a dramatic contrast between the psalmist's prayer for justice and the relentless, cruel accusations and curses pronounced upon him by his adversaries. Preceding this verse, the psalmist details the ungrateful and treacherous nature of his foes (v. 4-5) and launches into a series of fervent imprecations (vv. 6-19), requesting severe judgments—from judicial condemnation to personal and familial ruin—upon them. Verse 20 serves as a climactic summation of these curses, a petition that all the detailed retribution be granted as a "reward" or fitting consequence originating directly from the LORD. The historical context reflects David's frequent experiences of betrayal, slander, and attempts on his life, such as during Absalom's rebellion or persecution by Saul.

Psalm 109 20 Word analysis

• May this be (זֶה יְהִי - zeh yehi): This phrase expresses a strong desiderative, an earnest wish or prayer. It's not a personal act of vengeance but an appeal to God's justice, that the very things pronounced in the preceding imprecations (the severe curses on his accusers) should indeed come to pass. It underscores a conviction that God is the one who orchestrates righteous judgment.
• the reward (גְּלַתּוֹ - g'la-tó): From the root גָּמַל (gamal), which signifies dealing out or repaying. This word often carries the connotation of a fitting recompense, whether for good or evil. Here, it denotes what is justly deserved or earned for malicious actions. It highlights the divine principle of lex talionis (law of retaliation) where one receives in proportion to what they give, not in a crude human sense, but as God's righteous verdict.
• of my accusers (מֵאֵת מַטַאֲנַי - me'eṯ maṭ'ănay): "Accusers" translates from the root שָׂטָן (satan), meaning adversary, opponent, or one who accuses falsely. While related to the specific fallen angel "Satan," here in the plural, it refers to human antagonists who embody opposition and false accusation. The term powerfully conveys the depth of malice, as their actions parallel the great spiritual accuser.
• from the LORD (מֵאֵת יְהוָה - me'eṯ YHWH): This phrase is critical, attributing the source and authority of this "reward" solely to YHWH, the covenant Name of God. It ensures that the invoked judgment is not out of personal vindictiveness or human power, but an appeal to God's perfect justice and sovereignty. It underscores the belief that only God has the right and power to execute such a severe recompense.
• of those who speak evil (וְהַדֹּבְרִים רָעָה - v'ha-dobrîm ra'āh): This clearly identifies the primary offense as verbal aggression—slander, malicious gossip, cursing, and harmful accusations. "Speaking evil" (דבר רעה - dabár ra'ah) is a significant act in the Hebrew Bible, capable of destroying reputation, stirring strife, and offending God directly.
• against my soul (עַל־נַפְשִׁי - ‘al-nafshî): The Hebrew word נֶפֶשׁ (nephésh), often translated "soul," carries a broader meaning encompassing one's whole being, life, person, or very essence. The accusation or evil speaking is not merely superficial but aims at the core of the psalmist's existence, integrity, and relationship with God and others. It signifies an attack designed to utterly ruin, spiritually and physically.

• "May this be the reward": This phrase underlines that the preceding curses are not arbitrary but a just "payment" or outcome deserved by the wicked. It functions as a judicial pronouncement, desiring a fitting consequence for the defined actions.
• "of my accusers from the LORD": This pairing explicitly names the beneficiaries of the requested judgment – the adversaries. Critically, it firmly places the source of this judgment with YHWH, emphasizing divine prerogative and righteousness over human revenge. It also echoes the concept of spiritual warfare against those who act as earthly "satans" or accusers.
• "of those who speak evil against my soul": This second identifying clause details the specific nature of their transgression: malicious speech directed at the psalmist's very being. This highlights the severe impact of slander and false witness, seeking to destroy a person's life and reputation through words. The imprecation, therefore, becomes a cry for justice against linguistic violence.

Psalm 109 20 Bonus section

The imprecatory psalms like Psalm 109 are often challenging to modern sensibilities due to their intense requests for judgment. However, it is crucial to understand them through a few key lenses:

• Theological Framework: They reflect an unshakeable belief in God's perfect justice. In a world where earthly justice often fails, the psalmist appeals directly to the highest court—God Himself—to rectify egregious wrongs. This is an expression of profound faith in divine oversight.
• Not Personal Vengeance: While the language is personal, the appeal is always to God, not to take matters into one's own hands. This distinguishes them sharply from personal vendettas, embodying the principle that "Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord."
• Prophetic Dimension: Many scholars view these as prophetic utterances, declaring God's future judgment on persistent, unrepentant wickedness. They forecast what will ultimately befall those who actively oppose God and His righteous ones.
• Righteous Indignation: The psalms allow for the expression of legitimate pain, frustration, and righteous indignation against injustice, a healthy emotional outpouring directed to God rather than allowing bitterness to fester internally or lead to sinful human revenge.
• Type and Shadow: In the New Testament, while Christ teaches forgiveness and love for enemies, the ultimate triumph over evil is still presented as God's just judgment at the end of days (Rev 6:10). The imprecatory psalms thus can be seen as foreshadowing the eschatological reckoning for all evil.

This verse, then, represents a prayer for the triumph of justice, aligning the psalmist's desire with what is believed to be God's eventual will for those who persistently oppose righteousness.

Psalm 109 20 Commentary

Psalm 109:20 serves as a pivotal concluding statement to the specific and harsh judgments articulated in the preceding verses. It reasserts that the dire "reward" invoked upon the psalmist's enemies is neither a product of personal hatred nor a plea for private vengeance, but a fervent request for God's just retribution to be executed. The phrase "from the LORD" is paramount, establishing that the desire for their suffering is predicated upon the divine attributes of justice and sovereignty. This ensures that the retribution sought is righteous, fitting the severity of their unprovoked evil and the deep anguish their malicious accusations inflicted. The psalm’s starkness reveals the psalmist’s profound commitment to seeing God's righteousness prevail and evil confronted, recognizing that ultimate judgment belongs solely to the Divine Judge. It offers a glimpse into a mind burdened by intense suffering and driven to entrust the administration of true justice into the hands of a faithful God.