Psalm 109 27

Psalm 109:27 kjv

That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it.

Psalm 109:27 nkjv

That they may know that this is Your hand? That You, LORD, have done it!

Psalm 109:27 niv

Let them know that it is your hand, that you, LORD, have done it.

Psalm 109:27 esv

Let them know that this is your hand; you, O LORD, have done it!

Psalm 109:27 nlt

Let them see that this is your doing,
that you yourself have done it, LORD.

Psalm 109 verses

Psalm 109 27 Meaning

Psalm 109:27 is a heartfelt plea for God's clear and undeniable intervention. The Psalmist prays that when God acts on his behalf, the oppressors and all observers will recognize it as a direct, powerful act of the Lord alone. It is a petition for divine vindication that visibly demonstrates God's sovereign power and justice to all, ensuring that no one can deny His involvement. The ultimate purpose is for God's glory to be displayed through His actions, silencing the adversaries and establishing His authority.

Psalm 109 27 Context

Psalm 109 is an imprecatory psalm, a heartfelt cry of a righteous individual (likely David) who is suffering greatly at the hands of treacherous and malicious enemies. The psalmist feels abandoned and falsely accused, betrayed by those who should be allies. He meticulously details the cruelty and curses of his adversaries (Ps 109:2-5), responding with a detailed prayer for their judgment, including specific woes (Ps 109:6-19). This section reflects the ancient Near Eastern context of invoking divine justice and acknowledging the lex talionis (law of retaliation), understood not as personal revenge but as an appeal to God, the righteous Judge, for covenant fidelity. Verse 27, in particular, comes after David has described his extreme physical and emotional affliction (Ps 109:22-25) and prayed for God's help and steadfast love (Ps 109:26). His ultimate desire for God to act is not merely for personal relief, but crucially, for the divine hand to be so evident in the deliverance that His name and power are glorified and acknowledged by all, including the very oppressors. The historical setting is likely one of deep personal distress and public slander, prompting a direct appeal for God to display His absolute sovereignty over human malice.

Psalm 109 27 Word analysis

• That they may know (יֵדְעוּ - yēd'û): This is from the verb yada', which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge, not just intellectual understanding. It suggests a recognition that penetrates the heart and is demonstrated by changed behavior or public confession. The psalmist desires not just that observers see an event, but that they deeply apprehend its divine origin. This knowing would stand in stark contrast to their current denial of God's involvement or their belief that they are unopposed.
• that this (זֹאת - zō't): A demonstrative pronoun, referring to the action or outcome being prayed for—the deliverance of the Psalmist and the downfall of his enemies. It signifies the specific, undeniable divine intervention requested in the preceding verses, especially God's promised help and vindication (Ps 109:26).
• is your hand (יָדְךָ - yādkā): The "hand" of God is a common biblical metaphor symbolizing His power, action, might, presence, and direct involvement. It conveys authority and executive power. When something is "God's hand," it means it is unmistakably His doing, displaying His unique ability and sovereign control over circumstances, transcending human limitations.
• that you, O LORD (אַתָּה יְהוָה - 'attah Yahweh): 'Attah is the emphatic second person singular pronoun, strongly highlighting "You" and indicating direct address. Yahweh is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful, and promise-keeping God. The combination emphasizes His personal commitment and absolute authority, distinct from all other powers, human or pagan.
• have done it (עָשִׂיתָה - aśîṯāh): From the verb 'asah, meaning "to make," "to do," "to perform," or "to accomplish." It conveys completeness and effectiveness. The phrase signifies that the action is not just underway or wished for, but decisively and effectively performed by God, leading to a definitive outcome. It implies God's perfect execution of His will.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "That they may know that this is your hand": This phrase highlights the desired purpose and effect of God's action. The "they" includes the Psalmist's enemies and anyone observing the situation. God's intervention is not meant to be ambiguous; it must be a clear manifestation of His power, leading to an undeniable realization that He is active in human affairs, defending His faithful and bringing justice. This public revelation of God's 'hand' serves to confound His adversaries and confirm the faith of His people.
• "that you, O LORD, have done it": This part unequivocally asserts the divine agency. It's a statement of absolute conviction and a declaration that the awaited resolution will be solely and wholly attributable to Yahweh. The repetition of the idea ("your hand" and "You... have done it") serves to emphasize the sole origin of the intervention, ruling out any alternative explanations. It reinforces God's unique power and responsibility for the coming vindication and judgment, directly countering any perception of His absence or powerlessness.

Psalm 109 27 Bonus section

The appeal in Psalm 109:27 extends beyond the personal suffering of the Psalmist; it speaks to a broader theological truth: God reveals His character and attributes through His deeds in the world. When God delivers His people or executes judgment, He is not only acting justly but is also communicating who He is to His creation. The "knowledge" desired is redemptive in a sense—a turning point for those who might otherwise remain ignorant of His power or His faithfulness to His covenant. This focus on God's public self-disclosure through His actions aligns with a consistent biblical theme, where divine acts serve as irrefutable testimonies of His identity and sovereignty.

Psalm 109 27 Commentary

Psalm 109:27 is a powerful prayer for God's manifest action and self-revelation. The psalmist, oppressed and slandered, pleads for a clear divine intervention that leaves no doubt as to its source. It is not enough for the psalmist to merely be delivered; the deliverance must be undeniably from God so that his enemies and onlookers alike will recognize Yahweh's sovereign hand in justice and vindication. This reveals a profound understanding of God's nature: He is not a silent or passive observer but an active participant in the affairs of humanity, particularly when His righteous ones suffer injustice. The prayer is ultimately for the glory of God's name, for His identity as the just and powerful covenant-keeping Lord to be demonstrated to all. The knowledge desired is an experiential recognition of God's active governance, changing the perception of those who disregard or oppose Him. It highlights that God's intervention serves both His people and His own renown. For instance, in our lives, when circumstances seem insurmountable, and adversaries mock, this verse reminds us to pray for God to intervene in ways so clear that His presence and power become undeniable to both believer and skeptic, serving to glorify His name.