Psalm 129 5

Psalm 129:5 kjv

Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.

Psalm 129:5 nkjv

Let all those who hate Zion Be put to shame and turned back.

Psalm 129:5 niv

May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.

Psalm 129:5 esv

May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!

Psalm 129:5 nlt

May all who hate Jerusalem
be turned back in shameful defeat.

Psalm 129 verses

Psalm 129 5 Meaning

This verse expresses a strong desire, in the form of an imprecation, for the swift and public downfall of those who harbor hostility towards Zion. It prays for their shame, humiliation, and complete defeat, specifically that their aggressive intentions be thwarted, forcing them into a retreat. The essence is a call for divine justice against the adversaries of God's chosen people and His holy dwelling place.

Psalm 129 5 Context

Psalm 129 is part of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), which were likely chanted by pilgrims making their way up to Jerusalem for the great annual festivals. This psalm is a collective lament and prayer, reflecting the historical endurance of Israel through repeated oppression and suffering "from my youth" (v. 1). Despite relentless attacks, "they have not prevailed against me" (v. 2), and "the Lord is righteous" (v. 4) in cutting off the "cords of the wicked." Verse 5 shifts from a recounting of past deliverance to an imprecatory prayer, expressing confidence in God's future judgment upon all who persistently hate Zion, which represents not just the physical city of Jerusalem, but the entire covenant community of Israel and the spiritual kingdom of God.

Psalm 129 5 Word analysis

• Let them all be confounded (יֵבשׁוּ - yēvāshū): This is a jussive form of the verb bosh (בושׁ), meaning to be ashamed, confounded, disgraced, or put to shame. It implies a public and utter humiliation, where their evil plans are exposed as futile and their intentions thwarted by divine intervention. This shame is not merely embarrassment but a defeat of their purposes.
• and turned back (וְיִסֹּגוּ אָח֖וֹר - vəyissogū ’āḥōr):
  • וְיִסֹּגוּ (vəyissogū): From the verb nasog (נסג), meaning to turn back, draw back, retreat, or withdraw. This signifies a reversal of their advance, a forced retreat from their aggressive positions, indicating defeat and lack of success in their hostile endeavors.
  • אָח֖וֹר (’āḥōr): An adverb meaning backward or to the rear. It emphasizes the complete reversal of their movement. Their intention to advance against Zion is not just halted but pushed back, reinforcing the idea of a thorough and definitive defeat.
• that hate (שׂוֹנְאֵ֥י - sone'ēi): From the root sane (שנא), meaning to hate, to be hostile towards, to detest. This is not casual dislike but deep-seated, active, and often malicious animosity. The participle form "those hating" emphasizes their continuous and defining characteristic. Their hatred of Zion is directly equivalent to opposition to God's chosen place and people.
• Zion (צִיּֽוֹן - Tziyyōn): This term refers to Mount Zion, one of the hills on which Jerusalem was built, becoming a metonym for the entire city of Jerusalem, especially its fortified heart. More significantly, Zion represents the spiritual dwelling place of God, the seat of the Davidic monarchy, and the central place of worship (where the Temple stood). Hatred of Zion, therefore, implies a fundamental rejection of God's covenant presence, His rule, and His people. It is a hatred directed against God Himself and His divine purposes for humanity through Israel.

• "Let them all be confounded and turned back": This phrase functions as a communal imprecation, a prayer for divine intervention. It desires not only a mental state of shame but a physical or strategic reversal of fortune for the enemies. It's a plea for God to act justly and publicly demonstrate His power by dismantling the plans and movements of His adversaries. The "all" emphasizes the totality of the enemies facing Zion.
• "that hate Zion": This identifies the specific target of the imprecation. It's not a general curse but focused on those whose animating principle is animosity toward God's chosen place and people. Their defining characteristic of "hating Zion" inherently positions them against the Almighty, making them liable for divine judgment.

Psalm 129 5 Bonus section

The concept of "hating Zion" is rooted in a deep theological opposition to God's sovereign plan. Throughout scripture, those who despise Zion are fundamentally those who despise the Lord's chosen people, His covenant, and ultimately, His rule. This Psalm, being one of the Songs of Ascents, also served to strengthen the solidarity and hope of the pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem. Knowing that their God would defend His city and His people, despite the pervasive threat of enemies, offered immense encouragement and assurance that their pilgrimage was under divine protection. The imprecation thus functioned both as a prayer for judgment and a confession of unwavering trust in the Lord.

Psalm 129 5 Commentary

Psalm 129:5 serves as a profound expression of faith in God's ultimate justice and protective power over His people. Following a reflection on Israel's long history of affliction and God's faithful deliverance (vv. 1-4), this verse pivots to an appeal for the active reversal of the enemies' intentions. It articulates a desire for divine intervention where the adversaries of Zion – representing not merely a city but God's spiritual presence and His covenant people – are thoroughly disgraced and routed. Their confounding implies a public demonstration of the futility of opposing God's plan, while their being "turned back" signifies a comprehensive defeat of their aggressive advances. This imprecation stems not from personal vengeance but from a zeal for God's glory and the vindication of His righteousness in protecting His dwelling place and covenant nation. It reinforces the biblical principle that those who contend with God's purposes will ultimately find themselves humbled and overthrown.