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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 109:28 Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/109-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/19_Psa_109_028.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 109:28 - The Song of the Slandered" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/109-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/109-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/109.htm">Chapter 109</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/109-27.htm" title="Psalm 109:27">◄</a> Psalm 109:28 <a href="/psalms/109-29.htm" title="Psalm 109:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/109.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />While they curse, may you bless; may those who attack me be put to shame, but may your servant rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/109.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me! When they attack me, they will be disgraced! But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/109.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let them curse, but you will bless! They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/109.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/109.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Let them curse, but You bless; When they arise, let them be ashamed, But let Your servant rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/109.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will curse, but You bless; When they arise, they will be ashamed, But Your servant will be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/109.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Let them curse, but You bless; When they arise, they shall be ashamed, But Your servant shall be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/109.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Let them curse, but do Thou bless; When they arise, they shall be ashamed, But Thy servant shall be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/109.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let them curse, but You bless; They arise and will be put to shame, But Your slave shall be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/109.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let them curse, but You bless. When adversaries arise, let them be ashamed, But let Your servant rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/109.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though they curse, you will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but your servant will rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/109.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/109.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let them curse, but bless thou: When they arise, they shall be put to shame, But thy servant shall rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/109.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/109.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, they shall be ashamed, but thy servant shall rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/109.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They may curse, but you will bless. Let those who attack me be ashamed, but let me rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/109.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They may curse me, but you will bless me. May my persecutors be defeated, and may I, your servant, be glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/109.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They will curse, but you will bless. When they attack, they will be humiliated, while your servant rejoices.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/109.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/109.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They curse, but you will bless. When they attack, they will be humiliated, but your servant will rejoice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/109.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They may curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be shamed, but your servant shall rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/109.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/109.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They may curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be shamed, but your servant shall rejoice. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/109.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They revile, and You bless, "" They have risen, and are ashamed, "" And Your servant rejoices.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/109.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> They revile, and Thou dost bless, They have risen, and are ashamed, And Thy servant doth rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/109.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They will curse and thou wilt bless: they arose and they shall be ashamed; and thy servant shall be glad.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/109.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They will curse and thou will bless: let them that rise up against me be confounded: but thy servant shall rejoice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/109.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 108:28>They will curse, and you will bless. May those who rise up against me be confounded. But your servant will rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/109.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Though they curse, may you bless; arise, shame them, that your servant may rejoice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/109.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Let them curse, but you will bless. Let my assailants be put to shame; may your servant be glad.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/109.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let them be cursed; but thou shalt be blessed, and let thou thy servant rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/109.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They will be cursed and you will be blessed and your Servant will rejoice.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/109.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let them curse, but bless Thou; When they arise, they shall be put to shame, but Thy servant shall rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/109.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Let them curse, but thou shalt bless: let them that rise up against me be ashamed, but let thy servant rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/109-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=14161" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm">The Song of the Slandered</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>Let them know that this is Your hand, that You, O LORD, have done it. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">Though they</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: yə·qal·lū- (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">curse,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: ṯə·ḇā·rêḵ (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">will bless.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qā·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">When they rise up,</a> <a href="/hebrew/954.htm" title="954: way·yê·ḇō·šū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be ashamed. A primitive root; properly, to pale, i.e. By implication to be ashamed; also to be disappointed or delayed.">they will be put to shame,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: wə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">but Your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: yiś·māḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">will rejoice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>May my accusers be clothed with disgrace; may they wear their shame like a robe.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a></span><br />Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Luke 6:28</a></span><br />bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a></span><br />And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Acts 7:60</a></span><br />Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12-13</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9-10</a></span><br />With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. / Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a></span><br />As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Numbers 23:8</a></span><br />How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-5.htm">Deuteronomy 23:5</a></span><br />Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-12.htm">2 Samuel 16:12</a></span><br />Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a></span><br />because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let them curse, but bless you: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let your servant rejoice.</p><p class="hdg">let them</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17</a></b></br> As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12</a></b></br> And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they <i>are</i> blessed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Numbers 23:20,23</a></b></br> Behold, I have received <i>commandment</i> to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it… </p><p class="hdg">but let</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/65-13.htm">Isaiah 65:13-16</a></b></br> Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-22.htm">John 16:22</a></b></br> And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a></b></br> Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of <i>our</i> faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/102-13.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/psalms/92-11.htm">Assailants</a> <a href="/psalms/109-3.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/psalms/104-35.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/psalms/109-17.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/psalms/109-17.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/psalms/109-17.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/psalms/108-9.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/108-7.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/psalms/74-10.htm">Revile</a> <a href="/psalms/102-13.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/psalms/86-14.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">Shamed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/132-8.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/psalms/119-6.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-62.htm">Assailants</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/psalms/115-12.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/psalms/113-2.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/psalms/119-21.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/psalms/118-15.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/118-24.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-10.htm">Revile</a> <a href="/psalms/119-62.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/psalms/112-4.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/psalms/116-16.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/psalms/109-29.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/psalms/119-78.htm">Shamed</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 109</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/109-1.htm">David complains of his slanderous enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/109-16.htm">He shows their sin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/109-21.htm">Complaining of his own misery, he prays for help</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/109-29.htm">He promises thankfulness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In biblical context, cursing often represents opposition or hostility, as seen in the story of Balaam (Numbers 22-24), where God turns intended curses into blessings for Israel. Theologically, this reflects God's sovereignty and His ability to transform negative circumstances for His purposes, as seen in <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>. The idea of blessing despite cursing is also evident in the life of Jesus, who taught to bless those who curse you (<a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Luke 6:28</a>), embodying the ultimate example of overcoming evil with good.<p><b>When they rise up, they will be put to shame,</b><br>This phrase suggests a reversal of fortunes, a common theme in the Psalms where the wicked are ultimately disgraced (<a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Psalm 37:12-15</a>). Historically, this reflects the cultural understanding of honor and shame in ancient Near Eastern societies, where public disgrace was a severe consequence. Biblically, this is seen in the story of Haman in the Book of Esther, who was shamed and defeated despite his initial rise against the Jews. This also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of evil at the end of times, as described in Revelation.<p><b>but Your servant will rejoice.</b><br>The term "servant" often refers to those who are faithful to God, like David, who is traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm. The joy of the servant contrasts with the shame of the adversaries, emphasizing the reward for faithfulness. This joy is not merely emotional but is rooted in the assurance of God's justice and deliverance. Theologically, this reflects the joy of salvation and the ultimate victory of God's people, as seen in the New Testament (<a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a>). The servant's rejoicing is a type of Christ's victory over sin and death, where despite suffering, He ultimately triumphed and brought joy to His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm">Psalm 109</a>, David is expressing his trust in God's justice despite being cursed by his enemies.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies_of_david.htm">Enemies of David</a></b><br>These are the individuals or groups who are cursing David, seeking his downfall.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure who blesses David despite the curses from his enemies.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/servant.htm">Servant</a></b><br>Refers to David himself, who remains faithful and expects God's blessing.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The broader context of the nation that David leads, often facing external and internal threats.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_justice.htm">Trust in Divine Justice</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to trust that God will handle their adversaries and that His justice will prevail.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_curses_with_faith.htm">Responding to Curses with Faith</a></b><br>Instead of retaliating, Christians should respond to curses with faith in God's blessing and protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rejoicing_in_god's_faithfulness.htm">Rejoicing in God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>Even when faced with opposition, believers can find joy in knowing that God is on their side and will ultimately vindicate them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_blessing.htm">The Power of Blessing</a></b><br>The act of blessing those who curse us is a powerful testimony of faith and trust in God's sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/shame_of_the_wicked.htm">Shame of the Wicked</a></b><br>The eventual shame of those who rise against God's people serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_109.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 109</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_inspire_courage.htm">What do Bible verses say about happiness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_psalm_69_curses_fit_with_mercy.htm">Psalm 69:22-28 calls down curses on enemies--how does this fit with other biblical teachings on mercy and forgiveness (e.g., Matthew 5:44)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_psalm_109_curses_fit_a_loving_god.htm">If the psalmist is invoking literal curses in Psalm 109:9-10, how could this align with a loving God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_deut._28_punishments_compare_to_god's_mercy.htm">How do the severe punishments in Deuteronomy 28 compare with the portrayal of a merciful God in other parts of the Bible (e.g., Psalm 145:9)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/109.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28-31) It is impossible not to notice the anti-climax in these verses, if they are spoken by the same person as <a href="/context/psalms/109-16.htm" title="Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.">Psalm 109:16-20</a>, and directed against the same enemies, of whom the one there singled out is the prominent figure. It is not only that the effect is weakened by the change back to the plural number, but the same imprecations are repeated in a diluted and modified form. But perhaps in <a href="/psalms/109-28.htm" title="Let them curse, but bless you: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let your servant rejoice.">Psalm 109:28</a> we should drop the <span class= "ital">optative, </span>and read, "they will curse, but thou dost bless."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/109.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let them curse, but bless thou</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "Let them curse, if they will. What matters it? Provided only that thou blessest." <span class="cmt_word">When they arise.</span> When they attempt to put their malevolent designs in act. <span class="cmt_word">Let them be ashamed</span>; or, "they shall be ashamed" (Revised Version); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> they shall fail so utterly, that they shall be covered with shame. <span class="cmt_word">But let thy servant rejoice</span>; rather, <span class="accented">but thy servant shall rejoice.</span> "Thy servant" is the psalmist himself (comp. <a href="/psalms/69-17.htm">Psalm 69:17</a>). He will rejoice at their failure, which secures his safety. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/109-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Though they</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵמָּה֮</span> <span class="translit">(hêm·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">curse,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְקַֽלְלוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(yə·qal·lū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be slight, swift or trifling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַתָּ֪ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will bless.</span><br /><span class="heb">תְבָ֫רֵ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·ḇā·rêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When they rise up,</span><br /><span class="heb">קָ֤מוּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(qā·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they will be put to shame,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּבֹ֗שׁוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ḇō·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_954.htm">Strong's 954: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but Your servant</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽעַבְדְּךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘aḇ·də·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will rejoice.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂמָֽח׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·māḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> </span><span class="str2">To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/109-28.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 109:28 They may curse but you bless (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/109-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 109:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 109:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/109-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 109:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 109:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>