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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 109:17 The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/109-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/19_Psa_109_017.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 109:17 - The Song of the Slandered" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him." /><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/109-17.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/109-17.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 17</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="/ad17.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/109-16.htm" title="Psalm 109:16">◄</a> Psalm 109:17 <a href="/psalms/109-18.htm" title="Psalm 109:18">►</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 />He loved to pronounce a curse— may it come back on him. He found no pleasure in blessing— may it be far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/109.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He loved to curse others; now you curse him. He never blessed others; now don’t you bless him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/109.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He loved to curse; let curses come upon him! He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/109.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/109.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />As he loved cursing, so let it come to him; As he did not delight in blessing, so let it be far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/109.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He also loved cursing, so it came to him; And he did not delight in blessing, so it was far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/109.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He also loved cursing, so it came to him; And he did not delight in blessing, so it was far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/109.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He also loved cursing, so it came to him; And he did not delight in blessing, so it was far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/109.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He also loved cursing, so it came to him; And he did not delight in blessing, so it was far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/109.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He also loved cursing, and it came [back] to him; He did not delight in blessing, so it was far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/109.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He loved cursing—let it fall on him; he took no delight in blessing—let it be far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/109.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He loved cursing—let it fall on him; he took no delight in blessing—let it be far from him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/109.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Yea, he loved cursing, and it came unto him; And he delighted not in blessing, and it was far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/109.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"He cursed others. Now place a curse on him! He never wished others well. Wish only trouble for him! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/109.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Yea, he loved cursing, and it came unto him; and he delighted not in blessing, and it was far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/109.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He loved to put curses [on others], so he, too, was cursed. He did not like to bless [others], so he never received a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/109.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He loved to curse--may he be cursed! He hated to give blessings--may no one bless him! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/109.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He loved to curse—may his curses return upon him! He took no delight in blessing others — so may blessings be far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/109.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/109.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He loved to curse others, so those curses have come upon him. He had no desire to bless anyone, so he has experienced no blessings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/109.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Yes, he loved cursing, and it came to him. He did not delight in blessing, and it was far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/109.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As he loved cursing, so let it come to him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/109.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yes, he loved cursing, and it came to him. He didn’t delight in blessing, and it was far from him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/109.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he loves reviling, and it meets him, "" And he has not delighted in blessing, "" And it is far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/109.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he loveth reviling, and it meeteth him, And he hath not delighted in blessing, And it is far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/109.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will love cursing, and it shall come to him: and he delighted not in praise, and it shall be far from him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/109.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But persecuted the poor man and the beggar; and the broken in heart, to put him to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/109.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 108:17>And so the destitute man was pursued, with the beggar and the remorseful in heart, so as to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/109.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He loved cursing; may it come upon him; he hated blessing; may none come to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/109.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He loved to curse; let curses come on him. He did not like blessing; may it be far from him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/109.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They loved cursing, and delighted not in blessings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/109.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They loved curses and they did not choose blessings.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/109.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Yea, he loved cursing, and it came unto him; And he delighted not in blessing, and it is far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/109.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He loved cursing also, and it shall come upon him; and he took not pleasure in blessing, so it shall be removed far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/109-17.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=14078" 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">16</span>For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7045.htm" title="7045: qə·lā·lāh (N-fs) -- A curse. From qalal; vilification.">The cursing that</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: way·ye·’ĕ·haḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">he loved,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wat·tə·ḇō·w·’ê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs:: 3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">may it fall on him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1293.htm" title="1293: biḇ·rā·ḵāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- A blessing. From barak; benediction; by implication prosperity.">the blessing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">in which he refused</a> <a href="/hebrew/2654.htm" title="2654: ḥā·p̄êṣ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire.">to delight,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: wat·tir·ḥaq (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">may it be far</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil.…<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="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Proverbs 14:14</a></span><br />The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Proverbs 26:2</a></span><br />Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Proverbs 17:13</a></span><br />If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Matthew 7:2</a></span><br />For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<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="/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="/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="/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/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<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="/deuteronomy/30-7.htm">Deuteronomy 30:7</a></span><br />Then the LORD your God will put all these curses upon your enemies who hate you and persecute you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As he loved cursing, so let it come to him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4,5</a></b></br> Thou lovest all devouring words, O <i>thou</i> deceitful tongue… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/59-12.htm">Psalm 59:12,13</a></b></br> <i>For</i> the sin of their mouth <i>and</i> the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying <i>which</i> they speak… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Proverbs 14:14</a></b></br> The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man <i>shall be satisfied</i> from himself.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/107-38.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/psalms/102-8.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/psalms/59-12.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/psalms/59-12.htm">Cursing</a> <a href="/psalms/94-19.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/psalms/94-19.htm">Delighted</a> <a href="/psalms/109-10.htm">Far</a> <a href="/psalms/109-7.htm">Found</a> <a href="/psalms/105-6.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Meeteth</a> <a href="/psalms/105-22.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/psalms/72-17.htm">Pronounce</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Reviling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/109-28.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/psalms/109-28.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/psalms/109-28.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/psalms/109-18.htm">Cursing</a> <a href="/psalms/111-2.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/psalms/112-1.htm">Delighted</a> <a href="/psalms/113-6.htm">Far</a> <a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Found</a> <a href="/psalms/119-113.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-24.htm">Meeteth</a> <a href="/psalms/111-2.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-28.htm">Pronounce</a> <a href="/psalms/109-18.htm">Reviling</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/109.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/109.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him;</b><br>This phrase reflects the principle of retributive justice, where the actions and desires of an individual return upon them. In biblical context, curses were serious invocations of divine judgment or misfortune, often reflecting the covenantal blessings and curses outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>. The psalmist, traditionally identified as David, is calling for the wicked man's own love of cursing to become his reality. This reflects the broader biblical theme of sowing and reaping, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>, where it states, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Theologically, this can be seen as a call for divine justice, where the wicked receive the consequences of their own actions.<p><b>the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.</b><br>In contrast to the curses, blessings in the biblical sense often refer to God's favor and provision. The refusal to delight in blessings suggests a rejection of God's goodness and grace. This echoes the warnings found in <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24-31</a>, where wisdom is rejected, leading to calamity. The historical context of blessings and curses in Israelite society was deeply tied to their covenant relationship with God, where obedience brought blessings and disobedience brought curses. Theologically, this phrase underscores the importance of valuing and seeking God's blessings, as seen in the Beatitudes (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3-12</a>), where Jesus pronounces blessings on those who embody kingdom values. The absence of delight in blessings can be seen as a spiritual blindness or hardness of heart, which ultimately leads to separation from God's favor.<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 a deep lament and imprecation against his enemies.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies_of_david.htm">Enemies of David</a></b><br>The individuals who are the subject of David's imprecations, characterized by their love of cursing and rejection of blessing.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge and the one to whom David appeals for justice against his adversaries.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to bless or curse. As believers, we are called to use our words to bless others, reflecting the character of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_actions.htm">Consequences of Actions</a></b><br>Loving cursing and rejecting blessing leads to spiritual and relational consequences. We must be mindful of the seeds we sow with our words and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_bless.htm">The Call to Bless</a></b><br>In contrast to the one who loves cursing, Christians are called to be a blessing to others, even to those who may curse us, following the example of Jesus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice.htm">God's Justice</a></b><br>Trust in God's justice and timing. While we may feel wronged, we are encouraged to leave vengeance to the Lord and focus on living righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heart_attitude.htm">Heart Attitude</a></b><br>Examine your heart for any delight in negativity or harm towards others. Seek to cultivate a heart that delights in blessing and goodness.<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/does_psalm_109_17-18_contradict_forgiveness.htm">In Psalm 109:17–18, does the invocation of curses contradict teachings elsewhere in Scripture promoting forgiveness? </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_does_psalm_137_9_align_with_a_loving_god.htm">How can Psalm 137:9 be reconciled with a just and loving God when it seems to celebrate cruelty against children?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_inspire_courage.htm">What do Bible verses say about happiness?</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>(17, 18) <span class= "bld">Let.</span>--The optatives in the English are wrong. These verses express facts, and the imprecation follows in <a href="/psalms/109-19.htm" title="Let it be to him as the garment which covers him, and for a girdle with which he is girded continually.">Psalm 109:19</a>. Render--<p>He loved cursing; and it comes;<p>He delighted not in blessing; and it departs;<p>Yea, he clothed himself in cursing as with his cloak,<p>And it came like water into his bowels,<p>And like oil into his bones;<p>May it be, &c.<p>Comp. the proverb, "Curses, like chickens, always come home to roost."<p>The fabled shirt of Nessus, which ate into the mighty form of Hercules, has suggested itself to commentators in illustration of this image. In a good sense the same figure is a favourite one with the Hebrews. (See <a href="/isaiah/11-5.htm" title="And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.">Isaiah 11:5</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/109.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him</span>; rather, <span class="accented">so it came upon him</span> (Revised Version), or <span class="accented">so it shall come upon him</span> (LXX., Cheyne). The one of David's enemies who "loved cursing" most was Shimei (<a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5-12</a>). <span class="cmt_word">As he de lighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him</span>; rather, <span class="accented">so it was</span>, or <span class="accented">so it will be</span>, far from him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/109-17.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">The cursing</span><br /><span class="heb">קְ֭לָלָה</span> <span class="translit">(qə·lā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7045.htm">Strong's 7045: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vilification</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he loved,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּאֱהַ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·’ĕ·haḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may it fall on him;</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתְּבוֹאֵ֑הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tə·ḇō·w·’ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the blessing</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּ֝בְרָכָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(biḇ·rā·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1293.htm">Strong's 1293: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benediction, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he refused</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to delight in,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָפֵ֥ץ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·p̄êṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2654.htm">Strong's 2654: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may it be far</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּרְחַ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tir·ḥaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become far or distant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from him.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/109-17.htm">Psalm 109:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/109-17.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 109:17 Yes he loved cursing and it came (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/109-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 109:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 109:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/109-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 109:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 109:18" /></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>