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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 7:4 if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/7-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/19_Psa_007_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 7:4 - I Take Refuge in You" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause," /><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'; 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(yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me, Or have plundered my enemy without cause,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have done evil to my friend, Or have plundered my enemy for no reason,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If I have rewarded evil to my friend, Or have plundered him who without cause was my adversary,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If I have rewarded evil to my friend, Or have plundered him who without cause was my adversary,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If I have rewarded evil to him who is at peace with me, Or have plundered my adversary without cause,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If I have done evil to him who was at peace with me, Or without cause robbed him who was my enemy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />if I have done harm to one at peace with me or have plundered my adversary without cause,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />if I have done harm to one at peace with me or have plundered my adversary without cause, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (Yea, I have delivered him that without cause was mine adversary);<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have not betrayed a friend or had pity on an enemy who attacks for no reason. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause was mine adversary:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />if I have paid back my friend with evil or rescued someone who has no reason to attack me- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />if I have rewarded those who did me good with evil, if I have plundered my enemy without justification,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />or have wronged my ally, or helped his lawless enemy, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me, or oppressed my enemy without cause,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If I have rewarded evil to him that was at peace with me; (yes, I have delivered him that without cause is my enemy:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me (yes, I have delivered him who without cause was my adversary), <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If I have done my well-wisher evil, "" And draw my adversary without cause,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If I have done my well-wisher evil, And draw mine adversary without cause,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If I rewarded evil him being at peace with me; (and I will deliver mine enemy undeservedly:)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If I have rendered to them that repaid me evils, let me deservedly fall empty before my enemies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 7:5>if I have repaid those who rendered evils to me, may I deservedly fall away empty before my enemies:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If I have maltreated someone treating me equitably— or even despoiled my oppressor without cause— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />if I have repaid my ally with harm or plundered my foe without cause,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I have been vengeful to him that has done me evil, and if I have oppressed my enemies without a cause;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if I paid him who did evil to me and if I have afflicted my enemies for nothing,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If I have requited him that did evil unto me, Or spoiled mine adversary unto emptiness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />if I have requited with evil those who requited me <i>with good</i>; may I then perish empty by means of my enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/7-4.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=484" 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/7.htm">I Take Refuge in You</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/1580.htm" title="1580: gā·mal·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to treat a person, i.e. Benefit or requite; by implication, to ripen, i.e. to wean.">I have rewarded</a> <a href="/hebrew/7999.htm" title="7999: šō·wl·mî (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to be safe; figuratively, to be completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate.">my ally</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">with evil,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2502.htm" title="2502: wā·’ă·ḥal·lə·ṣāh (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; to pull off; hence to strip, To depart; by implication, to deliver, equip; present, strengthen.">if I have plundered</a> <a href="/hebrew/6887.htm" title="6887: ṣō·wr·rî (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">my foe</a> <a href="/hebrew/7387.htm" title="7387: rê·qām (Adv) -- Emptily, vainly. From reyq; emptily; figuratively ineffectually, undeservedly.">without cause,</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah…<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="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">1 Samuel 24:11</a></span><br />See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-11</a></span><br />But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”<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_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="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17</a></span><br />and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">1 Samuel 26:23</a></span><br />May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<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="/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="/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="/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22</a></span><br />“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If I have rewarded evil to him that was at peace with me; (yes, I have delivered him that without cause is my enemy:)</p><p class="hdg">If I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20</a></b></br> He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/109-5.htm">Psalm 109:5</a></b></br> And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4</a></b></br> <i>And</i> when they were gone out of the city, <i>and</i> not <i>yet</i> far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?</p><p class="hdg">I have</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">1 Samuel 24:7,10,11</a></b></br> So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on <i>his</i> way… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-17,24</a></b></br> And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? … </p><p class="hdg">without</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">1 Samuel 19:4,5</a></b></br> And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works <i>have been</i> to theeward very good: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1</a></b></br> And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what <i>is</i> mine iniquity? and what <i>is</i> my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14</a></b></br> Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who <i>is so</i> faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/31-35.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/psalms/5-10.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/39-3.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/psalms/2-3.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/job/15-31.htm">Emptiness</a> <a href="/job/33-10.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/psalms/6-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/esther/7-6.htm">Foe</a> <a href="/job/3-19.htm">Freed</a> <a href="/job/36-33.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/job/36-16.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/job/35-9.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/psalms/4-8.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-4.htm">Plundered</a> <a href="/job/33-27.htm">Requited</a> <a href="/job/31-28.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Robbed</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Spoiled</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/32-7.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/psalms/8-6.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/17-15.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/psalms/28-3.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Emptiness</a> <a href="/psalms/7-5.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/44-10.htm">Foe</a> <a href="/psalms/81-6.htm">Freed</a> <a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/psalms/16-6.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/psalms/9-9.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/psalms/28-3.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/44-10.htm">Plundered</a> <a href="/psalms/103-10.htm">Requited</a> <a href="/psalms/18-20.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/psalms/119-61.htm">Robbed</a> <a href="/psalms/17-9.htm">Spoiled</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/7-1.htm">David prays against the malice of his enemies, professing his innocence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/7-10.htm">By faith he sees his defense, and the destruction of his enemies</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/7.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/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>if I have rewarded my ally with evil</b><br>This phrase reflects a deep introspection and a plea for divine justice. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, is asserting his innocence before God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, loyalty to allies was a significant moral and social obligation. Betraying an ally would have been seen as a grave sin, violating the covenantal relationships that were central to Israelite society. This plea can be connected to the broader biblical theme of integrity and righteousness, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Proverbs 17:13</a>, which warns against repaying good with evil. The phrase also foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, highlighting the ultimate act of rewarding good with evil.<p><b>if I have plundered my foe without cause</b><br>Here, the psalmist is emphasizing his commitment to justice, even towards his enemies. In the historical context, plundering was a common practice in warfare, yet the psalmist claims innocence of such acts without justification. This reflects the biblical principle of just warfare and the importance of righteous conduct, even in conflict, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/20.htm">Deuteronomy 20</a>, which outlines ethical warfare practices. The phrase underscores the importance of motive and justice, aligning with Jesus' teachings in <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>, where He instructs to love enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This commitment to justice and righteousness, even towards foes, is a type of Christ, who exemplified perfect justice and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often wrote psalms during times of distress and persecution.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/cush,_a_benjamite.htm">Cush, a Benjamite</a></b><br>The psalm is attributed to David concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. This may refer to a specific adversary or symbolize those who falsely accuse David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies_and_allies.htm">Enemies and Allies</a></b><br>The psalm speaks to the relationships David has with both his allies and his foes, highlighting themes of justice and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to maintain integrity in our relationships, ensuring that we do not repay evil for good or harm others without cause.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>This verse encourages us to examine our actions and motives, ensuring that we are not guilty of wrongdoing against others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Instead of seeking personal vengeance, we should trust in God's justice and timing, knowing that He will vindicate the righteous.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peacemaking.htm">Peacemaking</a></b><br>We are called to be peacemakers, striving to live in harmony with others and resolving conflicts in a godly manner.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_forgiveness.htm">Repentance and Forgiveness</a></b><br>If we find ourselves guilty of wrongdoing, we should seek repentance and offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_secrets_biblical.htm">Is keeping secrets aligned with biblical teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_justify_offering_a_daughter_as_a_reward.htm">In Joshua 15:16-19, how can we reconcile the moral implications of offering a daughter as a reward for capturing Kiriath-sepher?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_eliphaz_claim_innocents_don't_perish.htm">In Job 4:7, how could Eliphaz assert that no innocent person has ever perished when history shows countless examples of righteous people suffering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jehoshaphat's_army_win_by_singing.htm">How did Jehoshaphat's army manage to march forth singing and then gather the spoils without engaging in a standard military offensive (2 Chronicles 20:21-25)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Yea, I have</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., on the contrary, so far from returning evil for good, I have returned good for evil. </span>With allusion, there can be little doubt, to the incidents referred to in the last Note. From metrical reasons, and also to avoid the abruptness of the change of construction, Ewald conjectures that two clauses have dropped out of the text, and restores as follows--<p>"If I have rewarded evil unto him that dealt friendly with me<p>(And cunning unto him that was at peace with me,<p>Yea, if I have not rewarded his soul with good).<p>And delivered him that without cause is my enemy."<p>Milton's translation gives yet another colour to the passage--<p>"If I have wrought<p>Ill to him that meant me peace,<p>Or to him have rendered less,<p>And not freed my foe for nought."<p>The conjecture of a corruption of the text is supported by the rendering of the LXX. and Vulg., and a very slight change gives the probable rendering: "If I have returned evil to him that dealt friendly with me, and injured my enemy without cause."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me</span>. This is probably the true meaning. David denies that he has wantonly attacked and injured any one with whom he was on friendly and peaceable terms. No doubt he was accused of having estranged Saul by plotting to take the crown from him<span class="cmt_word">. (Yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy.)</span> This translation, which is retained by our Revisers, has the support also of Ewald, Hupfeld, Mr. Aglen, and the 'Speaker's Commentary.' If accepted, it must be considered as a reference to <a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">1 Samuel 24:7</a>, or else to <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</a>, or both, and as a sort of parenthetic protest, "Nay, not only have I not injured a friend, but I have gone so far as to let my enemy escape me." A different meaning is, however, given to the passage by many critics, as Rosenmuller, Hengstenberg, Bishop Horsley, Cheyne, etc., who regard the sense as running on without any parenthesis, and translate, "If I have oppressed him who without cause is mine enemy." David, according to this view, denies that he has either injured a friend or requited evil to a foe. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/7-4.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">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have rewarded</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּ֭מַלְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(gā·mal·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1580.htm">Strong's 1580: </a> </span><span class="str2">To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my ally</span><br /><span class="heb">שֽׁוֹלְמִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(šō·wl·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with evil,</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if I have plundered</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֲחַלְּצָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ă·ḥal·lə·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2502.htm">Strong's 2502: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my foe</span><br /><span class="heb">צוֹרְרִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ṣō·wr·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6887.htm">Strong's 6887: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without cause,</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵיקָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(rê·qām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7387.htm">Strong's 7387: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptily, ineffectually, undeservedly</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/7-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 7:4 If I have rewarded evil to him (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/7-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 7:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 7:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/7-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 7:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 7:5" /></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>