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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 109:16 For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/109-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/19_Psa_109_016.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 109:16 - The Song of the Slandered" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death." /><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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he persecuted the poor and needy, and he hounded the brokenhearted to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/109.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted, to put them to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/109.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/109.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Because he did not remember to show mercy, But persecuted the poor and needy man, That he might even slay the broken in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/109.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because he did not remember to show mercy, But persecuted the afflicted and needy person, And the despondent in heart, to put <i>them</i> to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/109.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Because he did not remember to show lovingkindness, But persecuted the afflicted and needy man, And the despondent in heart, to put them to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/109.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Because he did not remember to show lovingkindness, But persecuted the afflicted and needy man, And the despondent in heart, to put <i>them</i> to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/109.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Because he did not remember to show lovingkindness, But persecuted the afflicted, the needy man, And the disheartened to put <i>them</i> to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/109.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Because the man did not remember to show kindness, But persecuted the suffering and needy man, And the brokenhearted, to put them to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/109.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For he did not think to show kindness, but pursued the suffering, needy, and brokenhearted in order to put them to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/109.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For he did not think to show kindness, but pursued the afflicted, poor, and brokenhearted in order to put them to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/109.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Because he remembered not to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart, to slay them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/109.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He was so cruel to the poor, homeless, and discouraged that they died young. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/109.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, and the broken in heart, to slay them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/109.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />because he did not remember to be kind. "He drove oppressed, needy, and brokenhearted people to their graves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/109.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />That man never thought of being kind; he persecuted and killed the poor, the needy, and the helpless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/109.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For he didn't think to extend gracious love; he harassed to death the poor, the needy, and the broken hearted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/109.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/109.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For he never bothered to show kindness; he harassed the oppressed and needy, and killed the disheartened. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/109.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />because he did not remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/109.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/109.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />because he didn’t remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/109.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Because that he has not remembered to do kindness, "" And pursues the poor man and needy, "" And the struck of heart—to slay,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/109.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Because that he hath not remembered to do kindness, And pursueth the poor man and needy, And the smitten of heart -- to slay,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/109.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Because he remembered not to do mercy, and he will pursue the poor and needy man to slay the dejected of heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/109.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />because he remembered not to show mercy, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/109.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 108:16>For certain things are not remembered about them, in order to be merciful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/109.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For he did not remember to show mercy, but hounded the wretched poor and brought death to the brokenhearted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/109.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted to their death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/109.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because they remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy, and him whose heart is sorrowful to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/109.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because they did not remember to do good and they persecuted the poor and afflicted him whose heart grieves to death.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/109.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Because that he remembered not to do kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart he was ready to slay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/109.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Because he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the needy and poor man, and <i>that</i> to slay him that was pricked in the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/109-16.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=14070" 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">15</span>May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3282.htm" title="3282: ya·‘an (Adv) -- From an unused root meaning to pay attention; properly, heed; by implication, purpose; used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause.">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he never</a> <a href="/hebrew/2142.htm" title="2142: zā·ḵar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- Remember. A primitive root; properly, to mark, i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; also to be male.">thought</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śō·wṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to show</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥā·seḏ (N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">kindness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: way·yir·dōp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">but pursued</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ā·nî (Adj-ms) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">the poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/34.htm" title="34: wə·’eḇ·yō·wn (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- In want, needy, poor. From 'abah, in the sense of want; destitute.">and needy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3512.htm" title="3512: wə·niḵ·’êh (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To be disheartened or timid. A primitive root; to despond: causatively, to deject.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lê·ḇāḇ (N-ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">brokenhearted,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: lə·mō·w·ṯêṯ (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">even to their death.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.…<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/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13</a></span><br />Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.<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="/matthew/18-33.htm">Matthew 18:33</a></span><br />Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a></span><br />Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Proverbs 14:31</a></span><br />Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7</a></span><br />Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-12.htm">Ezekiel 18:12</a></span><br />He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not restore a pledge. He lifts his eyes to idols; he commits abominations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/22-7.htm">Job 22:7</a></span><br />You gave no water to the weary and withheld food from the famished,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a></span><br />If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-31</a></span><br />Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41-45</a></span><br />Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. / For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, / I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.</p><p class="hdg">he remembered</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1,2</a></b></br> Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></b></br> Blessed <i>are</i> the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Matthew 18:33-35</a></b></br> Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? … </p><p class="hdg">persecuted</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Psalm 10:2,14</a></b></br> The wicked in <i>his</i> pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21</a></b></br> And they said one to another, We <i>are</i> verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/19-2.htm">Job 19:2,3,21,22</a></b></br> How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? … </p><p class="hdg">slay</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Psalm 34:18</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-20.htm">Psalm 69:20-29</a></b></br> Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked <i>for some</i> to take pity, but <i>there was</i> none; and for comforters, but I found none… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11,12</a></b></br> And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now <i>may this</i> Benjamite <i>do it</i>? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/107-17.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/107-16.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Brokenhearted</a> <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Broken-Hearted</a> <a href="/psalms/88-16.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/psalms/107-18.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Designing</a> <a href="/psalms/108-1.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/94-6.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/psalms/109-12.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/109-12.htm">Lovingkindness</a> <a href="/psalms/109-12.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/107-41.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/69-26.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/psalms/107-41.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/69-26.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/psalms/7-5.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/psalms/104-8.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/psalms/106-7.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/psalms/109-14.htm">Remembered</a> <a href="/psalms/106-2.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/psalms/106-4.htm">Show</a> <a href="/psalms/94-6.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/psalms/102-4.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/psalms/107-43.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/109-22.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/116-16.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Brokenhearted</a> <a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Broken-Hearted</a> <a href="/psalms/119-134.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/psalms/109-31.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/140-4.htm">Designing</a> <a href="/psalms/109-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/139-19.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/psalms/109-21.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Lovingkindness</a> <a href="/psalms/109-21.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/109-22.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/119-86.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/psalms/109-22.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/119-86.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/psalms/119-76.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/psalms/111-5.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/psalms/111-4.htm">Remembered</a> <a href="/psalms/142-2.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/psalms/119-33.htm">Show</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/psalms/119-15.htm">Thought</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>For he never thought to show kindness</b><br>This phrase highlights a heart hardened against compassion, reflecting a broader biblical theme of the wicked's lack of mercy. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, kindness (Hebrew: "chesed") was a covenantal loyalty expected among God's people. The absence of kindness here contrasts with God's character, who is often described as merciful and gracious (<a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a>). This lack of kindness is a hallmark of the wicked, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Proverbs 21:10</a>, where the wicked have no compassion.<p><b>but pursued the poor and needy</b><br>The pursuit of the poor and needy indicates a deliberate and aggressive action against those who are vulnerable. In biblical law, the poor and needy were to be protected and provided for (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>). This pursuit is a direct violation of God's commands and reflects a societal injustice that prophets like Amos and Isaiah frequently condemned. The poor and needy are often seen as under God's special care, and their oppression is a serious offense (<a href="/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4</a>).<p><b>and brokenhearted</b><br>The brokenhearted are those who are crushed in spirit, often due to oppression or personal loss. In the Psalms, God is depicted as close to the brokenhearted (<a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Psalm 34:18</a>), offering comfort and healing. The mention of the brokenhearted here underscores the depth of the wicked's cruelty, as they target those who are already suffering. This phrase also foreshadows the ministry of Jesus, who proclaimed His mission to bind up the brokenhearted (<a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>, <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>).<p><b>even to their death</b><br>The ultimate consequence of this relentless pursuit is death, highlighting the severity of the wicked's actions. In biblical terms, death is not only a physical end but can also signify spiritual separation from God. This phrase echoes the fate of the wicked as described in <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Proverbs 11:19</a>, where pursuing evil leads to death. It also serves as a stark contrast to the life-giving nature of God's kingdom, where the righteous find refuge and life (<a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a>).<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 plea for justice against his adversaries.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked_man.htm">The Wicked Man</a></b><br>The subject of David's imprecation, characterized by his lack of kindness and pursuit of the vulnerable.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor_and_needy.htm">The Poor and Needy</a></b><br>Represents those who are marginalized and oppressed, whom the wicked man targets.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_brokenhearted.htm">The Brokenhearted</a></b><br>Individuals who are emotionally or spiritually crushed, further victimized by the wicked.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge and deliverer whom David appeals to for justice and vindication.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_kindness.htm">The Call to Kindness</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to show kindness and mercy, especially to the poor and needy. This reflects God's heart and stands in stark contrast to the behavior of the wicked man.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_hardheartedness.htm">The Danger of Hardheartedness</a></b><br>The wicked man's actions serve as a warning against allowing our hearts to become hardened towards the suffering of others. We must guard against indifference and actively seek to support those in need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_compassion.htm">God's Justice and Compassion</a></b><br>While the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, God's justice will ultimately prevail. We can trust in His timing and continue to advocate for the oppressed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_mission.htm">Reflecting Christ's Mission</a></b><br>Our lives should mirror Christ's mission to heal the brokenhearted and uplift the downtrodden. This involves practical acts of service and advocacy for justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer_in_adversity.htm">The Power of Prayer in Adversity</a></b><br>Like David, we can bring our grievances and the injustices we witness to God in prayer, trusting Him to act on behalf of the oppressed.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/109.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Poor.</span>--The Hebrew word thus rendered, viz., '<span class= "ital">ani, </span>has suggested a reference to the murder of the high priest Onias (<a href="//apocrypha.org/2_maccabees/4-34.htm" title="Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed, him to get Onias into his hands; who being persuaded thereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths; and though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice.">2 Maccabees 4:34-36</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/109.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 16-20.</span> - A portraiture of the wicked man, who was David's chief adversary at the time, is now given, in explanation, and perhaps in justification, of the numerous and severe anathemas. He was merciless (ver. 16), a persecutor of the poor (ver. 16), given to cursing (vers. 17, 18), and one who spoke evil against the innocent (ver. 20). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Because that he remembered not to show mercy</span>. Saul certainly was a persecutor of this kind - implacable; one whom compassion never touched; who, after he had once become David's enemy, never under any circumstances showed him mercy. But otherwise the description scarcely seems to point to Saul. <span class="cmt_word">But persecuted the poor and needy man</span> (see <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1, 10, 11</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/23-8.htm">1 Samuel 23:8, 14, 25</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2-20</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1</a>, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">That he might even slay the broken in heart</span>; literally, <span class="accented">and the broken in heart</span> (or, yea, <span class="accented">the broken in heart</span>) <span class="accented">to slay him.</span> It was certainly Saul's object to slay David (<a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">1 Samuel 18:11</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1, 10</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1</a>, etc.). It was probably also Ahithophel's (<a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm">2 Samuel 17:2</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/109-16.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">For</span><br /><span class="heb">יַ֗עַן</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3282.htm">Strong's 3282: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he never</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">thought</span><br /><span class="heb">זָכַר֮</span> <span class="translit">(zā·ḵar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2142.htm">Strong's 2142: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to show</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשׂ֪וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kindness,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֥סֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·seḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but pursued</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְדֹּ֡ף</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·dōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the poor</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and needy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֭אֶבְיוֹן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eḇ·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_34.htm">Strong's 34: </a> </span><span class="str2">In want, needy, poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִכְאֵ֨ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·niḵ·’êh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5218.htm">Strong's 5218: </a> </span><span class="str2">Smitten, afflicted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brokenhearted,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵבָ֬ב</span> <span class="translit">(lê·ḇāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> </span><span class="str2">Inner man, mind, will, heart</span><br /><br /><span class="word">even to their death.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמוֹתֵֽת׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mō·w·ṯêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/109-16.htm">Psalm 109:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/109-16.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 109:16 Because he didn't remember to show kindness (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/109-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 109:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 109:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/109-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 109:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 109:17" /></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>