Keraia
Psalm 109

Psalm 109:9

The Song of the Slandered · Psalm 109:1–31
Read Psalm 109

Translations

Modern
May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow.
Traditional
Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
Literal
May his sons be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
Latin
Fiant filii ejus orphani, et uxor ejus vidua.

Original

Hebrew
English
May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow.

Notes

Psalms 109:8–11

Family members of people guilty of capital crimes sometimes died with the offender (Numbers 16:1–33; Joshua 7:1–25) or had their property taken away (1 Kings 21:13–16).

Psalms 109:6–19

The NLT translates these verses as the words of the psalmist’s accusers; Hebrew lacks They say, which makes it unclear who is speaking.

Psalms 109:1–31

The psalmist starts this lament by accusing his accusers of repaying good with evil (Psalm 109:1–5). At the end of the psalm, he prays to the Lord, seeking protection (Psalm 109:21–25) and vengeance (109:26–31).

Theme notes and profiles

David Prayers for Vengeance Psalms of Suffering

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Curse, Cursed Imprecatory Psalms Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Children: Frequently Bore the Curse of Parents Prayer: Imprecatory Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Wicked (People): Punishment of