Psalms 109:13

Authorized King James Version

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Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

Original Language Analysis

יְהִֽי H1961
יְהִֽי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אַחֲרִית֥וֹ Let his posterity H319
אַחֲרִית֥וֹ Let his posterity
Strong's: H319
Word #: 2 of 7
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
לְהַכְרִ֑ית be cut off H3772
לְהַכְרִ֑ית be cut off
Strong's: H3772
Word #: 3 of 7
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
בְּד֥וֹר and in the generation H1755
בְּד֥וֹר and in the generation
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 4 of 7
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
אַ֝חֵ֗ר following H312
אַ֝חֵ֗ר following
Strong's: H312
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
יִמַּ֥ח be blotted out H4229
יִמַּ֥ח be blotted out
Strong's: H4229
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
שְׁמָֽם׃ let their name H8034
שְׁמָֽם׃ let their name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 7 of 7
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis & Commentary

Let his posterity be cut off (יְהִי־אַחֲרִיתוֹ לְהַכְרִית, yehi-acharito lehachrit)—אַחֲרִית (acharit, "posterity, future, end") with the Hiphil infinitive of כָּרַת (karat, "cut off") speaks to dynastic extinction. And in the generation following let their name be blotted out (בְּדוֹר אַחֵר יִמַּח שְׁמָם, bedor acher yimach shemam)—the verb מָחָה (machah, "blot out, wipe out") with שֵׁם (shem, "name") means complete obliteration of legacy and memory.

In Israelite thought, posterity and name-preservation were forms of immortality. To have one's name blotted out reversed the covenant promise to Abraham: "I will make thy name great" (Gen 12:2). This is the ultimate curse—not merely death, but being forgotten, leaving no mark. Yet God's book contains names Satan cannot erase (Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5). The contrast highlights covenant blessing: the righteous have names written in heaven even if earthly memory fades; the wicked face both temporal and eternal erasure from God's favor.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures measured success by dynasty—sons to carry the name. Absalom erected a pillar "to keep my name in remembrance" because he had no sons (2 Sam 18:18). David prays his betrayer suffers Absalom's fate: remembered only in judgment.

Questions for Reflection