Psalms 109:28

Authorized King James Version

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Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

Original Language Analysis

יְקַֽלְלוּ Let them curse H7043
יְקַֽלְלוּ Let them curse
Strong's: H7043
Word #: 1 of 8
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
הֵמָּה֮ H1992
הֵמָּה֮
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 2 of 8
they (only used when emphatic)
וְאַתָּ֪ה H859
וְאַתָּ֪ה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 3 of 8
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
תְבָ֫רֵ֥ךְ but bless H1288
תְבָ֫רֵ֥ךְ but bless
Strong's: H1288
Word #: 4 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
קָ֤מוּ׀ thou when they arise H6965
קָ֤מוּ׀ thou when they arise
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 5 of 8
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיֵּבֹ֗שׁוּ let them be ashamed H954
וַיֵּבֹ֗שׁוּ let them be ashamed
Strong's: H954
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
וְֽעַבְדְּךָ֥ but let thy servant H5650
וְֽעַבְדְּךָ֥ but let thy servant
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 7 of 8
a servant
יִשְׂמָֽח׃ rejoice H8055
יִשְׂמָֽח׃ rejoice
Strong's: H8055
Word #: 8 of 8
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

Analysis & Commentary

Let them curse, but bless thou (יְקַלְלוּ־הֵמָּה וְאַתָּה תְבָרֵךְ, yekallelu-hemmah ve-attah tevarekh)—Kalal means curse; barakh means bless. When they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice (קָמוּ וַיֵּבֹשׁוּ וְעַבְדְּךָ יִשְׂמָח, kamu vayyevoshu ve-avdkha yismach)—Bosh means be ashamed, put to shame; samach means rejoice, be glad.

David contrasts human cursing with divine blessing. When enemies curse, it's impotent; when God blesses, it's effective. This recalls Balaam's inability to curse Israel: "How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?" (Numbers 23:8). Their rising up ends in shame; God's servant ends in joy. This principle is visible throughout Scripture—Pharaoh cursed Israel but was destroyed; Haman cursed Mordecai but was hanged. God's blessing outweighs all human cursing.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures took cursing seriously, believing words had power. Israel understood that only God's words carry ultimate power—human curses against those God blesses are futile. Jesus taught this in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you... Rejoice, and be exceeding glad" (Matthew 5:11-12).

Questions for Reflection