Psalms 35:4
Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
Original Language Analysis
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
Let them be confounded
H954
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
Let them be confounded
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
וְיִכָּלְמוּ֮
and put to shame
H3637
וְיִכָּלְמוּ֮
and put to shame
Strong's:
H3637
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
מְבַקְשֵׁ֪י
that seek
H1245
מְבַקְשֵׁ֪י
that seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
3 of 9
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י
after my soul
H5315
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י
after my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יִסֹּ֣גוּ
let them be turned
H5472
יִסֹּ֣גוּ
let them be turned
Strong's:
H5472
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to flinch, i.e., (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)
אָח֣וֹר
back
H268
אָח֣וֹר
back
Strong's:
H268
Word #:
6 of 9
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
וְיַחְפְּר֑וּ
and brought to confusion
H2659
וְיַחְפְּר֑וּ
and brought to confusion
Strong's:
H2659
Word #:
7 of 9
to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
Cross References
Jeremiah 46:5Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.Psalms 38:12They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.Psalms 35:26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.Psalms 129:5Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.Psalms 71:24My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.1 Samuel 23:23See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite culture understood shame as a public consequence of sin and defeat. David, as anointed king under covenant, could legitimately pray for God's judgment on those opposing God's chosen ruler and therefore God Himself.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you bring your anger over injustice to God without taking sinful revenge?
- What's the difference between praying for justice and harboring bitterness?
Analysis & Commentary
These imprecatory elements reflect judicial language where the psalmist appeals to God as righteous judge rather than taking personal vengeance. The Hebrew 'bosh' (confounded) and 'chapher' (put to shame) indicate divine justice exposing and overturning evil schemes. This aligns with Romans 12:19's command to leave vengeance to God, showing that imprecatory psalms model godly restraint—bringing grievances to the divine court rather than executing personal retribution.