Psalms 40:14

Authorized King James Version

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Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

Original Language Analysis

יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ Let them be ashamed H954
יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ Let them be ashamed
Strong's: H954
Word #: 1 of 11
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
וְיַחְפְּר֨וּ׀ and confounded H2659
וְיַחְפְּר֨וּ׀ and confounded
Strong's: H2659
Word #: 2 of 11
to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
יַחַד֮ together H3162
יַחַד֮ together
Strong's: H3162
Word #: 3 of 11
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י that seek H1245
מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י that seek
Strong's: H1245
Word #: 4 of 11
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
נַפְשִׁ֗י after my soul H5315
נַפְשִׁ֗י after my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 5 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לִסְפּ֫וֹתָ֥הּ to destroy H5595
לִסְפּ֫וֹתָ֥הּ to destroy
Strong's: H5595
Word #: 6 of 11
properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r
יִסֹּ֣גוּ it let them be driven H5472
יִסֹּ֣גוּ it let them be driven
Strong's: H5472
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, to flinch, i.e., (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)
אָ֭חוֹר backward H268
אָ֭חוֹר backward
Strong's: H268
Word #: 8 of 11
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
וְיִכָּלְמ֑וּ and put to shame H3637
וְיִכָּלְמ֑וּ and put to shame
Strong's: H3637
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י that wish H2655
חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י that wish
Strong's: H2655
Word #: 10 of 11
pleased with
רָעָתִֽי׃ me evil H7451
רָעָתִֽי׃ me evil
Strong's: H7451
Word #: 11 of 11
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis & Commentary

The imprecatory petition against those who seek David's soul to destroy it employs vivid imagery: 'ashamed and confounded together,' 'driven backward,' 'put to shame.' These phrases describe complete reversal of the enemies' plans--their aggression will return upon them. This is not personal vendetta but appeal to divine justice.

Historical Context

Imprecatory psalms reflect the ancient Near Eastern covenant lawsuit pattern where the wronged party appeals to the divine judge for vindication. The curses upon enemies ultimately express trust in God's righteous judgment.

Questions for Reflection