Psalms 7:16
His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
Original Language Analysis
יָשׁ֣וּב
shall return
H7725
יָשׁ֣וּב
shall return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עֲמָל֣וֹ
His mischief
H5999
עֲמָל֣וֹ
His mischief
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
2 of 7
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
בְרֹאשׁ֑וֹ
upon his own head
H7218
בְרֹאשׁ֑וֹ
upon his own head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
3 of 7
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וְעַ֥ל
H5921
וְעַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
קָ֝דְקֳד֗וֹ
upon his own pate
H6936
קָ֝דְקֳד֗וֹ
upon his own pate
Strong's:
H6936
Word #:
5 of 7
the crown of the head (as the part most bowed)
Cross References
Esther 9:25But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.1 Kings 2:32And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.Psalms 36:12There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.1 Samuel 26:10David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.1 Samuel 28:19Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.1 Samuel 23:9And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.Psalms 36:4He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
Historical Context
The image of one's deeds returning on their head appears in narrative (1 Kings 2:44, Esther 9:25) and prophecy (Joel 3:4,7, Obadiah 15). It became proverbial wisdom about divine justice. While delayed, this principle holds true - judgment comes. For believers, Christ absorbed our deserved retribution; for unbelievers, their deeds will return on their heads in final judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the certainty of divine retribution affect how you respond to injustice?
- Are you grateful that Christ bore the 'return' of your sins so they won't fall on your head?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with the certainty of divine retribution. 'His mischief shall return upon his own head' emphasizes personal responsibility and appropriate judgment. The Hebrew 'rosh' (head) and 'qodqod' (pate/crown) stress that judgment comes on the person themselves, not innocent bystanders. This is poetic justice - the violent receive violence, the deceitful are deceived. Romans 2:9 affirms this principle. Ultimately, Christ bore this retribution for His people, experiencing the 'return' of our sins upon His head.