Psalms 79:12

Authorized King James Version

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And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

Original Language Analysis

וְהָ֘שֵׁ֤ב And render H7725
וְהָ֘שֵׁ֤ב And render
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 1 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לִשְׁכֵנֵ֣ינוּ unto our neighbours H7934
לִשְׁכֵנֵ֣ינוּ unto our neighbours
Strong's: H7934
Word #: 2 of 9
a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
שִׁ֭בְעָתַיִם sevenfold H7659
שִׁ֭בְעָתַיִם sevenfold
Strong's: H7659
Word #: 3 of 9
seven-times
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 4 of 9
near, with or among; often in general, to
חֵיקָ֑ם into their bosom H2436
חֵיקָ֑ם into their bosom
Strong's: H2436
Word #: 5 of 9
the bosom (literally or figuratively)
חֶרְפָּ֘תָ֤ם their reproach H2781
חֶרְפָּ֘תָ֤ם their reproach
Strong's: H2781
Word #: 6 of 9
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
אֲשֶׁ֖ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 7 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חֵרְפ֣וּךָ wherewith they have reproached H2778
חֵרְפ֣וּךָ wherewith they have reproached
Strong's: H2778
Word #: 8 of 9
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
אֲדֹנָֽי׃ thee O Lord H136
אֲדֹנָֽי׃ thee O Lord
Strong's: H136
Word #: 9 of 9
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

Analysis & Commentary

And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord. This concluding imprecatory prayer requests comprehensive justice. "Render...sevenfold" (hashev shiv'atayim, הָשֵׁב שִׁבְעָתַיִם) uses intensified language—not merely equivalent punishment but multiplied return. "Sevenfold" represents completeness in Hebrew numerology (Genesis 4:15, Leviticus 26:28, Proverbs 6:31), suggesting thorough, exhaustive justice. "Into their bosom" (el-chuqam, אֶל־חֵיקָם) means directly into their lap or embrace—inescapable, personal reception of deserved consequences.

The crucial phrase "their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee" (cherpotam asher cherefu-kha, חֶרְפָּתָם אֲשֶׁר חֵרְפוּךָ) clarifies the true offense: the neighbors haven't merely insulted Israel but insulted Yahweh Himself. By mocking Israel's weakness, they mock Israel's God. This transforms the prayer from personal vengeance to theological vindication. The ultimate crime isn't violence against people but blasphemy against God. This echoes 2 Kings 19:22 where Sennacherib's mockery of Jerusalem is defined as reproaching the Holy One of Israel.

The direct address "O Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai) emphasizes sovereignty—You are Master, and these nations have insulted their rightful sovereign. The prayer concludes by resting the case before divine judgment: act consistently with Your character as covenant Lord who defends Your name and avenges Your people's innocent blood. The imprecatory conclusion asserts faith that God will indeed execute justice, even if delayed.

Historical Context

Sevenfold vengeance appears in Genesis 4:15 (God's protection of Cain) and Leviticus 26:28 (covenant curses for disobedience). The concept reflects ancient Near Eastern justice principles of proportional punishment, intensified for particularly heinous crimes. The nations' reproach of Yahweh through Israel's humiliation invited divine response. Later prophetic literature (Jeremiah 50-51; Isaiah 13, 47) pronounces extensive judgment against Babylon, fulfilling prayers like Psalm 79:12. The principle continues into Revelation 18:6: "Reward [Babylon] even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double."

Questions for Reflection