Psalms 109:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 109:13
13 Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.
Chapter Context
Psalms 109 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, love, prayer. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 109:13
13 Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.
Analysis
Let his posterity be cut off (יְהִי־אַחֲרִיתוֹ לְהַכְרִית, yehi-acharito lehachrit)—אַחֲרִית (acharit, "posterity, future, end") with the Hiphil infinitive of כָּרַת (karat, "cut off") speaks to dynastic extinction. And in the generation following let their name be blotted out (בְּדוֹר אַחֵר יִמַּח שְׁמָם, bedor acher yimach shemam)—the verb מָחָה (machah, "blot out, wipe out") with שֵׁם (shem, "name") means complete obliteration of legacy and memory.
In Israelite thought, posterity and name-preservation were forms of immortality. To have one's name blotted out reversed the covenant promise to Abraham: "I will make thy name great" (Gen 12:2). This is the ultimate curse—not merely death, but being forgotten, leaving no mark. Yet God's book contains names Satan cannot erase (Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5). The contrast highlights covenant blessing: the righteous have names written in heaven even if earthly memory fades; the wicked face both temporal and eternal erasure from God's favor.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures measured success by dynasty—sons to carry the name. Absalom erected a pillar "to keep my name in remembrance" because he had no sons (2 Sam 18:18). David prays his betrayer suffers Absalom's fate: remembered only in judgment.
Reflection
- How does the biblical priority on "name and legacy" challenge modern individualism disconnected from generational impact?
- What does having your name written in the Lamb's book of life (Rev 21:27) mean versus earthly legacy?
- How should desire for godly legacy (not mere fame) shape your life decisions and priorities?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 37:28, Job 18:19, Proverbs 10:7