What does Psalm 109:5 mean?
ESV: So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
NIV: They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.
NASB: So they have repaid me evil for good, And hatred for my love.
CSB: They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
NLT: They repay evil for good, and hatred for my love.
KJV: And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
NKJV: Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 109:1–5 begins with a request for God to act against the psalmist's enemy. That psalmist is likely David, but the label "of David" may refer to its style rather than its author. The first segment of the song explains what these opponents are doing. They slander and lie, with their sins targeting the psalmist. Apparently, the writer has tried to do good for these people, but they respond with hate.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist, probably David, calls on the Lord for help. He is under siege in the form of lies, hatred, and slander. Though David has shown them love, they respond with attacks. He prays that God would deliver punishment to these enemies. David's requests are harsh and even include the families of these opponents. Ultimately, David trusts God to provide rescue. He hopes that it will be clear to all that it was the Lord who rescued Him.
Chapter Context:
Certain psalms are labeled "imprecatory," meaning they call for God's wrath and punishment on some enemy. This is one example, along with others such as Psalms 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 70, 79, 83, 129, 137, and 140. These do not promise revenge or an intent to act; they are pleas for the Lord to respond with harsh vengeance. This psalm is not associated with any specific event or incident.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
