Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

PSALMS 109:13KJV
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Psalms 109:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 109:13 mean?

Psalms 109:13 expresses a wish that the descendants of a certain person would be completely cut off, so that in the next generation, their family name would disappear and be forgotten. This is part of a series of strong curses spoken against someone who has acted as an enemy.

In this psalm, David is speaking, praying to God about people who have treated him with hostility and injustice. The verse is part of a larger section where David calls for severe consequences on his adversaries, reflecting the depth of his distress and the seriousness of the wrongs done to him. The language is intense, showing the ancient world’s view of family legacy and reputation as deeply important.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 109:13

  • "posterity" (אַחֲרִית, 'acharit): This word often means "end" or "future," but here it refers to descendants or those who come after. The idea is not just about children, but the entire family line.
  • "off" (כָּרַת, karat): This verb means "to cut off" or "destroy." It carries the sense of a complete removal, not just a setback.
  • "generation" (דּוֹר, dor): This word means a period of time or a group of people living at the same time, often used for a generation of a family.
  • "following" (אַחֵר, acher): This means "next" or "another," pointing to the generation after the current one.
  • "name" (שֵׁם, shem): In ancient Israel, a person's name represented their identity and legacy. To have a name "blotted out" meant to be forgotten or erased from memory.
  • "out" (מָחָה, machah): This verb means "to blot out" or "wipe away," emphasizing total erasure.

Why Psalms 109:13 matters

  • This verse shows how seriously people in the ancient world viewed family legacy—being "cut off" meant not just personal loss, but the end of a family’s presence and memory in the community.
  • The intensity of the language highlights the depth of David’s pain and the seriousness of the betrayal or harm he experienced.
  • Understanding the original words helps clarify that this is not just about punishment for one person, but a desire for the complete removal of an enemy’s influence and memory from future generations.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H4229 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
  • Deuteronomy 25:19 Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.
  • Psalms 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

“posterity” Hebrew H319 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 49:1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
  • Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

“generation” Hebrew H1755 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 15:21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
  • Psalms 79:13 So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.