Psalms 109:28 (KJV)

What does Psalms 109:28 mean?

Psalms 109:28 is a prayer by someone who is being spoken against. The speaker asks God to grant him favor despite his enemies’ curses. He also asks that their attempt to rise against him end in their shame and in his own joy.

The phrase “when they arise” pictures the opponents taking action, not merely speaking hostile words. By calling himself “thy servant,” the speaker addresses God as the one he serves. The request follows his appeal for help in verse 27.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 109:28

• “curse” — קָלַל (qalal): This word can carry the sense of treating someone as of little worth. Here, the enemies’ curse expresses contempt for the speaker.
• “ashamed” — בּוֹשׁ (bosh): This word can describe being disgraced or disappointed. In this verse, the opponents’ rising against the speaker is expected to end in their own humiliation.

Why Psalms 109:28 matters

• The speaker places his enemies’ words alongside a request to God. “Let them curse, but bless thou” sets their hostile speech against the favor he seeks from God.
• The verse gives the opponents and the speaker different outcomes. Their rising leads to a request for their shame, while the speaker asks to rejoice.
• The speaker’s concern includes his own distress as well as his enemies’ actions. In verse 25, he describes becoming an object of scorn to those who see him.