Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.

PSALMS 123:4KJV
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Psalms 123:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 123:4 mean?

Psalms 123:4 describes a deep sense of weariness and distress in the speaker’s soul, caused by being mocked and looked down upon by people who are comfortable and proud. The verse expresses how overwhelming and full this experience of scorn and contempt has become for those praying.

The speaker is part of a group seeking God’s help, likely representing the people of Israel during a time when they felt oppressed or humiliated by others who seemed secure and arrogant. The verse uses strong language to show just how much the people have endured from those who treat them with disrespect, highlighting a feeling of being completely filled up with negative treatment.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 123:4

  • The word for “soul” is נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), which often means the whole self or life, not just feelings. Here, it shows that the experience of scorn affects the deepest part of the person.
  • “Exceedingly” is רַב (rav), meaning “much” or “greatly.” This word emphasizes just how full and overwhelmed the soul feels with negative treatment.
  • “Scorning” comes from לַעַג (la‘ag), which refers to mocking or ridicule. This is not just mild teasing but a harsh, belittling attitude from others.
  • “Contempt” is בּוּז (buz), meaning deep disrespect or disdain. It shows that the people are not just being mocked, but are being treated as worthless by the proud.

Why Psalms 123:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the suffering described is not physical harm, but emotional and social pain caused by others’ attitudes—mockery and contempt from those in positions of ease and pride.
  • The verse connects to the wider psalm, which is a prayer for mercy, by showing the depth of the people’s need and the reason for their plea.
  • Understanding the original words helps readers see that the psalmist is describing a total, overwhelming experience of being looked down upon, not just a passing insult.

Where else these words appear

“scorning” Hebrew H3933 · used in 7 verses

  • Job 34:7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
  • Psalms 79:4 We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
  • Ezekiel 36:4 Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;

“proud” Hebrew H1343 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 40:11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
  • Psalms 94:2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
  • Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

“ease” Hebrew H7600 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:28 Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
  • Isaiah 32:11 Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins.
  • Isaiah 37:29 Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

“contempt” Hebrew H937 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 38:23 And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
  • Job 31:34 Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
  • Psalms 119:22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.