Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.

PSALMS 129:5KJV
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Psalms 129:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 129:5 mean?

Psalms 129:5 is a prayer asking that all those who hate Zion—meaning those who oppose or wish harm to Jerusalem and its people—would be confused and forced to retreat. The verse expresses a desire for the enemies of God's people to be thwarted in their plans.

In this psalm, a speaker representing Israel addresses God about those who have been hostile toward Zion, which often stands for the spiritual and national center of Israel. The verse fits within a song reflecting on past troubles and seeking God's justice against those who have caused suffering. The tone is not just personal but communal, focusing on the well-being and protection of the whole people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 129:5

  • "confounded" (בּוֹשׁ, bosh): This word means to be put to shame or disgraced. The psalmist is asking that the enemies of Zion would experience public humiliation or disappointment in their efforts.
  • "turned" (סוּג, sug): This verb means to turn back or retreat. It carries the sense of being forced to withdraw, not just changing direction voluntarily.
  • "back" (אָחוֹר, achor): This word means "backwards" or "behind." It emphasizes the idea of being pushed away or made to retreat, highlighting the defeat of Zion's enemies.
  • "hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This verb means to hate or be hostile toward. Here, it refers specifically to those who are actively opposed to Zion.
  • "Zion" (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyon): This is the name for Jerusalem, often representing the heart of God's people and their place of worship.

Why Psalms 129:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the focus is on those who hate Zion, not just any enemy, but specifically those opposed to the spiritual and communal center of Israel.
  • The language of shame and retreat underscores a desire for justice rather than personal revenge, fitting the psalm’s larger theme of seeking God’s intervention.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew words shows the depth of the request: it is not just for defeat, but for public disgrace and reversal of the enemies’ intentions.

Where else these words appear

“turned” Hebrew H5472 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 35:4 Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
  • Psalms 70:2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
  • Isaiah 42:17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.

“back” Hebrew H268 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
  • Psalms 44:10 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.
  • Isaiah 42:17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.

“confounded” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

“hate” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: