Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

PSALMS 40:14KJV
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Psalms 40:14 (KJV)

What does Psalms 40:14 mean?

Psalms 40:14 is a prayer asking God to bring shame and confusion on those who are trying to harm the psalmist, to frustrate their plans, and to turn them back in disgrace. The verse expresses a desire for those who wish evil against the speaker to be stopped and dishonored.

King David is speaking in this psalm, addressing God while facing enemies who are actively seeking to destroy him. The verse uses strong language to show both the seriousness of the threat and David’s trust that God can intervene to protect him. This request for God to deal with his enemies is part of a larger pattern in the psalms, where the writer honestly brings fears and dangers before God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 40:14

  • "Ashamed" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word often means to be put to shame or to be disappointed, especially when someone’s plans fail. Here, David is asking God to cause his enemies’ efforts to come to nothing.
  • "Confounded" (חָפֵר, chafeir): This word carries the sense of being confused or humiliated. It adds to the idea of the enemies not just failing, but being thrown into disorder or embarrassment.
  • "Seek" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means to search for or pursue. The verse highlights that these people are actively and intentionally trying to harm David, not just passively opposing him.
  • "Driven backward" (סוּג, sug): This word means to turn back or retreat. David is asking that his enemies be forced to retreat, unable to carry out their harmful intentions.

Why Psalms 40:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David is not seeking personal revenge, but rather asking God to handle those who threaten him, showing a reliance on divine justice rather than his own strength.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the opposition David faced, helping readers understand the real dangers and fears behind his prayers.
  • Connecting to the wider psalm, this verse shows a pattern of honest, vulnerable prayer in times of trouble, which is a recurring theme throughout the Book of Psalms.