Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

PSALMS 6:10KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 6:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 6:10 mean?

Psalms 6:10 is a prayer asking that the psalmist’s enemies would experience shame and distress, and that this would happen to them suddenly. The verse expresses a desire for those who oppose the speaker to be turned back in defeat and embarrassment.

King David is speaking in this psalm, crying out to God during a time of personal trouble and opposition. The verse comes at the end of a prayer where David has been asking for mercy and deliverance. Here, he shifts focus to those who have been against him, asking God to bring them low and to reverse their fortunes quickly, so that their plans against him fail.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 6:10

  • enemies (אֹיֵב, ʾoyev): This word refers to those who are hostile or actively opposing David. The use of this term highlights that the psalmist is not speaking about casual opponents, but about people who are intent on harming him.
  • ashamed (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to be put to shame or to experience disgrace. In this context, it carries the sense of public embarrassment as a result of failed plans or exposed wrongdoing.
  • sore (מְאֹד, me’od) vexed (בָּהַל, bahal): "Sore vexed" combines two ideas: "me’od" means "very" or "greatly," and "bahal" means to be troubled or terrified. Together, they describe a deep, unsettling distress.
  • return (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or retreat. Here, it suggests that the enemies’ advance or aggression will be reversed.
  • suddenly (רֶגַע, rega): This word means "in an instant" or "suddenly." It emphasizes the unexpected and swift nature of the shame and defeat David is asking God to bring upon his enemies.

Why Psalms 6:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s hope is not for personal revenge, but for God to act as judge and defender, reversing the situation of those who have wronged him.
  • The strong language of shame and sudden defeat highlights the seriousness of the opposition David faced and his trust that God can change circumstances quickly.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse marks a turning point from lament and pleading to confident expectation that God will answer and bring justice.

Where else these words appear

“suddenly” Hebrew H7281 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 33:5 For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
  • Job 34:20 In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

“vexed” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 4:5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
  • Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

“ashamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  • 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.