Question 1

What does Psalms 69:23 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 69:23 is a plea for God to bring judgment on the psalmist’s enemies, asking that their eyes be darkened so they cannot see and that their loins tremble with fear or weakness. This verse expresses a desire for those who have caused harm to experience confusion and ongoing distress. In this psalm, David is speaking to God about people who have wronged him and opposed him without cause. He uses vivid language to ask God to turn their strength into weakness and their understanding into blindness, reflecting both the seriousness of his suffering and the depth of his appeal for justice.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 69:23

Accepted Answer

"eyes" (עֵינַיִם, ʿenayim): This word refers to physical sight but can also symbolize understanding or perception. The request for their eyes to be "darkened" suggests a loss of insight or awareness, not just literal blindness. "darkened" (תָּחְשַׁךְ, taḥshakh): This verb means to become dark or dim. Here, it paints a picture of confusion or inability to see what is happening, emphasizing helplessness. "loins" (מָתְנַיִם, motnayim): In Hebrew thought, the loins are associated with strength, courage, or the core of a person’s physical power. For their loins to "shake" means their strength or confidence is taken away. "shake" (מוֹט, mot): This word means to totter, shake, or be unstable. The idea is that their core strength will be unsettled, leaving them in a state of fear or weakness.

Question 3

Why Psalms 69:23 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse shows the intensity of David’s suffering and his honest, raw appeal to God for justice, helping readers understand the emotional depth of the psalms. The language of blindness and trembling highlights the reversal David seeks: those who once seemed powerful and in control are now pictured as helpless and afraid. Understanding the original Hebrew words adds depth, showing that David is not just wishing physical harm but is asking for a deep, personal undoing of his enemies’ confidence and understanding.

Psalms 69:23 (KJV)