Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

PSALMS 74:18KJV
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Psalms 74:18 (KJV)

What does Psalms 74:18 mean?

Psalms 74:18 is a plea to God, asking Him to remember how His enemies have insulted Him and how foolish people have spoken against His name. The verse highlights a deep sense of injustice and a call for God to take notice of the disrespect shown to Him.

The psalm is spoken by someone representing the people of Israel, likely during a time when their enemies have caused great harm and dishonor to their faith and worship. The speaker appeals directly to the LORD, emphasizing both the actions of the enemy and the seriousness of blasphemy—publicly dishonoring God's name. This verse is part of a larger prayer for God to act in the face of suffering and disrespect.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 74:18

  • "Remember" (זָכַר, zakhar): This word often means more than just recalling; it can carry the sense of acting on behalf of what is remembered. Here, it is a call for God not just to recall the offense, but to respond to it.
  • "Reproached" (חָרַף, charaf): This word means to taunt, insult, or scorn. The verse stresses that the enemy’s actions are not just against people, but are direct insults toward God Himself.
  • "Foolish" (נָבָל, naval): This term describes someone who acts with moral disregard, not just lacking intelligence but showing contempt for what is right. Calling the people "foolish" underlines the seriousness of their blasphemy.
  • "Blasphemed" (נָאַץ, na'ats): This word means to treat with contempt or to insult, especially in a way that dishonors God. The focus is on the public and deliberate disrespect shown to God's name.

Why Psalms 74:18 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the psalmist’s concern is not just about personal suffering, but about the honor of God’s name being attacked by outsiders.
  • It highlights the seriousness of blasphemy in the biblical context—not just as a private sin, but as a public act that demands God’s attention.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalm 74, where the community is asking God to remember their distress and to act because His reputation is at stake.

Where else these words appear

“foolish” Hebrew H5036 · used in 18 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?
  • Job 30:8 They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

“blasphemed” Hebrew H5006 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
  • Psalms 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
  • Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

“reproached” Hebrew H2778 · used in 40 verses

  • Leviticus 19:20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
  • 2 Kings 19:23 By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
  • Psalms 102:8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.