Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:

PSALMS 83:17KJV
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Psalms 83:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 83:17 mean?

Psalms 83:17 is a prayer asking that the enemies of Israel be left confused, deeply troubled, shamed, and ultimately destroyed. The verse calls for lasting defeat and disgrace for those who oppose God’s people.

This verse is spoken by the psalmist Asaph, who is addressing God about hostile nations threatening Israel. The psalm is a plea for God to act against these enemies, not just to stop them, but to bring them to a state of confusion and shame so severe that their power and influence are ended. The language is strong, reflecting the seriousness of the threat and the desire for complete deliverance.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 83:17

  • confounded (בּוֹשׁ, bosh): This word often means to be put to shame or to be deeply embarrassed. Here, it emphasizes the wish that Israel’s enemies would lose face and be publicly disgraced.
  • troubled (בָּהַל, bahal): This word carries the sense of being alarmed or terrified. The psalmist is asking that the enemies be thrown into panic and fear, unable to act effectively.
  • ever (עַד, ad): This word means “forever” or “continually,” showing that the psalmist wants this defeat and shame to be lasting, not just temporary.
  • shame (חָפֵר, chaper): This word also points to humiliation, but with a sense of being deeply ashamed or humiliated beyond recovery.
  • perish (אָבַד, avad): This word means to be destroyed or to vanish. The psalmist is not just asking for defeat, but for the complete end of these enemies.

Why Psalms 83:17 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the psalmist is not just asking for a setback for Israel’s enemies, but for their total and lasting ruin, using several different words for shame and destruction.
  • The strong language highlights the seriousness of the threat Israel faced and the desperation in the prayer, giving insight into the emotional and historical context.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew words shows that the prayer is for more than just military defeat—it is for public disgrace, fear, and the complete removal of the threat.

Where else these words appear

“shame” Hebrew H2659 · used in 17 verses

  • Job 6:20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
  • 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 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

“troubled” 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.

“ever” Hebrew H5703 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 15:18 The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.
  • Psalms 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
  • Psalms 145:21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

“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 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.