What does Psalm 109:15 mean?
ESV: Let them be before the Lord continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth!
NIV: May their sins always remain before the Lord, that he may blot out their name from the earth.
NASB: May they be before the Lord continually, So that He may eliminate their memory from the earth;
CSB: Let their sins always remain before the Lord, and let him remove all memory of them from the earth.
NLT: May the Lord always remember these sins, and may his name disappear from human memory.
KJV: Let them be before the Lord continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.
NKJV: Let them be continually before the Lord, That He may cut off the memory of them from the earth;
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 109, verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
Psalm 109:6–20 contains a long list of punishments which the psalmist—probably David—wishes upon his enemies. Prayers for wrathful judgment to come from God are labeled "imprecatory," and don't necessarily come with God's approval. These seem to be in response to sinful acts towards the poor (Psalm 109:16), as well as repeated lies (Psalm 109:4–5). The writer's wishes for his enemies include legal accusations and convictions, poverty, shame, humiliation, and curses. This even extends to asking for the enemy to die and leave his family destitute.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist, probably David, calls on the Lord for help. He is under siege in the form of lies, hatred, and slander. Though David has shown them love, they respond with attacks. He prays that God would deliver punishment to these enemies. David's requests are harsh and even include the families of these opponents. Ultimately, David trusts God to provide rescue. He hopes that it will be clear to all that it was the Lord who rescued Him.
Chapter Context:
Certain psalms are labeled "imprecatory," meaning they call for God's wrath and punishment on some enemy. This is one example, along with others such as Psalms 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 70, 79, 83, 129, 137, and 140. These do not promise revenge or an intent to act; they are pleas for the Lord to respond with harsh vengeance. This psalm is not associated with any specific event or incident.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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