Psalms 109:11

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لِيتَ مُقرِضِيهِ يَأْخُذُونَ كُلَّ مَا لَهُ، وَلَيْتَ الغُرَبَاءَ يَنْهَبُونَ كُلَّ مَا تَعِبَ فِيهِ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse talks about someone hoping that an extortioner (a person who takes things unfairly) and strangers will take all the possessions and hard work of an enemy. The speaker is asking for a curse upon someone they consider an enemy.

Explained for Children

Imagine if someone was being really mean to you. This verse is like saying, 'Let the mean person lose all their toys and snacks to others who aren't nice either.' It's not a nice thing to wish for, but sometimes people feel very upset and say things they shouldn't.

Historical Background

This verse comes from the Book of Psalms, written by David, around 1000 BCE. It reflects a time when people used poetry to express deep emotions, including curses and blessings, often in response to personal conflicts or threats.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this could relate to someone who feels so hurt by a colleague's unfair actions that they hope for the colleague's downfall. However, the Bible encourages forgiveness and seeking justice rather than wishing harm on others.

Topics

• vengeance
• justice
• forgiveness
• curse
• prayer
• conflict

Related Verses

• Psalms 7:13
• Proverbs 28:10
• Matthew 5:44
• Romans 12:17
• Ephesians 4:26

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this verse talk about cursing?

The author, David, was experiencing deep distress and used this form of poetic expression to articulate his feelings of betrayal and anger.

How should we interpret this verse today?

Today, many scholars interpret this verse as part of a historical narrative and not as a model for behavior. It is seen more as a reflection of human emotions rather than a divine command.

What does it mean to 'let the extortioner catch all that he hath'?

This phrase indicates a desire for someone to lose their possessions to another who acts unjustly, reflecting a wish for an enemy to suffer losses.

How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness in the Bible?

In contrast to this verse, the Bible teaches forgiveness and love even towards one's enemies, as seen in teachings like Matthew 5:44, which advises to love and pray for those who persecute you.