Psalms 109:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

Complete Jewish Bible:

May his posterity be cut off; may his name be erased within a generation.

Berean Standard Bible:

May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation.

American Standard Version:

Let his posterity be cut off; In the generation following let their name be blotted out.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Let his posterity^{H319} be cut off^{H3772}; and in the generation^{H1755} following^{H312} let their name^{H8034} be blotted out^{H4229}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Psalms 109:13

Psalm 109:13 is part of a larger composition known as an imprecatory psalm, which is a prayer for justice and retribution against one's enemies. The psalm, traditionally attributed to King David, reflects a time when the psalmist feels surrounded by malicious foes and false accusations. In the historical context, such prayers were a way to entrust justice to God, rather than taking vengeance into one's own hands, which was a common practice in the ancient world.

The verse itself, "Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name be blotted out," expresses a harsh and severe petition. The psalmist is asking God to end the family line of his adversary and to erase the memory of the enemy from future generations. This reflects the deep-seated desire for justice and protection in a culture where one's name and descendants were crucial to one's legacy and honor.

The themes present in this verse include the concepts of divine justice, the importance of legacy and lineage, and the depth of human suffering and desire for retribution. It also touches on the theological tension between mercy and justice, as the psalmist appeals to God's righteousness to act against wrongdoers. While such sentiments may seem harsh to modern readers, they were an integral part of the ancient Israelite's understanding of God's role as a just judge who would ultimately balance the scales of right and wrong.

In the broader scope of the Bible, Psalm 109:13 must be understood within the context of progressive revelation, where the harshness of such curses is ultimately transformed by the message of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation found in the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This shift in emphasis does not negate the genuine cry for justice in the Old Testament but rather fulfills and transcends it with a call to love one's enemies and leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:19-21).

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H319
   There are 369 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַחֲרִית
   Transliteration: ʼachărîyth
   Pronunciation: akh-ar-eeth'
   Description: from אַחַר; the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity; (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3772
   There are 280 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּרַת
   Transliteration: kârath
   Pronunciation: kaw-rath'
   Description: a primitive root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e. make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces); be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1755
   There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דּוֹר
   Transliteration: dôwr
   Pronunciation: dore
   Description: or (shortened) דֹּר; from דּוּר; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling; age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity.
   
4. Strong's Number: H312
   There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַחֵר
   Transliteration: ʼachêr
   Pronunciation: akh-air'
   Description: from אָחַר; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.; (an-) other man, following, next, strange.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8034
   There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁם
   Transliteration: shêm
   Pronunciation: shame
   Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4229
   There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָחָה
   Transliteration: mâchâh
   Pronunciation: maw-khaw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat; also to touch, i.e. reach to; abolish, blot out, destroy, full of marrow, put out, reach unto, [idiom] utterly, wipe (away, out).