Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.
Let there be none to extend {H4900} mercy {H2617} unto him: neither let there be any to favour {H2603} his fatherless children {H3490}.
May no one treat him kindly, and may no one take pity on his orphaned children.
May there be no one to extend kindness to him, and no one to favor his fatherless children.
Let there be none to extend kindness unto him; Neither let there be any to have pity on his fatherless children.
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Matthew 27:25
Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children. -
James 2:13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. -
Psalms 137:8
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. -
Psalms 137:9
Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. -
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. -
Job 5:4
His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither [is there] any to deliver [them]. -
Isaiah 13:18
[Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.
Commentary on Psalms 109:12 (KJV)
Psalms 109:12 is a stark verse from one of the Bible's most challenging and debated psalms, often referred to as an "imprecatory psalm." It reads: "Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children."
Context of Psalms 109
Psalm 109 is a lament of David, who is suffering unjustly at the hands of malicious and deceitful enemies. The psalm is a fervent prayer to God, expressing deep distress and calling for divine judgment upon those who have wronged him. The language is intense, reflecting the profound pain and sense of betrayal felt by the psalmist. Verses 6-19 contain a series of curses directed at an unnamed adversary, detailing a comprehensive downfall. It's crucial to understand that these are not personal acts of vengeance by the psalmist, but rather appeals to God, the righteous Judge, to intervene and administer justice for grievous wrongs.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "mercy" here is chesed (חֶסֶד), which is a rich theological term encompassing loyalty, steadfast love, and kindness, especially within a covenant relationship. The request that there be "none to extend chesed" emphasizes a complete deprivation of even basic human compassion, highlighting the depth of the psalmist's suffering and the severity of the judgment sought. Similarly, "favour" comes from the Hebrew chanan (חָנַן), meaning to show grace or be gracious, underscoring the desire for the complete absence of any benevolent regard.
Related Scriptures
Understanding Psalm 109:12 requires careful theological navigation. While the Old Testament contains many such appeals for divine justice, the New Testament introduces a profound shift in emphasis towards grace, forgiveness, and love for enemies. For instance, Jesus teaches his followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44), and Paul reminds believers that "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19). This does not negate God's justice, but rather places the responsibility for judgment entirely in His hands, while calling His people to extend mercy and forgiveness.
Reflection
This verse reminds us that while human beings often cry out for justice in the face of deep wrong, sometimes with intense and even uncomfortable language, the ultimate administration of justice belongs to God. It highlights the profound suffering of the psalmist and his desperate plea for divine intervention. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder of the Old Testament's raw expressions of human emotion and trust in God's ultimate righteousness, while also pointing to the transformative power of the New Testament's call to mercy and love, recognizing that the Lord Himself is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (Psalm 103:8).