Psalms 109:16

KJV

Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because that he remembered {H2142} not to shew {H6213} mercy {H2617}, but persecuted {H7291} the poor {H6041} and needy {H34} man {H376}, that he might even slay {H4191} the broken {H3512} in heart {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he did not remember to show kindness but hounded the downtrodden, the poor and the brokenhearted to death.

Berean Standard Bible

For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.

American Standard Version

Because he remembered not to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart, to slay them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 109:16 vividly portrays the profound wickedness of an adversary whose actions are characterized by a deliberate refusal to show mercy and a relentless persecution of the most vulnerable. This verse serves as a critical justification for the psalmist's fervent imprecatory prayers, revealing a heart so devoid of compassion that it actively seeks to crush the spirit and hope of those already afflicted, thereby provoking divine judgment against such egregious injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 109 is a deeply personal and powerful imprecatory psalm, traditionally attributed to David, where the psalmist cries out to God for justice against deceitful and malicious enemies. The psalm unfolds dynamically, beginning with a desperate plea for divine intervention against slander and betrayal (verses 1-5). This is followed by a detailed and intense series of curses invoked against the adversary (verses 6-19), which are among the most severe in the Psalter. Verse 16 functions as a pivotal explanatory clause within this section, providing the moral grounds and specific transgressions that warrant such harsh divine retribution. It shifts from the *what* of the curses to the *why*, revealing the enemy's profound lack of mercy and active oppression as the direct cause for the psalmist's fervent petition for justice. The psalm then transitions back to the psalmist's own suffering and renewed plea for deliverance and vindication (verses 20-31), ultimately concluding with an expression of trust in God's righteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, justice was a cornerstone of societal and theological understanding, deeply rooted in the covenant relationship with God. The "poor and needy" (`ani` and `ebyôn`) were not merely an economic class but often represented those who were marginalized, defenseless, and dependent on the community's and God's protection. Oppression of the vulnerable was considered a grave offense against God himself, who is consistently depicted as the defender of the weak and the fatherless. Imprecatory psalms, while jarring to modern sensibilities, reflect a cultural context where individuals appealed directly to God, the ultimate judge, for vindication when human avenues for justice were exhausted or corrupted. They were not expressions of personal vengeance in the modern sense, but rather appeals for God to uphold His righteous character and covenant promises by intervening against those who flagrantly violated divine moral standards and societal order.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 109:16 powerfully articulates several core themes central to biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **profound evil of mercilessness and active oppression**. The phrase "remembered not to shew mercy" highlights a deliberate and profound absence of compassion, a willful refusal to extend grace or empathy, especially to those in dire need. This stands in stark contrast to the very nature of God, who is described throughout Scripture as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (see [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Mercy and Compassion")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes God's **special concern for the vulnerable**. The adversary's persecution of "the poor and needy man" points to a pattern of injustice and exploitation directed at the most defenseless members of society. Scripture consistently portrays God as the champion of the marginalized, and their oppression is treated as a direct affront to His character, as [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Honoring God by Helping the Poor") declares that "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker." Finally, the verse reveals the **destructive intent of evil**, aiming "that he might even slay the broken in heart." This signifies not merely physical harm but a desire to utterly crush the spirit, hope, and inner being of those already suffering from distress, grief, or affliction, seeking to extinguish life or joy from those most vulnerable to despair.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Poor and needy (Hebrew, _`ani`_ עָנִי and _`ebyôn`_ אֶבְיוֹן):** These two terms are frequently paired in the Old Testament to describe individuals in a state of destitution, affliction, or humble dependence. _`Ani`_ generally refers to someone who is afflicted, oppressed, or in a lowly condition, often implying a spiritual humility alongside material poverty. _`Ebyôn`_ specifically denotes someone in great want, often a beggar, who is dependent on others for sustenance. Their combination here in Psalms 109:16 emphasizes the extreme vulnerability and utter reliance of the victims, highlighting the egregious nature of the adversary's persecution against those least able to defend themselves.
* **Broken in heart (Hebrew, _nik'êh lêb_ נִכְאֵה לֵב):** The term _nik'êh_ means "smitten," "crushed," or "afflicted," often referring to physical injury or emotional devastation. _Lêb_ refers to the heart, which in Hebrew thought is the seat of one's intellect, emotions, will, and moral character. Thus, "broken in heart" conveys a profound state of emotional, psychological, or spiritual devastation, often resulting from intense suffering, grief, or prolonged oppression. It speaks to a deep internal wounding, a complete loss of hope or vitality. This phrase underscores the enemy's desire not just to cause external harm but to utterly destroy the inner person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because that he remembered not to shew mercy":** This clause establishes the fundamental character flaw and primary transgression of the adversary. It's not a mere oversight but a deliberate, active refusal to extend compassion or kindness. The verb "remembered not" (Hebrew, _zāḵar_) implies a conscious choice or an ingrained disposition, a complete absence of the benevolent regard that should characterize human interaction, especially towards the vulnerable. This moral failing is the root cause of the subsequent actions.
* **"but persecuted the poor and needy man":** This phrase details the active manifestation of the adversary's mercilessness. "Persecuted" (Hebrew, _rāḏap̄_) suggests a persistent, aggressive pursuit, harassment, or oppression. The targeting of "the poor and needy man" (referring to the most vulnerable members of society) reveals the enemy's predatory nature, preying on those least able to resist or defend themselves. This is a direct violation of God's covenant commands to care for the marginalized.
* **"that he might even slay the broken in heart":** This final clause reveals the ultimate, malevolent intent behind the persecution. "Slay" (Hebrew, _mûṯ_) implies a desire for death or utter destruction. When applied to "the broken in heart," it signifies a desire to completely crush the spirit, extinguish hope, and utterly devastate the inner being of those already suffering from profound emotional or spiritual distress. It suggests a cruelty that seeks to annihilate not just life, but the very will to live, targeting the most fragile and vulnerable aspects of a person's existence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 109:16 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the severity of the adversary's wickedness. **Contrast** is central, as the enemy's utter lack of mercy and active persecution stands in stark opposition to the divine character of compassion and justice. The phrase "remembered not to shew mercy" uses **litotes** (understatement for emphasis), implying a profound and deliberate *un*mercifulness rather than mere forgetfulness. The progression from "persecuted the poor and needy" to "slay the broken in heart" demonstrates a powerful **intensification** or **climax**, revealing the escalating malevolence and the ultimate, devastating goal of the enemy's actions. The phrase "broken in heart" is a vivid **metonymy**, where the "heart" represents the entire inner person, encompassing emotions, will, and spirit, thereby emphasizing the profound psychological and spiritual damage inflicted. The verse functions as a **justification** for the imprecations, providing the moral rationale for the psalmist's plea for divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 109:16 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of evil and divine justice. It reveals that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to specific transgressions, particularly those involving the deliberate oppression of the vulnerable and the cruel disregard for human suffering. The enemy's actions—a conscious refusal of mercy, active persecution, and the intent to destroy the spirit of the afflicted—represent a fundamental rebellion against God's character and His moral order. This verse underscores the biblical truth that how one treats the marginalized is a direct reflection of one's relationship with God, and that God Himself stands as the ultimate defender of the poor and the brokenhearted, ensuring that their cries for justice will not go unheard.

* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Honoring God by Helping the Poor")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - God's Requirements: Justice, Mercy, and Humility")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - God is Near the Brokenhearted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 109:16, while describing the heinous actions of a specific adversary, serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the profound gravity of injustice and the call for compassionate living. It compels us to examine our own hearts and actions: Do we "remember to show mercy," or do we, through indifference or active neglect, contribute to the suffering of the "poor and needy"? The verse challenges us to recognize that true spiritual health is measured not just by our piety but by our active pursuit of justice and our extension of mercy to those around us, especially the vulnerable. In a world often marked by callousness and exploitation, this psalm reminds believers of their divine mandate to be agents of God's compassion, to stand against oppression, and to offer solace and hope to those whose spirits are "broken." It encourages us to cultivate a heart that mirrors God's own, which is "nigh unto them that are of a broken heart," and to actively work towards a society where mercy and justice prevail, knowing that God hears the cries of the oppressed and will ultimately bring about His perfect righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, inadvertently "forget to show mercy" to those in need around us?**
* **How does my daily life reflect God's special concern for "the poor and needy man"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for or support "the broken in heart" in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does the psalmist's cry for justice in this verse inform my understanding of God's character and His response to evil?**

### FAQ

**What is an "imprecatory psalm" and why are they in the Bible?**

Answer: An imprecatory psalm is a prayer or song that invokes divine judgment, calamity, or curses upon enemies or the wicked. Psalms 109 is a prime example. These psalms are in the Bible not to endorse personal vengeance, but to serve as raw, honest expressions of human suffering and a plea for God's justice in a world where human justice often fails. They reflect a deep theological conviction that God is righteous and will ultimately set all wrongs right. They are appeals to God as the ultimate judge, asking Him to uphold His moral order and to defend the oppressed, rather than taking retribution into one's own hands. They remind us that God sees injustice and will respond in His perfect timing and way.

**Does God truly desire to "slay the broken in heart" as the verse seems to imply?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that God desires to "slay the broken in heart." Rather, it describes the *enemy's* malevolent intent: "that *he* might even slay the broken in heart." This highlights the extreme cruelty of the adversary, who seeks to utterly crush those already suffering. In stark contrast, Scripture consistently portrays God as compassionate towards the brokenhearted. [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - God is Near the Brokenhearted") states, "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." God's desire is to heal, restore, and comfort the afflicted, not to destroy them. This verse underscores the enemy's wickedness by showing how diametrically opposed their actions are to God's character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 109:16, with its stark depiction of merciless oppression, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The adversary in the psalm embodies the very spirit of evil that seeks to crush the vulnerable and destroy hope, a spirit ultimately defeated by Christ. Jesus, unlike the cruel oppressor, perfectly embodied divine mercy, demonstrating profound compassion for "the poor and needy man" throughout His earthly ministry. He consistently identified with the marginalized, declaring that what is done "to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")). Furthermore, Christ came specifically to heal and uplift "the broken in heart," fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me") as He proclaimed in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission to the Brokenhearted"), "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted." On the cross, Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, became the ultimate "broken in heart" for humanity's sake, enduring the ultimate persecution so that all who are oppressed by sin and evil might find healing, mercy, and eternal life. His resurrection assures us that the power of those who seek to "slay the broken in heart" is ultimately vanquished, and that true justice and everlasting mercy reside in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 34:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Matthew 18:33

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Matthew 18:35

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Psalms 37:14

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Psalms 10:2

The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

Job 19:2

How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?