Psalms 109:18

As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

As he clothed {H3847} himself with cursing {H7045} like as with his garment {H4055}, so let it come {H935} into his bowels {H7130} like water {H4325}, and like oil {H8081} into his bones {H6106}.

He clothed himself with cursing as routinely as with his coat; May it enter inside him as easily as water, as easily as oil into his bones.

The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil.

He clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment, And it came into his inward parts like water, And like oil into his bones.

Commentary

Psalm 109:18 is a vivid and intense verse from an imprecatory psalm, where the psalmist, likely David, calls for divine retribution against his enemies. It describes the deep, pervasive effect of a curse returning upon the one who initiated it, using powerful metaphorical language.

Context

Psalm 109 is one of the Bible's "imprecatory psalms," characterized by fervent prayers for God's judgment upon the psalmist's adversaries. David, often the author, expresses profound distress over the treachery and malicious words of his enemies, who have returned evil for good (Psalm 109:5). This particular verse, following a series of specific curses invoked against the unrighteous, emphasizes the principle of poetic justice, where the punishment fits the crime. The psalmist appeals to God's justice to deal with those who have unjustly afflicted him and the poor (Psalm 109:16).

Key Themes

  • Retribution and Justice: The verse powerfully articulates a desire for the consequences of evil actions to boomerang back upon the perpetrator. It reflects a belief in God's ultimate justice, where the wicked do not escape their deeds.
  • Pervasive Consequences: The imagery of cursing penetrating "into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones" illustrates a profound, inescapable, and internal suffering. It's not a superficial affliction but one that reaches the very core of one's being.
  • The Nature of Cursing: It highlights how engaging in cursing is likened to clothing oneself with it, suggesting a habitual embrace of malice that becomes part of one's identity. This act of "clothing" implies a deliberate, chosen behavior.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "bowels" (Hebrew: me'im) often refers to the inner parts, including intestines, but metaphorically it represents the seat of emotions, deep feelings, and inner being. When a curse enters the "bowels," it signifies deep emotional and spiritual distress. Similarly, "bones" (Hebrew: 'etsem) denotes the very structure and core of the body. The imagery of water and oil penetrating deeply into these parts emphasizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of the curse's effect, suggesting a slow, painful, and internal decay, much like a poison. The comparison to "garment" (Hebrew: beged) suggests something worn habitually, indicating that cursing was a fundamental part of the enemy's character and actions.

Practical Application

While the imprecatory psalms can be challenging for modern readers, Psalm 109:18 offers several insights:

  • Understanding God's Justice: This verse underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences. While Christians are called to bless those who persecute them and not to curse, the psalm reminds us that God is ultimately just and will bring all deeds to account (Galatians 6:7).
  • The Danger of Malice: It serves as a stark warning about the destructive power of malice, hatred, and habitual cursing. What one "clothes oneself with" can ultimately consume them from within.
  • Reliance on God's Vengeance: For believers today, rather than seeking personal retribution, these psalms encourage entrusting justice to God. He alone is capable of discerning hearts and administering perfect judgment, as seen in Romans 12:19.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 73:6

    Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.

  • Numbers 5:22

    And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make [thy] belly to swell, and [thy] thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.

  • Colossians 3:12

    ¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

  • Matthew 27:3

    Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

  • Matthew 27:5

    And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

  • Numbers 5:27

    And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, [that], if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, [and become] bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.

  • Matthew 26:24

    The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
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