Psalms 40:14

Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

Let them be ashamed {H954}{H8799)} and confounded {H2659}{H8799)} together {H3162} that seek {H1245}{H8764)} after my soul {H5315} to destroy {H5595}{H8800)} it; let them be driven {H5472}{H8735)} backward {H268} and put to shame {H3637}{H8735)} that wish {H2655} me evil {H7451}.

May those who seek to sweep me away be disgraced and humiliated together. May those who take pleasure in doing me harm be turned back and put to confusion.

May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated.

Let them be put to shame and confounded together That seek after my soul to destroy it: Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor That delight in my hurt.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 40, attributed to David, begins as a heartfelt psalm of thanksgiving for God's past deliverance and faithfulness (Psalms 40:1-3). However, it transitions in the latter half into a fervent prayer for help and deliverance from present troubles and enemies. Verse 14 falls within this petition section, where the psalmist, facing severe opposition, cries out to God for justice against those who seek his harm. It reflects a common theme in the Psalms: the righteous individual seeking God's intervention against malicious adversaries.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Vindication: The primary plea is for God to act as a righteous judge, bringing shame and confusion upon the psalmist's enemies. This is a deep yearning for the reversal of fortunes, where the wicked's schemes are thwarted and their malice exposed.
  • Protection from Adversaries: The verse expresses a profound trust in God's ability and willingness to protect His faithful servant from those who actively "seek after my soul to destroy it." It underscores the belief that God is the ultimate refuge against evil intentions.
  • Reversal of Intentions: The phrase "let them be driven backward and put to shame" speaks to the desire for the enemies' evil plans to not only fail but to boomerang back on them, resulting in their public disgrace instead of the psalmist's.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong, evocative language. The Hebrew words behind "ashamed" (bosh) and "confounded" (chapher) often appear together and signify deep humiliation and disgrace, particularly public. "Driven backward" (Hebrew: nachog) vividly portrays a forced retreat, a defeat of their aggressive advance. The phrase "seek after my soul to destroy it" (Hebrew: biqshu naphshi l'halikah) literally means "seek my life for its destruction," emphasizing the deadly intent of the adversaries. The term naphshi, often translated as "soul," here refers more broadly to the psalmist's very life or being.

Practical Application

While the New Testament calls believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, Psalm 40:14 still offers valuable insights. It validates the human cry for justice in the face of genuine malice and oppression. When facing unjust attacks or malicious intentions, this verse reminds us that:

  • God sees our distress and the evil directed against us.
  • We can bring our deepest grievances and desires for justice to God, trusting Him as the ultimate judge.
  • Ultimately, God has the power to reverse the intentions of the wicked and bring their schemes to naught, ensuring His righteousness prevails. This echoes similar prayers found in other Psalms, such as Psalms 70:2, which is nearly identical to this verse.
It teaches us to commit our cause to the Lord, trusting in His perfect timing and righteous judgment for vindication.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 35:26

    Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

  • Psalms 35:4

    Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.

  • Psalms 71:13

    Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

  • John 18:6

    As soon then as he had said unto them, I am [he], they went backward, and fell to the ground.

  • Psalms 9:3

    When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.

  • Psalms 31:17

    Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, [and] let them be silent in the grave.

  • Psalms 31:18

    Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.