Psalms 40:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Psalms 40:14 is a fervent petition from the psalmist to God, crying out for divine justice and vindication against malicious adversaries. It expresses a deep longing for those who seek the psalmist's destruction to be publicly humiliated, confounded, and utterly defeated, their evil intentions turned back upon themselves. This verse encapsulates a common theme in the Psalms: the righteous individual's reliance on God as the ultimate judge and protector in the face of intense opposition and malevolent schemes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 40 is a composite psalm, beginning with a profound expression of thanksgiving for God's past deliverance and faithfulness in the psalmist's life, as seen in [Psalms 40:1-5](/psalms/40-1 "Psalms 40:1-5 - Waiting Patiently for the Lord"). The psalmist recounts a personal testimony of being lifted out of a "horrible pit" and having a new song put in his mouth. This section transitions into a declaration of commitment to God's will and law ([Psalms 40:6-10](/psalms/40-6 "Psalms 40:6-10 - Obedience and Proclamation")). However, the latter half of the psalm, from [Psalms 40:11](/psalms/40-11 "Psalms 40:11 - Plea for Mercy and Truth") onward, shifts abruptly into a desperate lament and petition for help against overwhelming troubles and numerous enemies. Verse 14 falls squarely within this petitionary section, following the psalmist's confession of being "compassed about with evils innumerable" and his heart failing him ([Psalms 40:12](/psalms/40-12 "Psalms 40:12 - Overwhelmed by Troubles")). The plea for the shame of his enemies is immediately followed by a contrasting prayer for the joy and exaltation of those who seek God ([Psalms 40:16](/psalms/40-16 "Psalms 40:16 - Joy for Those Who Seek God")). Notably, [Psalms 70:2](/psalms/70-2 "Psalms 70:2 - A Parallel Prayer for Deliverance") is almost identical to Psalms 40:14, suggesting either a direct quotation or a common liturgical expression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As a psalm attributed to David, Psalms 40 likely reflects the experiences of a king or leader facing significant internal or external opposition. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public shame and humiliation were potent forms of disgrace, often worse than physical harm for those in positions of honor. To be "driven backward" would signify not just a defeat but a public, ignominious retreat, a loss of face and power. The concept of enemies "seeking after my soul to destroy it" was a literal threat in a world where political intrigue, betrayal, and warfare were common means of removing rivals. The psalmist's cry for God to intervene reflects the belief that divine justice was the ultimate recourse when human systems failed or were corrupted. The prayer for enemies to be put to shame was a common expression of seeking divine vindication and the reversal of fortunes, where the wicked's schemes would boomerang back upon them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the [Book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs and Prayers of Israel"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, portraying God as the righteous judge who intervenes on behalf of His faithful servants. The psalmist trusts that God will not allow evil to triumph indefinitely but will ultimately expose and thwart the wicked. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Protection from Adversaries**, emphasizing God's role as a refuge and deliverer from those who harbor malicious intent, even to the point of seeking one's life. This reflects a profound reliance on God's sovereignty and power over human evil. Thirdly, the verse articulates the theme of **Reversal of Fortunes**, where the psalmist desires that the evil intentions and actions of his enemies would not only fail but would result in their own public disgrace and defeat, rather than the psalmist's. This is a prayer for the triumph of righteousness over wickedness, aligning with the broader prophetic hope for God's kingdom to prevail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bosh_):** This verb denotes a deep sense of humiliation, disgrace, and confusion, often in a public context. It implies a failure to achieve one's objective, leading to a feeling of utter disappointment and dishonor. When God causes someone to be "ashamed," it means their plans are thwarted, and their malicious intent is exposed, leading to their public disgrace.
* **Confounded (Hebrew, _chapher_):** Often appearing in conjunction with *bosh*, this word intensifies the meaning of shame. It literally means "to dig" or "to be dug," suggesting a state of being utterly perplexed, bewildered, and frustrated, as if one's plans have fallen into a pit of their own making. It conveys the idea of a scheme coming to nothing, leaving the schemer utterly confused and disgraced.
* **Seek after my soul to destroy it (Hebrew, _biqshu naphshi l'halikah_):** This phrase is highly evocative. _Biqshu_ means "they sought" or "they desired." _Naphshi_ refers to "my soul" or "my life," encompassing the psalmist's entire being. _L'halikah_ means "for its destruction" or "for its ruin." Together, it signifies a deliberate, active, and deadly intent to bring about the complete ruin or death of the psalmist. It is not a casual wish but a determined pursuit of his demise.
* **Driven backward (Hebrew, _nachog_):** This verb means "to be turned back," "to be repulsed," or "to be driven away." It vividly portrays a forced retreat, a defeat in an aggressive advance. It suggests that the enemies' momentum and forward movement are not only stopped but reversed, implying a complete failure of their attack and a humiliating retreat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it;":** This initial clause is a powerful imprecation, a prayer-curse directed at the psalmist's most dangerous adversaries. The use of the imperative "let them be" indicates a fervent plea for divine intervention. The psalmist desires that those who actively and maliciously plot his ruin—those whose very aim is to take his life or utterly destroy his well-being—should experience profound public humiliation and utter frustration of their plans. The "together" emphasizes a collective disgrace, perhaps highlighting the conspiratorial nature of their evil.
* **"let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.":** This second clause reinforces and amplifies the first through synonymous parallelism. "Driven backward" vividly depicts a military or strategic defeat, a forced retreat from their aggressive stance. It signifies the complete failure of their malicious endeavors. "Put to shame" reiterates the public disgrace desired for them. The phrase "that wish me evil" broadens the scope slightly to include all who harbor ill will, not just those actively plotting destruction, but all who desire his harm. The repetition underscores the psalmist's intense desire for a comprehensive reversal of fortunes for his enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 40:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, expressed through the repeated "Let them be," which functions as a fervent imprecation or a prayer-curse. This is not merely a statement but a direct appeal to God to act decisively against the psalmist's enemies. Secondly, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil") reiterates and intensifies the sentiment of the first clause ("Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it"). Both clauses express the same core desire for the enemies' public humiliation and defeat, reinforcing the psalmist's plea. Finally, the phrase "driven backward" employs vivid **Imagery**, evoking a visual of a defeated army or a thwarted aggressor in full retreat, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the desired defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 40:14, like many imprecatory psalms, presents a theological challenge for modern readers, particularly in light of New Testament teachings on loving enemies. However, it is crucial to understand these prayers not as expressions of personal vengeance but as appeals to divine justice in a world where evil often seems to triumph. The psalmist, as a righteous individual, is not seeking to take justice into his own hands but is entrusting his cause to God, the ultimate judge of all the earth. This prayer reflects a deep conviction that God is sovereign over human affairs and will ultimately vindicate the righteous and bring to naught the schemes of the wicked. It is a cry for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done, even if that means the defeat of those who oppose His purposes. Such prayers affirm God's active involvement in human history and His commitment to righteousness. They are a testament to the psalmist's trust that God sees the hidden malice and will act in His perfect timing and wisdom to establish justice.

* [Psalms 70:2](/psalms/70-2 "Psalms 70:2 - A Parallel Plea for Justice")
* [Psalms 35:4](/psalms/35-4 "Psalms 35:4 - Prayer for the Shame of Persecutors")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the New Testament calls believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, Psalms 40:14 still offers profound insights for the contemporary believer. It validates the raw human experience of distress, betrayal, and malicious opposition. In a world where injustice often prevails, this verse reminds us that we can bring our deepest grievances, our cries for justice, and our longing for vindication directly to God. It teaches us to commit our cause to the Lord, trusting in His perfect timing and righteous judgment for ultimate vindication, rather than resorting to personal retaliation. It affirms that God sees our suffering and the evil directed against us, and He is capable of reversing the intentions of the wicked, ensuring that His righteousness ultimately prevails. This psalm encourages us to maintain our faith in God's sovereignty even when faced with overwhelming adversity, knowing that He is the ultimate arbiter of justice and the defender of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse validate feelings of distress and a desire for justice when facing genuine malice or oppression?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, trust God for vindication without resorting to personal vengeance or harboring bitterness?**
* **How does the psalmist's fervent prayer for divine intervention encourage us to bring our deepest grievances and desires for righteousness to God?**

### FAQ

**Is it appropriate for Christians to pray imprecatory prayers like this?**

Answer: This is a nuanced question. While the New Testament clearly commands believers to [love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"), the imprecatory psalms like Psalms 40:14 are part of inspired Scripture. They are not typically understood as models for personal vengeance but as prophetic cries for divine justice against evil. These prayers express a deep longing for God's righteousness to prevail and for His kingdom to come, which ultimately involves the defeat of all evil and injustice. They can be seen as prayers for God to exercise His ultimate judgment, not for individual believers to take matters into their own hands. They also validate the human cry for justice in the face of genuine oppression, reminding us that God sees and will ultimately act.

**What does "seek after my soul to destroy it" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "seek after my soul to destroy it" (Hebrew: *biqshu naphshi l'halikah*) signifies a grave and malicious intent directed at the psalmist's very life or well-being. *Naphshi* (my soul/life) refers to the psalmist's entire existence, not just an immaterial part. Therefore, the enemies' desire is not merely to annoy or inconvenience him, but to bring about his complete ruin, death, or utter destruction of his reputation and livelihood. It underscores the severity of the threat and the deadly earnestness of the adversaries' intentions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 40:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment not in the personal vengeance of the psalmist, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist prayed for his enemies to be put to shame, Jesus, the perfect Son, experienced the ultimate shame and humiliation, being reviled, spit upon, and crucified, yet He did not retaliate ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Jesus, a Man of Sorrows") and [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). Instead, He prayed for His persecutors, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")). However, Jesus' death was not the end. His resurrection and ascension represent the ultimate "driving backward" and "putting to shame" of the true enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Through His triumph on the cross, Christ disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The imprecations against those who "wish me evil" ultimately point to the final judgment of all evil and injustice at the end of time, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). Thus, the psalmist's cry for justice is ultimately answered in Christ's victory over all that opposes God, and in His future return to establish perfect righteousness and put all enemies under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")).

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 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.