Psalms 40:15

KJV

Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them be desolate {H8074}{H8799)} for a reward {H6118} of their shame {H1322} that say {H559}{H8802)} unto me, Aha {H1889}, aha {H1889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May those who jeer at me, "Aha! Aha!" be aghast because of their shame.

Berean Standard Bible

May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame.

American Standard Version

Let them be desolate by reason of their shame That say unto me, Aha, aha.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 40:15 is a fervent plea from the psalmist for divine justice against those who maliciously mock his suffering and misfortune. It expresses a desire for the adversaries, who gloat with the derisive cry "Aha, aha," to be utterly shamed and desolated as a just recompense for their cruel and contemptuous behavior. This verse encapsulates a deep trust in God's righteous judgment, anticipating the ultimate vindication of the afflicted and the reversal of fortune for the wicked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 40 is a composite psalm, often divided into two main sections. The first part (verses 1-10) is a psalm of thanksgiving, where David recounts God's miraculous deliverance from a "horrible pit" and expresses his delight in doing God's will. This section is characterized by praise and testimony of God's faithfulness. However, the psalm transitions sharply in verse 11 to a desperate prayer for help and deliverance from overwhelming troubles, including numerous sins and powerful enemies. Verse 15 falls squarely within this second section (verses 11-17), which is a lament and petition for divine intervention against adversaries who seek the psalmist's ruin. The plea for the enemies to "be desolate" and shamed is an imprecatory element, a common feature in psalms where the righteous suffer unjustly and appeal to God as their ultimate vindicator.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, honor and shame were paramount social values. Public mockery, especially from enemies, was not merely a verbal slight but a profound act of humiliation intended to strip a person of their dignity and standing. The "Aha, aha" (Hebrew _he'ach, he'ach_) was a specific, well-understood expression of malicious glee, indicating a gloating satisfaction at another's downfall or distress. Such derision was considered a grave offense, not just against the individual but often against God, as it implied that God had abandoned the suffering righteous one. Therefore, the psalmist's plea for desolation and shame upon these mockers was a culturally intelligible request for a just reversal of fortune, where the shame they sought to inflict would return upon their own heads. It reflects a societal expectation that divine justice would uphold the righteous and punish the wicked.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 40:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice**, asserting God's role as the ultimate arbiter who sees the suffering of the righteous and will not allow the wicked to triumph indefinitely. This is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like [Psalms 7:9](/psalms/7-9 "Psalms 7:9 - God Judges the Righteous and Wicked"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Malicious Mockery**. The "Aha, aha" is not just a casual insult; it represents a heart of enmity and derision that is deeply displeasing to God. The psalmist's desire for their desolation serves as a powerful warning against such attitudes, echoing the sentiment in [Proverbs 17:5](/proverbs/17-5 "Proverbs 17:5 - Mocking the Poor"). Finally, the verse is an integral part of the theme of the **Vindication of the Righteous**. The psalmist, suffering unjustly, cries out for God to turn the tables, demonstrating that God stands with His faithful ones and will ultimately bring about their deliverance and honor, even if it means the shame of their adversaries, as promised in [Psalms 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalms 34:17 - The Lord Hears the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desolate (Hebrew, _shamem'_):** This verb (שָׁמֵם) carries a strong connotation of being appalled, laid waste, or utterly ruined. It describes a state of utter emptiness, devastation, or astonishment. When applied to people, it suggests a profound sense of shock, desolation, or ruin, often as a result of divine judgment. The psalmist is not merely wishing for their discomfort but for a comprehensive and public humiliation that leaves them utterly undone.
* **Shame (Hebrew, _bosheth'_):** The noun (בֹּשֶׁת) refers to shame, disgrace, or confusion. In biblical thought, shame is often the antithesis of honor and is frequently associated with defeat, exposure, or the failure of one's plans. Here, it is the very essence of their malicious actions ("their shame" in mocking the psalmist) that is invoked as the basis for their just recompense. The psalmist desires that the shame they sought to inflict upon him would become their own reward.
* **Aha, aha (Hebrew, _he'ach, he'ach'_):** This onomatopoeic interjection (הֶאָח, הֶאָח) is a direct vocalization of malicious triumph, scorn, or derision. It expresses a gloating pleasure at another's misfortune or pain. Its repetition emphasizes the intensity and deliberate nature of the mockery. It is found in other imprecatory psalms (e.g., [Psalms 35:21](/psalms/35-21 "Psalms 35:21 - Mockery of the Righteous")) and prophetic condemnations (e.g., [Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Against Ammon")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them be desolate":** This is an imprecatory prayer, a strong petition for God to bring about a state of utter ruin, emptiness, or dismay upon the psalmist's enemies. It is a plea for divine judgment to manifest in their lives, leading to their profound humiliation and undoing. The psalmist calls for a visible and undeniable reversal of their fortunes.
* **"for a reward of their shame":** This phrase establishes the principle of divine retribution. The desolation sought is not arbitrary but a just recompense, a direct consequence or "reward" for their disgraceful and malicious behavior. Their "shame" refers to the contempt, derision, and malicious pleasure they took in the psalmist's suffering. The punishment is tailored to fit the crime, reflecting God's perfect justice.
* **"that say unto me, Aha, aha.":** This identifies the specific offense that warrants such a severe judgment. The "Aha, aha" is the audible expression of their scorn, gloating, and malicious triumph over the psalmist's distress. It signifies a heart devoid of compassion, actively rejoicing in another's pain. This act of public derision is seen as a direct affront, not just to the psalmist, but to God's honor, as it implies God's inability or unwillingness to protect His servant.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 40:15 powerfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, where the psalmist utters a prayer for divine judgment or a curse upon his enemies. This reflects a deep trust that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to bear upon the wicked. Another key device is **Onomatopoeia**, vividly captured in the phrase "Aha, aha" (הֶאָח, הֶאָח). This direct transliteration of the Hebrew mimics the very sound of malicious glee and scorn, allowing the reader to almost hear the derision. This makes the enemies' offense palpable. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses the principle of **Retributive Justice**, where the "reward of their shame" suggests a fitting punishment that mirrors their transgression. The very shame they sought to inflict upon the psalmist is desired to be returned upon them, illustrating a divine principle of sowing and reaping.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 40:15, while an imprecation, deeply connects to the broader biblical understanding of God's character as a righteous judge who upholds justice and vindicates the oppressed. It affirms that God is not indifferent to human suffering or malicious acts. The psalmist's plea is rooted in the conviction that God will ultimately expose and punish those who delight in the downfall of the righteous, ensuring that evil does not have the final say. This verse serves as a reminder that all actions have consequences and that God's moral order will prevail, even if it means the reversal of fortunes for those who seem to prosper in their wickedness. It points to a future where divine justice will be fully revealed, bringing shame upon the proud and vindication to the humble.

* [Psalms 35:26](/psalms/35-26 "Psalms 35:26 - Shame for Mockers")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 17:5](/proverbs/17-5 "Proverbs 17:5 - Mocking the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 40:15 offers a raw glimpse into the human experience of suffering injustice and the natural cry for vindication. While New Testament teaching calls believers to a higher standard of loving enemies and praying for persecutors, this psalm still provides profound spiritual nourishment. It reminds us that God sees every act of malice, every gloating word, and every attempt to shame His children. When we face unfair criticism, mockery, or opposition, this verse affirms that our pain is not unnoticed by the Almighty. It encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He is the righteous judge who will, in His perfect timing, set all things right. It also serves as a sobering warning: those who delight in the suffering of others, who mock and deride, are engaging in behavior deeply displeasing to God, and they risk facing their own desolation and shame. Instead of seeking personal revenge, we are called to commit our cause to God, confident that He will bring about justice and vindication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's raw cry for justice in Psalms 40:15 resonate with your own feelings when you experience injustice or mockery?**
* **In what ways can trusting in God's ultimate justice free us from the burden of seeking personal revenge against those who wrong us?**
* **Considering the "Aha, aha" of the enemies, what attitudes or behaviors in our own lives might reflect a similar lack of compassion or even malicious glee towards others' struggles?**
* **How can we balance the Old Testament's imprecatory prayers with the New Testament's command to love our enemies, and what practical steps can we take to live out this tension faithfully?**

### FAQ

**Is this verse contrary to New Testament teaching on loving enemies?**

Answer: Psalms 40:15, like other imprecatory psalms, expresses a desire for God's justice against adversaries, which can seem to conflict with New Testament commands to love enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")) and not to take revenge ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")). However, it's crucial to understand these psalms as prayers to God, not personal acts of vengeance. They reflect a trust in God as the righteous judge who will ultimately right all wrongs. The psalmist is surrendering the desire for justice to God, asking Him to act according to His character. While Christians are called to a higher standard of grace and mercy, these psalms still affirm God's justice and the reality that evil will not go unpunished. They teach us to commit our grievances to God, trusting Him to deal with injustice in His perfect way.

**What does "Aha, aha" signify culturally and biblically?**

Answer: The phrase "Aha, aha" is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew _he'ach, he'ach_ (הֶאָח, הֶאָח). It is an onomatopoeic exclamation that vividly conveys malicious triumph, scorn, derision, or gloating pleasure at someone else's misfortune. Culturally, in the ancient Near East, such public mockery was a profound act of shaming and humiliation, designed to diminish a person's honor and standing. Biblically, it signifies a heart of enmity and a lack of compassion that is deeply offensive to God. It appears in other contexts where enemies mock the suffering of the righteous, such as in [Psalms 35:21](/psalms/35-21 "Psalms 35:21 - Mockery of the Righteous") and [Lamentations 2:16](/lamentations/2-16 "Lamentations 2:16 - Enemies Mock Jerusalem"), highlighting a recurring theme of the righteous enduring scorn.

**How does God's justice operate in such cases, according to the Bible?**

Answer: According to biblical teaching, God's justice operates in various ways. Sometimes, it involves immediate consequences for sin, while at other times, it is a long-term process that culminates in ultimate judgment. In cases like Psalms 40:15, where the righteous suffer mockery and injustice, God is depicted as hearing their cries and promising vindication. This vindication may come through a reversal of fortunes, the exposure and shame of the wicked, or through ultimate eschatological judgment. The principle of "reward for their shame" suggests a form of _lex talionis_, where the punishment fits the crime, often involving the very shame or desolation they sought to inflict. Ultimately, God's justice ensures that no evil goes unaddressed and that His moral order will prevail, bringing glory to His name and vindication to His faithful ones, as seen in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's") where vengeance is reserved for the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 40:15 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the suffering, mockery, and ultimate vindication of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's experience of being derided by those who cried "Aha, aha" powerfully foreshadows the intense scorn and humiliation endured by the Messiah. On the cross, Jesus was subjected to the ultimate "Aha, aha" as passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, wagging their heads and saying, "He saved others; Himself he cannot save" ([Matthew 27:39-43](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-43 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")). They delighted in His suffering, believing they had triumphed over Him. Yet, the very desolation and shame they wished upon Him were ultimately turned back upon them through His resurrection. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, endured the shame of the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross")) and was then supremely exalted by God, receiving a name above every name ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). His resurrection and ascension were the ultimate vindication, demonstrating that God hears the cries of His suffering servant and brings judgment upon those who reject and mock Him. For believers, this means that our own experiences of mockery and injustice are shared by Christ, and we can trust that our ultimate vindication is secure in Him, knowing that the "reward of their shame" will indeed come upon those who oppose God's kingdom, while we, in Christ, will share in His eternal glory.

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 35:21

Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, [and] said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen [it].

Psalms 35:25

Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

Psalms 69:24

Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.

Psalms 69:25

Let their habitation be desolate; [and] let none dwell in their tents.

Psalms 109:6

¶ Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

Psalms 109:20

[Let] this [be] the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.