Psalms 79:12

KJV

And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

And render {H7725}{H8685)} unto our neighbours {H7934} sevenfold {H7659} into their bosom {H2436} their reproach {H2781}, wherewith they have reproached {H2778}{H8765)} thee, O Lord {H136}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Repay our neighbors sevenfold where they can feel it for the insults they inflicted on you, Adonai.

Berean Standard Bible

Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord.

American Standard Version

And render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom Their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 79:12 is a fervent and impassioned plea from a community devastated by the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple. It represents a desperate cry to God for divine retribution against the surrounding nations who not only inflicted immense suffering and death upon His people but, more grievously, publicly scorned and blasphemed the very name and honor of the Lord. The psalmist implores God to repay their adversaries with a complete and overwhelming measure of justice, ensuring that the humiliation they inflicted upon God's chosen people and His holy name is returned directly upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 79 is a communal lament, one of several psalms (e.g., [Psalm 74](/psalms/74 "Psalm 74 - A Lament Over the Desecration of the Sanctuary")) that grapple with the profound trauma of national disaster. It immediately follows vivid descriptions of the invaders' brutality: the bodies of God's servants left unburied, the holy city of Jerusalem laid waste, and the Temple defiled ([Psalm 79:1-3](/psalms/79-1-3 "Psalm 79:1-3 - The Desecration of Jerusalem and the Temple")). The preceding verse, [Psalm 79:11](/psalms/79-11 "Psalm 79:11 - A Prayer for the Prisoners"), calls for God to hear the groans of the prisoners and preserve those condemned to death, setting the stage for a desperate appeal for divine intervention. Verse 12 intensifies this plea, shifting from a defensive prayer for the remnant to an offensive demand for justice against the perpetrators, particularly for the **reproach** they have brought upon God Himself. The psalm concludes with a renewed commitment to praise God eternally ([Psalm 79:13](/psalms/79-13 "Psalm 79:13 - A Vow of Praise")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is widely attributed to the period following the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. This event was not merely a military defeat but a profound theological crisis for Israel. The surrounding nations, often hostile, would have viewed this catastrophe as evidence of Judah's God being weak or defeated. The "reproach" mentioned in [Psalm 79:4](/psalms/79-4 "Psalm 79:4 - Israel's Humiliation Among Nations") and again in verse 12 signifies the deep humiliation and scorn heaped upon Israel and, by extension, upon their God. In the ancient Near East, the honor of a nation was intricately tied to the honor of its god. The destruction of a temple and the defeat of its people were seen as a direct affront to that deity. The prayer for "sevenfold" repayment reflects a cultural understanding of proportionate, and often intensified, justice, where the punishment must clearly outweigh the offense to restore honor and balance.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Psalm 79](/psalms/79 "Psalm 79 - A Communal Lament") and specifically verse 12 is the fervent appeal for **Divine Justice and Vindication**. The psalmist is not primarily seeking personal revenge but rather an act of God that will demonstrate His sovereignty and righteousness to the nations who have mocked Him. The "reproach" is explicitly directed at the Lord, making the vindication of God's **Honor and Name** paramount. This connects to a broader biblical theme where God's reputation is at stake among the nations, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Vindicated Among the Nations"). The request for "sevenfold" repayment underscores the theme of **Intensified Retribution**, signifying a complete and overwhelming measure of judgment fitting the severity of the blasphemy and devastation. Ultimately, the prayer implicitly affirms the **Sovereignty of God** as the ultimate Judge capable of executing such comprehensive justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Render (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, this primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In this context, it carries the sense of turning back or returning a recompense, specifically implying a full and complete repayment or retribution. It's not merely a partial return but a comprehensive settling of accounts, where the debt of reproach is fully paid back to the perpetrators.
* **Sevenfold (Hebrew, _shibʻâthayim'_):** From H7659, this dual (adverbially) form of "seven" means "seven-times." In biblical usage, "seven" often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or abundance. Thus, "sevenfold" here is a hyperbolic expression for a full, abundant, and overwhelming measure of repayment or punishment, rather than a literal mathematical calculation. It emphasizes the totality and severity of the desired retribution, ensuring that the punishment is undeniably proportionate to the immense offense and humiliation.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, this noun signifies "contumely, disgrace, the pudenda; rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame." It describes a deep affront that wounds one's honor and dignity. Crucially, in this verse, the reproach is not just against Israel but explicitly "wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord." This highlights the theological core of the lament: the enemy's actions are ultimately an attack on God's character, power, and reputation in the world. The prayer is for God to remove this shame from His name by acting decisively.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And render unto our neighbours":** This opening phrase is a direct petition to God, using the imperative verb "render" (or "repay"). The "neighbours" refer to the surrounding Gentile nations who participated in or gloated over Jerusalem's destruction. The psalmist calls upon God to act as the divine judge, settling the score on behalf of His humiliated people.
* **"sevenfold into their bosom":** This specifies the measure and manner of the desired retribution. "Sevenfold" emphasizes the completeness and overwhelming nature of the repayment, signifying that the punishment should be full and undeniable. "Into their bosom" is an idiom meaning "directly back upon them" or "into their very being." In ancient cultures, the "bosom" was often used to carry things, and metaphorically, it represents the inner self or the very person. Thus, the plea is for the consequences of their actions to return personally and directly upon the perpetrators.
* **"their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.":** This clause identifies the specific offense for which retribution is sought: "their reproach." The crucial qualifier, "wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord," elevates the offense from a mere human conflict to a divine affront. The enemies' scorn and humiliation of Israel are understood as a direct insult to God Himself. This makes the prayer for justice not merely a desire for revenge but a profound concern for the vindication of God's holy name and honor in the eyes of the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 79:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its impassioned plea. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** in the phrase "sevenfold," which is not meant to be taken literally but emphasizes the desired completeness and overwhelming nature of the retribution. This rhetorical exaggeration underscores the depth of the psalmist's anguish and the intensity of the desired divine response. **Metonymy** is present in the idiom "into their bosom," where "bosom" stands for the entire person or their innermost being, indicating that the consequences will return directly and personally upon the perpetrators. Furthermore, the psalm as a whole, and this verse specifically, functions as an **Imprecation** (a prayer for judgment or calamity to fall upon one's enemies). While often challenging for modern readers, these imprecations express a profound belief in God's justice and a yearning for righteousness in a world marred by evil, serving as a cry for God to uphold His own honor. The direct address, "O Lord," is an example of **Apostrophe**, lending a personal and urgent tone to the communal lament, directly appealing to God's character and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 79:12, while a specific prayer for retribution, resonates with broader biblical themes concerning God's justice, His covenant faithfulness, and the ultimate vindication of His name. It reflects the Old Testament understanding that God is not indifferent to evil and that His righteous character demands a response to injustice, especially when His own honor is impugned. The "reproach" against God's name is a recurring concern throughout Scripture, highlighting that human actions have cosmic implications and that God will ultimately defend His glory. This prayer, therefore, is not merely a human cry for vengeance but a theological petition for God to act consistently with His nature as the just and sovereign ruler of the universe, ensuring that those who defy Him and oppress His people will face consequences. It affirms a profound trust that God sees, God hears, and God will act.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Descriptive Title")
* [Psalm 74:10](/psalms/74-10 "Descriptive Title")
* [Jeremiah 32:18](/jeremiah/32-18 "Descriptive Title")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 79:12 offers a raw, honest expression of human anguish and a profound desire for divine justice in the face of overwhelming suffering and blasphemy. While the New Testament calls believers to a higher ethic of love for enemies and forgiveness ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), this Old Testament prayer reminds us that God is indeed a God of justice who will ultimately set all wrongs right. It teaches us to bring our deepest hurts and our righteous indignation over injustice directly to God, trusting Him to execute perfect judgment in His timing and according to His wisdom. It underscores the critical importance of God's honor and name in the world; when God's people suffer, His name can be reproached, and this verse is a powerful reminder to pray for His vindication, not just our own relief. Ultimately, it encourages us to lay down our desire for personal revenge and instead entrust the scales of justice to the One who alone is perfectly righteous and capable of rendering true and complete recompense.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's concern for God's honor in this verse challenge my own priorities when facing injustice or suffering?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek personal revenge, and how does this psalm redirect that desire toward God's ultimate justice?**
* **How can I reconcile the imprecatory nature of this psalm with the New Testament command to love my enemies, and what spiritual lessons can I still draw from it?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse promote a spirit of vengeance for believers today?**

Answer: No, while Psalm 79:12 expresses a fervent desire for divine retribution against those who have greatly harmed God's people and, more importantly, blasphemed His name, it does not promote personal vengeance for New Testament believers. The psalmist is appealing to God, the ultimate judge, to execute justice, rather than taking matters into his own hands. The New Testament clearly teaches believers to "not repay evil for evil" ([Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Do Not Repay Evil for Evil")) and to "leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")). Furthermore, Jesus commands His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). This psalm, therefore, serves to remind us that God is a God of justice who will ultimately right all wrongs, but it calls us to entrust that justice to Him, rather than enacting it ourselves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 79:12, with its cry for "sevenfold" repayment of reproach, finds profound and multifaceted fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist longs for earthly retribution against God's enemies, Christ's coming reveals a deeper dimension of divine justice and vindication. Jesus himself became the ultimate recipient of "reproach," enduring the scorn, humiliation, and blasphemy of humanity, not for His own sin, but for ours ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross and Scorn")). On the cross, He bore the full "reproach" of sin, the very wrath of God that was due to humanity, a "sevenfold" and complete payment for our transgressions ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, while believers are called to love their enemies and forgive, the New Testament also affirms that Christ will return as the righteous judge, bringing ultimate and perfect justice to all who have defied God and oppressed His people ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Righteous Judge")). The "reproach" against God's name, so keenly felt by the psalmist, is ultimately vindicated through Christ's triumph over sin and death, establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness will dwell ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, the yearning for justice in Psalm 79:12 is not abandoned but transformed and ultimately satisfied in the redemptive and eschatological work of the Lamb of God, who both bore our reproach and will one day render perfect justice.

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

Jeremiah 32:18

Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,

Genesis 4:15

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

Leviticus 26:21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Leviticus 26:28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Psalms 74:18

¶ Remember this, [that] the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and [that] the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

Psalms 74:22

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.

Proverbs 6:31

But [if] he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.