Psalms 109:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The enemy's guilt rests on his refusal to show mercy and his deliberate persecution of the vulnerable.
The Context of Psalms 109:16
The moral foundation for the entire curse is restated.
What Does Psalms 109:16 Mean?
The center of the imprecation returns to moral grounds: the enemy showed no mercy and actively hunted those already suffering. His persecution was not passive neglect but deliberate, aimed at the defenseless.
The phrase 'that he might even slay the broken in heart' suggests intent to destroy emotionally or spiritually. The psalmist frames the enemy's acts as calculated cruelty against those least able to defend themselves, making the injustice profound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 109:16
What does Psalms 109:16 mean?
The enemy's guilt rests on his refusal to show mercy and his deliberate persecution of the vulnerable.
What is the context of Psalms 109:16?
The moral foundation for the entire curse is restated.