Psalms 109:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to appoint a wicked ruler over his enemy and to let accusation stand against him.
The Context of Psalms 109:6
Transition to the psalmist's imprecations against his enemies.
What Does Psalms 109:6 Mean?
Here the imprecations begin—the psalmist invokes judgment upon his enemies. 'Set a wicked man over him' asks God to place him under an unjust ruler, and 'let Satan stand at his right hand' calls for an accuser to press charges relentlessly.
In ancient courts, the accuser stood at the right hand of the defendant. The psalmist invokes a reversal: as he has been falsely accused, may his enemy face the same injustice he is suffering.
Psalms 109:6 in the Original Language
Satan (שָׂטָן), 'adversary' or 'accuser' — originally meaning one who stands against or opposes, often in a legal sense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 109:6
What does Psalms 109:6 mean?
The psalmist asks God to appoint a wicked ruler over his enemy and to let accusation stand against him.
What is the context of Psalms 109:6?
Transition to the psalmist's imprecations against his enemies.