Psalms 35:4 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist prays for God to bring defeat and disgrace upon those who harm him.
The Context of Psalms 35:4
The psalmist invokes divine justice against his enemies.
What Does Psalms 35:4 Mean?
Confusion, shame, and turning back are the reversals the psalmist requests. These are not acts of private vengeance but appeals to God's justice—asking that those with ill intent be exposed and their plans fail, just as they deserve.
The repetition of reversal language ('confounded,' 'turned back,' 'brought to confusion') emphasizes the totality of the prayer. The psalmist desires that the enemies' own schemes return upon them, a pattern of justice throughout Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 35:4
What does Psalms 35:4 mean?
The psalmist prays for God to bring defeat and disgrace upon those who harm him.
What is the context of Psalms 35:4?
The psalmist invokes divine justice against his enemies.