Psalms 40:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to turn enemies to shame and frustrate their destructive plans.
The Context of Psalms 40:14
The psalmist calls on God to defeat his enemies and disgrace their destructive schemes.
What Does Psalms 40:14 Mean?
The 'soul'—nephesh—refers to life itself. Enemies actively pursue the psalmist's destruction. The petition is that they be 'ashamed and confounded together'—that their plans fail and their reputations suffer. This is justice: those who intended harm receive shame instead.
'Driven backward and put to shame' suggests defeat and humiliation. The balance is restored when the pursuer is turned back. This is not personal vengeance but confidence that God will protect His covenant people from those bent on destruction.
Psalms 40:14 in the Original Language
nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ), 'soul'—life, person, throat; the vital essence or living being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 40:14
What does Psalms 40:14 mean?
The psalmist asks God to turn enemies to shame and frustrate their destructive plans.
What is the context of Psalms 40:14?
The psalmist calls on God to defeat his enemies and disgrace their destructive schemes.