Psalms 7:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David invokes a curse upon himself if his protestation of innocence is false.
The Context of Psalms 7:5
David's conditional curse reaches its peak.
What Does Psalms 7:5 Mean?
David is so confident in his integrity that he pronounces judgment against himself if he is lying. Let his pursuer catch him, trample him, and drag his reputation through the ground—if he is guilty.
This is the climax of David's self-defense before God. He stakes everything, his life and his name, on the truth of what he has just said. The word 'Selah' marks a pause, inviting reflection.
Psalms 7:5 in the Original Language
Selah (סֶלָה, selah) — likely a musical or liturgical pause; exact meaning debated, but marks a moment for listener or reader to reflect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 7:5
What does Psalms 7:5 mean?
David invokes a curse upon himself if his protestation of innocence is false.
What is the context of Psalms 7:5?
David's conditional curse reaches its peak.