Psalms 70:2
“Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to shame and defeat those who pursue him with intent to harm.
Context
A prayer that God will bring shame and defeat to those who actively seek the psalmist's harm.
What Does Psalms 70:2 Mean?
In Hebrew prayer language, calling for shame and confusion upon enemies was a standard way of asking God to expose their wickedness and undermine their plans. The psalmist identifies his enemies not by name but by their intention: they 'seek after my soul'—they want to destroy him. His request is that God cause them to fail and be disgraced.
The 'turning backward' and 'confusion' suggest God will reverse their momentum and plans. This prayer reflects trust that God judges justly: those who pursue harm will experience shame, while the one who prays will be vindicated. The repeated language of defeat—turned backward, put to confusion—emphasizes complete reversal of their schemes.
In the Original Language
confounded (בּוּשׁ, bush) — to be ashamed or put to shame; implies both embarrassment and the exposure of evil intent.