Psalms 79:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist calls for God to repay the neighbors' mockery of Him with sevenfold retaliation.
The Context of Psalms 79:12
Asking God to repay the nations' mockery of His name with sevenfold judgment.
What Does Psalms 79:12 Mean?
This verse asks God to retaliate against those who have mocked and dishonored Him through Israel's defeat. 'Sevenfold' emphasizes overwhelming recompense—the punishment should vastly exceed the offense. The prayer seeks not merely balance but divine justice proportionate to the magnitude of the insult against God.
'Into their bosom' suggests that God will place judgment directly where it will be felt most acutely. The crucial phrase 'wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord' shifts the offense from mockery of Israel to mockery of God Himself. The psalmist frames the enemy's scorn of Israel as an attack on God's honor and credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 79:12
What does Psalms 79:12 mean?
The psalmist calls for God to repay the neighbors' mockery of Him with sevenfold retaliation.
What is the context of Psalms 79:12?
Asking God to repay the nations' mockery of His name with sevenfold judgment.