King James Version

What Does Psalms 109:18 Mean?

Psalms 109:18 in the King James Version says “As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil int...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 109 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. into his bowels: Heb. within him”

Psalms 109:18 · KJV

Context

16

Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

17

As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

18

As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. into his bowels: Heb. within him

19

Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.

20

Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment (וַיִּלְבַּשׁ קְלָלָה כְּמַדּוֹ, vayilbash kelalah kemado)—the verb לָבַשׁ (lavash, "clothe, put on") pictures cursing as a garment (מַד, mad). Cursing became his identity, what he wore publicly. So let it come into his bowels like water (וַתָּבֹא כַמַּיִם בְּקִרְבּוֹ, vattavo chamaim bekirbo)—it enters his קֶרֶב (kerev, "inward parts, bowels"), like water penetrating. And like oil into his bones (וְכַשֶּׁמֶן בְּעַצְמוֹתָיו, vechashemen be'atsmotav)—oil soaks into עֲצָמוֹת (atsamot, "bones").

The imagery intensifies: cursing moves from external garment to internal essence—saturating every fiber of being. Water and oil both penetrate thoroughly; oil especially sinks into porous bone. Numbers 5:22-27 describes similar language for the adultery curse-water entering the body. The point: the enemy so internalized cursing that it defines him inside and out. Therefore judgment penetrates equally deeply—he cannot escape what has become his very nature. This anticipates Romans 1:24-28: God "gave them up" to their own desires, which became their judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Clothing metaphors appear throughout Scripture for character and calling (Job 29:14; Isa 61:10; Rom 13:14; Gal 3:27). To "clothe yourself with cursing" means making malice your public identity—the reputation you cultivate and display.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are you "clothing yourself with" daily—what character traits do you put on and project to others?
  2. How does the progression from external (garment) to internal (bowels, bones) warn against tolerating sin?
  3. What does it mean for cursing (or blessing) to penetrate "like water and oil" into your very being?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּלְבַּ֥שׁ1 of 8

“As he clothed”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

קְלָלָ֗ה2 of 8

“himself with cursing”

H7045

vilification

כְּמַ֫דּ֥וֹ3 of 8

“like as with his garment”

H4055

properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet

וַתָּבֹ֣א4 of 8

“so let it come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כַמַּ֣יִם5 of 8

“like water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

בְּקִרְבּ֑וֹ6 of 8

“into his bowels”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְ֝כַשֶּׁ֗מֶן7 of 8

“and like oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

בְּעַצְמוֹתָֽיו׃8 of 8

“into his bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 109:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 109:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 73:6Numbers 5:22Colossians 3:12Matthew 27:3-5Job 20:20-23Job 20:12-16

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