King James Version

What Does Psalms 109:7 Mean?

Psalms 109:7 in the King James Version says “When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin. be condemned: Heb. go out guilty, or, wick... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 109 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin. be condemned: Heb. go out guilty, or, wicked

Psalms 109:7 · KJV


Context

5

And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

6

Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand. Satan: or, an adversary

7

When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin. be condemned: Heb. go out guilty, or, wicked

8

Let his days be few; and let another take his office. office: or, charge

9

Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When he shall be judged, let him be condemned (בְּהִשָּׁפְטוֹ יֵצֵא רָשָׁע, behishafto yetse rasha)—literally "when he is judged, let him go out wicked/guilty." The verb יָצָא (yatsa, "go out") refers to leaving the courtroom with a guilty verdict. And let his prayer become sin (וּתְפִלָּתוֹ תִּהְיֶה לְחַטָּאָה, utefilato tihyeh lechata'ah)—a devastating curse. Prayer normally brings mercy; here it compounds guilt.

Proverbs 28:9 explains: "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." When the wicked pray while clinging to wickedness, their prayers insult God. Isaiah 1:15 and 59:2 show God refusing to hear prayers from blood-stained hands and unrepentant hearts. This isn't David wishing evil on random enemies—it's covenant theology: those who betray covenant loyalty forfeit covenant privileges. Their prayers, offered in hypocrisy, become evidence against them at judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David likely faced enemies who maintained outward religious observance while plotting murder—like Saul consulting Samuel's ghost while hunting David (1 Sam 28), or Absalom's vow at Hebron that masked rebellion (2 Sam 15:7-12). Hypocritical worship compounded their guilt.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes prayer itself become sin—what heart conditions turn sacred acts into abominations?
  2. How does Proverbs 28:9 challenge religious activity divorced from obedience and integrity?
  3. In what ways might our own prayers compound guilt rather than obtain mercy if offered hypocritically?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּ֭הִשָּׁ֣פְטוֹ1 of 6

When he shall be judged

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

יֵצֵ֣א2 of 6

let him be

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

רָשָׁ֑ע3 of 6

condemned

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

וּ֝תְפִלָּת֗וֹ4 of 6

and let his prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

תִּהְיֶ֥ה5 of 6
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לַֽחֲטָאָֽה׃6 of 6

become sin

H2401

an offence, or a sacrifice for it


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 109:7 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 109:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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