King James Version

What Does Psalms 109:9 Mean?

Psalms 109:9 in the King James Version says “Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 109 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 109:9 · KJV

Context

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.

10

Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.

11

Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow (יִהְיוּ־בָנָיו יְתוֹמִים וְאִשְׁתּוֹ אַלְמָנָה, yihyu-vanav yetomim ve'ishto almanah)—this verse intensifies the judgment to include generational consequences. The words יָתוֹם (yatom, "orphan") and אַלְמָנָה (almanah, "widow") denote the most vulnerable classes in Israelite society, those God specifically protects (Ex 22:22-24; Deut 10:18).

The irony is deliberate: the persecutor made others vulnerable; now his own family joins the ranks of the defenseless. Yet this isn't arbitrary cruelty—it reflects covenant curses in Deuteronomy 28:41 ("Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them") and the principle of intergenerational consequences (Ex 20:5). David isn't creating new punishments; he's invoking Torah-prescribed sanctions for covenant betrayal. Critically, God's special care for widows and orphans means even the enemy's family ultimately falls under divine providence—justice doesn't contradict mercy for the innocent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern warfare routinely resulted in widowhood and orphanhood. David himself became fatherless when Jesse likely died during his fugitive years, and he made orphans and widows through legitimate warfare. But David never betrayed covenant loyalty—that distinction justifies this imprecation against covenant-breakers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do generational consequences of sin reflect both God's justice and the seriousness of covenant leadership?
  2. What does God's special protection of widows and orphans reveal about His character even in contexts of judgment?
  3. How should the reality of our actions affecting our families motivate holiness and faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
יִֽהְיוּ1 of 5
H1961

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

בָנָ֥יו2 of 5

“Let his children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְתוֹמִ֑ים3 of 5

“be fatherless”

H3490

a bereaved person

וְ֝אִשְׁתּוֹ4 of 5

“and his wife”

H802

a woman

אַלְמָנָֽה׃5 of 5

“a widow”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

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 109:9 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 109:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:24Jeremiah 18:21Lamentations 5:3

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