King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:10 Mean?

Psalms 140:10 in the King James Version says “Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.”

Psalms 140:10 · KJV

Context

8

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. lest: or, let them not be exalted

9

As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10

Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

11

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. an: Heb. a man of tongue: or an evil speaker, a wicked man of violence be established in the earth: let him be hunted to his overthrow

12

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

Read Psalms 140 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. David's imprecatory prayer intensifies with vivid imagery of total destruction. "Let burning coals fall upon them" (yimotu alehem gachalim, יִמֹּטוּ עֲלֵיהֶם גֶּחָלִים) invokes fiery judgment. Mot (מוֹט, "fall, slip, totter") suggests raining down from above. Gechel (גֶּחָל, "burning coal") is hot, glowing ember that inflicts burns and ignites fires. This imagery recalls Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction by fire and brimstone from heaven (Genesis 19:24), God appearing in burning coals (Ezekiel 1:13, 10:2), and eschatological fire judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Revelation 20:9-10).

"Let them be cast into the fire" (yappilum ba-esh, יַפִּלֻם בָּאֵשׁ) requests consignment to flames. Naphal (נָפַל, "fall, cast down") in Hiphil is causative—"cause to fall." Esh (אֵשׁ, "fire") represents both temporal judgment and eschatological hell. Jesus used fire imagery for final judgment: "everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41), "where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:43-48). David's prayer anticipates ultimate justice for impenitent wicked.

"Into deep pits, that they rise not up again" (be-mahomorot ve-bal-yakumu, בְּמַהֲמֹרֹת וְבַל־יָקוּמוּ) adds imagery of inescapable imprisonment. Mahomorah (מַהֲמֹרָה, "deep pit, miry place") suggests muddy, waterlogged holes from which escape is impossible—quick­sand-like traps. Bal (בַּל, "not, never") is strong negative. Kum (קוּם, "rise, stand, arise") in negative form emphasizes permanent defeat: they will NEVER rise again. This isn't temporary setback but final, irreversible judgment. The pit imagery recalls Korah's rebellion when earth opened and swallowed rebels (Numbers 16:31-33).

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Historical & Cultural Context

These imprecatory prayers troubled some Christians throughout church history, seeming incompatible with Jesus's command to "love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). However, several factors provide context: (1) David as God's anointed king represented God's kingdom; attacks on David were attacks on God's purposes. (2) These prayers invoke divine justice, not personal revenge—David repeatedly refused to take personal vengeance (1 Samuel 24:6, 26:9-11). (3) The prayers assume impenitent wickedness, not redeemable sinners. (4) They express honest emotion to God rather than suppressing righteous anger. (5) They anticipate New Testament teaching on final judgment. Jesus Himself pronounced woes on hypocrites (Matthew 23:13-36) and warned of hell's reality. Revelation contains prayers from martyrs: "How long, O Lord... dost thou not judge and avenge our blood?" (Revelation 6:10). The imprecatory psalms honestly acknowledge evil's reality and God's justice, entrusting vengeance to Him (Romans 12:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers pray for justice against evil (as David does) while also praying for enemies' salvation (as Jesus commands in Matthew 5:44)?
  2. What does the imagery of 'burning coals,' 'fire,' and 'deep pits' teach about the seriousness of final judgment and hell's reality?
  3. How does David's appeal to divine justice rather than taking personal revenge (1 Samuel 24:12, 26:10) provide a model for believers facing injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יִמּ֥יֹטוּ1 of 8

“fall”

H4131

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם2 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גֶּֽחָ֫לִ֥ים3 of 8

“Let burning coals”

H1513

an ember

בָּאֵ֥שׁ4 of 8

“into the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

יַפִּלֵ֑ם5 of 8

“upon them let them be cast”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בְּ֝מַהֲמֹר֗וֹת6 of 8

“into deep pits”

H4113

perhaps an abyss

בַּֽל7 of 8
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יָקֽוּמוּ׃8 of 8

“that they rise not up again”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

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 140:10 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 140:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 11:6Psalms 21:9Revelation 21:8Revelation 20:15Psalms 120:4Matthew 13:42

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