King James Version

What Does Psalms 35:8 Mean?

Psalms 35:8 in the King James Version says “Let destruction come upon him at unawares ; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction l...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let destruction come upon him at unawares ; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. at: Heb. which he knoweth not of”

Psalms 35:8 · KJV

Context

6

Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. dark: Heb. darkness and slipperiness

7

For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.

8

Let destruction come upon him at unawares ; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. at: Heb. which he knoweth not of

9

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

10

All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew concept of measure-for-measure justice (middah keneged middah) appears here—the hunter caught in his own trap. This principle, evident throughout Proverbs and fulfilled in Haman's execution on his own gallows (Esther 7), reveals God's poetic justice. The word 'unawares' emphasizes that as the wicked surprise the innocent, so divine judgment will surprise them, unable to escape the very destruction they plotted.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This reflects ancient legal principles of lex talionis (law of retaliation), though here applied by God rather than human courts. Divine retribution often mirrors the crime, teaching that judgment fits the sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you witnessed the principle that 'what goes around comes around' in God's justice?
  2. Why is it important that divine judgment often uses the wicked's own schemes against them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
תְּבוֹאֵ֣הוּ1 of 11

“come”

H935

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

בְּ֝שׁוֹאָ֗ה2 of 11

“Let destruction”

H7722

a tempest; by implication, devastation

לֹֽא3 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵ֫דָ֥ע4 of 11

“upon him at unawares”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְרִשְׁתּ֣וֹ5 of 11

“and let his net”

H7568

a net (as catching animals)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

טָמַ֣ן7 of 11

“that he hath hid”

H2934

to hide (by covering over)

תִּלְכְּד֑וֹ8 of 11

“catch”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

בְּ֝שׁוֹאָ֗ה9 of 11

“Let destruction”

H7722

a tempest; by implication, devastation

יִפָּל10 of 11

“let him fall”

H5307

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

בָּֽהּ׃11 of 11
H0

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 35:8 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 35:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 141:9-10Luke 21:34Psalms 9:15Proverbs 5:22Isaiah 47:11Psalms 57:6

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