King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:22 Mean?

Psalms 69:22 in the King James Version says “Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.”

Psalms 69:22 · KJV

Context

20

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. to take: Heb. to lament with me

21

They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

22

Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.

23

Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.

24

Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. This begins the imprecatory section (verses 22-28) where David calls for divine judgment on enemies. "Their table" (שֻׁלְחָנָם/shulchanam) represents prosperity, security, and fellowship—the blessings of peace. David prays these very blessings become a "snare" (פַּח/pach), a trap or noose capturing birds, and a "trap" (מוֹקֵשׁ/moqesh), similar term for hunter's device.

"That which should have been for their welfare" (וְלִשְׁלוֹמִים/velishlomim) uses shalom—peace, wholeness, prosperity. David prays that enemies' very prosperity becomes their downfall, their comfort their curse. This isn't mere vindictiveness but prophetic insight: often the wicked are destroyed by their own success, becoming proud, complacent, and blind to coming judgment (Proverbs 1:32, Luke 12:16-21).

Paul quotes this verse in Romans 11:9-10 regarding Israel's partial hardening—their religious privileges and law, meant for blessing, became occasion for stumbling over Christ. This demonstrates how imprecatory psalms aren't merely personal vendettas but prophetic prayers aligned with God's justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Imprecatory psalms (35, 59, 69, 109, 137) trouble modern readers but were standard ancient Near Eastern lament genre, appearing in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Hittite texts. However, biblical imprecations differ crucially: they appeal to covenant justice, not personal vengeance; they invoke God's judgment, not personal retaliation; and they're often prophetic, not merely vindictive.

"Table" as metaphor for prosperity and security appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 23:5, 78:19). To pray for an enemy's table to become a snare means praying their very security and satisfaction become the means of judgment—a common biblical theme where the wicked are destroyed by their own devices (Psalm 7:15-16, 9:15, Proverbs 26:27).

Jesus's teaching to "love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44) doesn't contradict imprecatory psalms but completes them. Personal forgiveness doesn't negate God's justice. We forgive personally while recognizing God will judge righteously.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile imprecatory prayers for justice with Jesus's command to love enemies?
  2. In what ways might prosperity and comfort become spiritual traps, even for believers?
  3. What is the difference between praying for God's justice on evil and seeking personal vengeance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יְהִֽי1 of 6
H1961

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

שֻׁלְחָנָ֣ם2 of 6

“Let their table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

לִפְנֵיהֶ֣ם3 of 6

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לְפָ֑ח4 of 6

“become a snare”

H6341

a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)

וְלִשְׁלוֹמִ֥ים5 of 6

“them and that which should have been for their welfare”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃6 of 6

“let it become a trap”

H4170

a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

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 69:22 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 69:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:3Romans 11:8-101 Peter 2:8Proverbs 1:32Malachi 2:2Isaiah 8:14-15

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