King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:23 Mean?

Psalms 69:23 in the King James Version says “Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 69:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. their habitation: Heb. their palace let none: Heb. let there not be a dweller

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. This imprecation prays for comprehensive judgment affecting both perception and strength. "Let their eyes be darkened" (תֶּחְשַׁכְנָה עֵינֵיהֶם מֵרְאוֹת/techshakhnah eineihem mere'ot) requests judicial blindness—that enemies lose ability to perceive truth. This is covenant curse language (Deuteronomy 28:28-29) where God gives rebels over to hardened hearts and darkened minds as judgment for persistent rejection.

"That they see not" emphasizes permanence of this blindness. This isn't temporary confusion but judicial hardening as judgment. Isaiah prophesied similar blindness (Isaiah 6:9-10), which Jesus quoted regarding those who rejected Him despite witnessing His miracles (Matthew 13:14-15, John 12:40). Paul applied it to Israel's partial hardening (Romans 11:8-10, quoting this very psalm).

"Make their loins continually to shake" (וּמָתְנֵיהֶם תָּמִיד הַמְעַד/umotneihem tamid ham'ad) prays for constant weakness and instability. Loins represent strength, vitality, and ability to stand firm (Ephesians 6:14, 1 Peter 1:13). Shaking loins indicate terror, weakness, inability to resist or fight (Psalm 38:7, Nahum 2:10). David prays enemies lose both insight (darkened eyes) and strength (shaking loins)—comprehensive inability to oppose God's purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul quotes verses 22-23 in Romans 11:9-10 as part of his complex argument about Israel's partial hardening. Their rejection of Messiah wasn't random but fit the pattern of Scripture—privileges meant for blessing became occasion for stumbling. Yet Paul emphasizes this hardening is partial and temporary (Romans 11:11, 25-26).

Judicial hardening—where God confirms people in their chosen rebellion by removing opportunity for repentance—appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 4:21, Isaiah 6:9-10, Romans 1:24-28). It's terrifying judgment but not arbitrary. God hardens those who've persistently hardened themselves, confirming their choice.

The imagery of darkened eyes and shaking loins describes consequences of divine judgment in prophetic literature (Isaiah 13:7-8, 21:3-4, Jeremiah 30:6, Nahum 2:10). These aren't sadistic wishes but descriptions of covenant curse—what happens when God removes restraining grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding judicial hardening as God confirming people in their chosen rebellion affect your view of divine justice?
  2. What warning does this verse provide about persistent rejection of God's truth leading to inability to perceive truth?
  3. In what ways does Paul's use of this verse in Romans 11 show that even severe judgment serves God's redemptive purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
תֶּחְשַׁ֣כְנָה1 of 6

“be darkened”

H2821

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

עֵ֭ינֵיהֶם2 of 6

“Let their eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מֵרְא֑וֹת3 of 6

“that they see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וּ֝מָתְנֵיהֶ֗ם4 of 6

“not and make their loins”

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

תָּמִ֥יד5 of 6

“continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

הַמְעַֽד׃6 of 6

“to shake”

H4571

to waver

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 69:23 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 69:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:6Romans 11:10Isaiah 6:9-10Jeremiah 30:62 Corinthians 3:14Isaiah 29:9-10

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