King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:25 Mean?

Psalms 69:25 in the King James Version says “Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. their habitation: Heb. their palace let none: Heb. ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 69:25 · KJV

Context

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

26

For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded. those: Heb. thy wounded

27

Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness. iniquity unto: or, punishment of iniquity, etc

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. This imprecation prays for complete destruction of enemies' dwelling places and extinction of their households. "Habitation" (טִירָתָם/tiratam) can mean palace, encampment, or dwelling—the place of safety and family life. "Desolate" (שָׁמֵמָה/shamemah) indicates utter ruin, abandonment, the opposite of flourishing community. "Let none dwell in their tents" prays for total abandonment—no survivors, no inheritors, complete annihilation of the family line.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, this was the ultimate curse—not just personal death but extinction of one's household, name, and legacy. Covenant blessings included numerous descendants and lasting inheritance; covenant curses included childlessness, household destruction, and name being blotted out (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). David invokes covenant curse language, praying God's judgment extend to multiple generations of unrepentant enemies.

Peter quotes this verse (from the Septuagint's slightly different reading) in Acts 1:20 regarding Judas Iscariot: "Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein." This apostolic use demonstrates these imprecations weren't merely David's personal vendettas but prophetic prayers pointing to ultimate judgment on those who betray God's Messiah. Judas's desolate field became physical fulfillment of this prophetic prayer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern warfare commonly included destroying enemy cities, burning houses, and eradicating populations to prevent future threat. While Scripture condemns pagan nations' total warfare against Israel (Amos 1:11, 13), it prescribes similar measures against Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-5, 20:16-18) and permits them against distant enemies (Deuteronomy 20:10-15). David's imprecation fits within covenantal warfare theology where God uses Israel to execute judgment on persistent evil.

The language of desolation echoes prophetic judgment oracles against nations (Isaiah 13:19-22, Jeremiah 49:18, Zephaniah 2:13-15). When God judges wickedness thoroughly, the result is uninhabitable waste—physical manifestation of spiritual reality.

Peter's application to Judas (Acts 1:20) demonstrates apostolic interpretive method. David's prayer regarding enemies became prophetic of Messiah's betrayer. The desolate field Judas bought with blood money fulfilled this psalm.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Peter's use of this verse regarding Judas inform Christian interpretation of imprecatory psalms?
  2. What does the severity of this judgment—extending to household and inheritance—reveal about sin's comprehensive corruption?
  3. How should believers balance praying for justice with Jesus's command to forgive enemies personally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
תְּהִי1 of 7
H1961

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

טִֽירָתָ֥ם2 of 7

“Let their habitation”

H2918

a wall; hence, a fortress or a hamlet

נְשַׁמָּ֑ה3 of 7

“be desolate”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

בְּ֝אָהֳלֵיהֶ֗ם4 of 7

“in their tents”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

אַל5 of 7
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יְהִ֥י6 of 7
H1961

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

יֹשֵֽׁב׃7 of 7

“and let none dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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 69:25 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 69:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:20Matthew 23:38Jeremiah 7:12-14Matthew 24:1-2Luke 13:35Isaiah 6:11

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