King James Version

What Does Psalms 83:17 Mean?

Psalms 83:17 in the King James Version says “Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 83 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:”

Psalms 83:17 · KJV

Salvation

Context

15

So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.

16

Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.

17

Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:

18

That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish. This climactic petition seeks enemies' permanent defeat through comprehensive judgment. Yevoshu v-yibahalu adei-ad (יֵבֹשׁוּ וְיִבָּהֲלוּ עֲדֵי־עַד, "let them be ashamed and dismayed forever") combines bosh (בּוֹשׁ, "be ashamed, confounded, disappointed") with bahal (בָּהַל, "be troubled, dismayed, terrified"). The phrase adei-ad (עֲדֵי־עַד, "forever, perpetually") indicates permanent condition, not temporary setback.

V-yachperu v-yovedu (וְיַחְפְּרוּ וְיֹאבֵדוּ, "and let them be ashamed and perish") escalates from shame to destruction. Chafer (חָפֵר) means to be ashamed, humiliated, disappointed—their confident conspiracy ending in disgrace. Avad (אָבַד) means to perish, be destroyed, vanish—total elimination. The prayer seeks not merely military defeat but comprehensive destruction ensuring the threat never resurfaces.

This severe language must be understood covenantally. Enemies conspired to annihilate Israel (v. 4) and seize God's inheritance (v. 12)—attacking God's covenant purposes. The prayer asks God to defend His own name and promises by destroying those who oppose them. Yet verse 16 reveals redemptive purpose: "that they may seek thy name, O LORD." Even judgment serves evangelical ends—demonstrating God's reality and inviting submission. Only those who persist in rebellion to the end face final destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical judgment often exhibits progressive intensity: warning, discipline, severe judgment, destruction. God repeatedly called enemies to repentance before bringing final judgment—Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching and was spared (Jonah 3); Pharaoh had ten plagues to relent before final judgment (Exodus 7-12); Canaan received 400 years warning before conquest (Genesis 15:16). Permanent destruction came only after persistent rejection of grace. This pattern continues eschatologically: Christ's return brings judgment on those who "know not God, and that obey not the gospel" (2 Thessalonians 1:8), yet even then "the Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile prayers for enemies' destruction with commands to love enemies and pray for persecutors?
  2. What distinguishes righteous desire for God's justice from sinful desire for personal revenge?
  3. How does verse 16's evangelistic purpose transform understanding of this verse's severe judgment language?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יֵבֹ֖שׁוּ1 of 6

“Let them be confounded”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

וְיִבָּהֲל֥וּ2 of 6

“and troubled”

H926

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

עֲדֵי3 of 6

“for ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

עַ֗ד4 of 6
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

וְֽיַחְפְּר֥וּ5 of 6

“yea let them be put to shame”

H2659

to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach

וְיֹאבֵֽדוּ׃6 of 6

“and perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

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 83:17 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 83:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 35:4Psalms 109:29Psalms 35:26Psalms 40:14-15

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