Old Testament
Psalms 109:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Let his children wander continually and beg; let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.
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Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.
What Psalms 109:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse expresses a deep sense of despair and a desire for justice against an enemy. The speaker wishes for the enemy's children to experience hardship, wandering without a home and begging for food. The imagery of 'desolate places' suggests a life of poverty and abandonment, highlighting the consequences of the enemy's actions. It reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the psalmist calls for divine retribution against those who have wronged them. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the impact of one's actions on future generations, emphasizing the cycle of suffering that can result from wrongdoing. It also illustrates the emotional turmoil and longing for justice that can arise in the face of betrayal or injustice, showcasing the raw human emotions present in the Psalms.
How to apply Psalms 109:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the impact of our actions on others, especially our loved ones. It serves as a reminder to act with integrity and compassion, understanding that our choices can have lasting effects. We should strive to create a positive legacy for future generations rather than one of hardship and despair.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 109:10 mean?
Psalms 109:10 expresses a wish for the speaker's enemy to suffer by having their children face hardship, wandering and begging for food. It highlights the consequences of wrongdoing and reflects a desire for justice.
What is the meaning of 'desolate places' in Psalms 109:10?
In Psalms 109:10, 'desolate places' refers to areas that are abandoned or lacking resources, symbolizing extreme poverty and neglect. This imagery emphasizes the suffering that the speaker wishes upon their enemy's children.
How does Psalms 109:10 relate to justice?
Psalms 109:10 relates to justice by expressing a call for consequences for the enemy's actions, particularly affecting their children. It reflects the theme of divine retribution found throughout the Psalms.
What themes are present in Psalms 109:10?
Themes in Psalms 109:10 include justice, suffering, the consequences of actions, desolation, betrayal, and emotional turmoil. These themes highlight the serious implications of wrongdoing and the desire for fairness.
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