Old Testament

Psalms 109:28

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Let them curse, but you bless; when they arise, let them be ashamed, but let your servant rejoice.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

What Psalms 109:28 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist expresses a desire for God's blessing despite facing curses from others. It highlights a contrast between the negativity directed at the psalmist and the positive response he seeks from God. The psalmist acknowledges that while others may rise against him and speak ill, he chooses to focus on the joy that comes from God's favor. This reflects a deep trust in God's justice and goodness, emphasizing that even in adversity, the psalmist finds hope and joy in his relationship with God. The call for God to bless him serves as a reminder that divine support can bring peace and happiness, regardless of external circumstances. The verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God will ultimately bring about justice and joy, even when faced with opposition or negativity from others.

How to apply Psalms 109:28 to your life

When faced with negativity or opposition, focus on seeking God's blessing rather than retaliating. Trust that God will bring justice and allow His joy to fill your heart, regardless of the circumstances around you. Rejoice in your relationship with God.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

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.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 109:28

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 109:28

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 109:28 mean?

Psalms 109:28 expresses the psalmist's desire for God's blessing despite facing curses from others. It highlights the contrast between the negativity directed at him and the joy he seeks from God, emphasizing trust in divine justice.

What is the meaning of 'let them curse, but you bless' in Psalms 109:28?

The phrase 'let them curse, but you bless' indicates the psalmist's focus on seeking God's favor rather than responding to negativity. It reflects a commitment to remain positive and hopeful, relying on God's goodness.

How can I apply Psalms 109:28 in my life?

You can apply Psalms 109:28 by choosing to focus on God's blessings instead of retaliating against negativity. Trust that God will bring justice and allow His joy to fill your heart, regardless of external circumstances.

What themes are present in Psalms 109:28?

The themes in Psalms 109:28 include blessing versus cursing, faith in adversity, divine justice, joy in God, and trust in God's favor. These themes encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.