Old Testament
Psalms 35:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Let those who seek after my soul be confounded and put to shame. Let those who devise my hurt be turned back and brought to confusion.
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Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
What Psalms 35:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is expressing a plea for protection against those who are trying to harm him. He asks that those who pursue him with malicious intent be confused and shamed. The psalmist desires that their plans to hurt him fail and that they experience a reversal of their intentions. This reflects a deep sense of vulnerability and a reliance on God for justice and deliverance. The imagery of being confounded and turned back suggests a desire for divine intervention, where God steps in to thwart the efforts of the enemies. The psalmist's call for shame upon his adversaries indicates a hope that their wrongful actions will be exposed and that they will face consequences for their behavior. Overall, this verse highlights the struggle between good and evil, and the psalmist's faith in God's ability to protect and vindicate him against those who seek to do him harm.
How to apply Psalms 35:4 to your life
When facing opposition or harm from others, we can turn to God in prayer, asking for His protection and justice. This verse encourages us to trust that God sees our struggles and will intervene on our behalf, bringing confusion to those who wish us harm.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
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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 35:4 mean?
Psalms 35:4 expresses a plea for God’s protection against those who seek to harm the psalmist. It asks for the enemies' plans to fail and for them to experience shame and confusion.
What is the significance of being confounded in Psalms 35:4?
Being confounded in Psalms 35:4 signifies a desire for the enemies to be confused and unable to carry out their harmful intentions. It reflects the psalmist's hope for divine intervention in their struggles.
How can I apply Psalms 35:4 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 35:4 by turning to God in prayer when facing opposition or harm. It encourages trusting that God will protect you and bring confusion to those who wish you ill.
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