Old Testament
Psalms 40:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say to me, 'Aha, aha.'
Compare translations
Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
What Psalms 40:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a desire for those who mock him to face desolation as a consequence of their shameful behavior. The phrase 'Aha, aha' indicates their scornful laughter and derision towards him. The psalmist feels the weight of their contempt and wishes for justice to be served. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful cry out for God to intervene against their enemies. The psalmist's plea highlights the emotional pain caused by ridicule and the hope that God will turn the tables on those who take pleasure in his suffering. It serves as a reminder that while the faithful may endure mockery, they can trust in God's ultimate justice and vindication. The verse encapsulates the struggle between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the need for divine intervention in the face of human scorn.
How to apply Psalms 40:15 to your life
When faced with ridicule or scorn, remember that God sees your struggles. Instead of retaliating, seek comfort in prayer and trust that God will bring justice in His time. Maintain your integrity and let your faith guide your response to mockery.
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.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 PlansAsk AI about Psalms 40:15
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 40:15
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 40:15 mean?
Psalms 40:15 expresses the psalmist's desire for those who mock him to experience desolation as a consequence of their shameful actions. It highlights the emotional pain caused by ridicule and the hope for divine justice against those who take pleasure in his suffering.
What is the meaning of 'Aha, aha' in Psalms 40:15?
'Aha, aha' represents the scornful laughter and derision of the psalmist's enemies. It signifies their contempt and mockery towards him, emphasizing the hurtful nature of their ridicule.
How can I apply Psalms 40:15 in my life?
When you face mockery or scorn, remember that God sees your struggles. Instead of retaliating, find comfort in prayer and trust that God will bring justice in His own time.
What themes are present in Psalms 40:15?
Key themes in Psalms 40:15 include mockery, shame, justice, divine intervention, righteousness, and suffering. These themes highlight the struggle between the faithful and their adversaries.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.