Old Testament
Psalms 79:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And render to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, with which they have reproached you, O Lord.
Compare translations
And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
What Psalms 79:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is asking God to repay their enemies for the shame and insults they have directed towards Him and His people. The phrase 'sevenfold' suggests a complete and thorough retribution, indicating that the psalmist desires not just a simple response but a significant one that reflects the severity of the reproach. This reflects a deep sense of justice and the belief that God will ultimately vindicate His people. The psalmist is appealing to God's sense of justice, asking Him to act decisively against those who have mocked and scorned His name. This verse highlights the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing that when they are wronged, it is also a reproach against God Himself. It serves as a reminder that God is aware of injustices and will respond in His own time and way.
How to apply Psalms 79:12 to your life
When facing insults or injustices, we can trust that God sees our struggles and will address them in His timing. Instead of seeking revenge ourselves, we should turn to God in prayer, asking for His justice and support. This encourages us to maintain our faith and integrity in difficult situations.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 79:12
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 79:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 79:12 mean?
Psalms 79:12 expresses a plea for God to repay those who have insulted Him and His people. The psalmist asks for a significant response, symbolized by 'sevenfold,' indicating a desire for complete justice against their reproach.
What is the meaning of 'sevenfold' in Psalms 79:12?
In Psalms 79:12, 'sevenfold' signifies a thorough and complete retribution. It emphasizes the psalmist's wish for a response that matches the severity of the insults directed at God and His people.
How does Psalms 79:12 relate to God's justice?
Psalms 79:12 illustrates the psalmist's appeal to God's sense of justice, asking Him to act decisively against those who have reproached Him. It reflects the belief that God is aware of wrongs and will respond appropriately.
What can we learn from Psalms 79:12?
From Psalms 79:12, we learn to trust in God's timing for justice when facing insults or injustices. It encourages us to seek God's support through prayer rather than seeking revenge ourselves.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.