Bible Strands
Psalms 109:19
May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David pronounces a curse against a violent, deceitful enemy who has cursed him without cause. He addresses this imprecation directly to God, framing the enemy's fate as a divine reward for his malicious speech.
The words — The Hebrew verb תְּהִי (tehi) means "may it be," while בֶּגֶד (beged) translates to "garment" or "robe." The text states the curse will become a garment (בֶּגֶד, beged) that the enemy wraps around himself. The verb תְּהִי (tehi) commands this state to endure continually.
The thread — This garment metaphor recurs in the psalmist’s own curse against his accusers, who will be clothed with disgrace (Psalms 109:29). It aligns with a broader scriptural pattern where divine judgment clothes the wicked in shame (Psalms 132:18; Psalms 35:26).
Why it lands — The verse demands recognition that malicious words produce tangible, lasting consequences for the speaker. It requires the reader to accept that divine justice operates through the very instruments of the accuser’s own actions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.
Cross-references
- Psalms 109:29 May my accusers be clothed with disgrace; may they wear their shame like a robe.
- Psalms 132:18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown upon him will gleam.”
- Psalms 35:26 May those who gloat in my distress be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed in shame and reproach.
- Psalms 109:18 The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil.