New International VersionHe wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil.
New Living TranslationCursing is as natural to him as his clothing, or the water he drinks, or the rich food he eats.
English Standard VersionHe clothed himself with cursing as his coat; may it soak into his body like water, like oil into his bones!
Berean Standard BibleThe cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil.
King James BibleAs he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.
New King James VersionAs he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, So let it enter his body like water, And like oil into his bones.
New American Standard BibleBut he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, And it entered his body like water, And like oil into his bones.
NASB 1995But he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, And it entered into his body like water And like oil into his bones.
NASB 1977But he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, And it entered into his body like water, And like oil into his bones.
Legacy Standard BibleBut he clothed himself with cursing as his garment, And it came into his inward parts like water And like oil into his bones.
Amplified BibleHe clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, And it seeped into his inner self like water And like [anointing] oil into his bones.
Christian Standard BibleHe wore cursing like his coat — let it enter his body like water and go into his bones like oil.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe wore cursing like his coat— let it enter his body like water and go into his bones like oil.
American Standard VersionHe clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment, And it came into his inward parts like water, And like oil into his bones.
Contemporary English VersionHe cursed others more often than he dressed himself. Let his curses strike him deep, just as water and olive oil soak through to our bones.
English Revised VersionHe clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment, and it came into his inward parts like water, and like oil into his bones. Let it be unto him as the raiment
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe wore cursing as though it were clothing, so cursing entered his body like water and his bones like oil.
Good News TranslationHe cursed as naturally as he dressed himself; may his own curses soak into his body like water and into his bones like oil!
International Standard VersionHe wore curses like a garment— may they enter his inner being like water and his bones like oil.
NET BibleHe made cursing a way of life, so curses poured into his stomach like water and seeped into his bones like oil.
New Heart English BibleHe clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment. It came into his inward parts like water, like oil into his bones.
Webster's Bible TranslationAs he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil.
World English BibleHe clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment. It came into his inward parts like water, like oil into his bones. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he puts on reviling as his robe, "" And it comes in as water into his midst, "" And as oil into his bones.
Young's Literal Translation And he putteth on reviling as his robe, And it cometh in as water into his midst, And as oil into his bones.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will put on cursing as his garment, and it shall come into his midst as water, and as oil into his bones. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he loved cursing, and it shall come unto him: and he would not have blessing, and it shall be far from him. And he put on cursing, like a garment: and it went in like water into his entrails, and like oil in his bones.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he loved a curse, and it came to him. And he was unwilling to have a blessing, and it went far from him. And he clothed himself with curses like a garment, and it entered his inner self like water, and it entered his bones like oil.
New American Bible
May cursing clothe him like a robe; may it enter his belly like water, his bones like oil.
New Revised Standard Version
He clothed himself with cursing as his coat, may it soak into his body like water, like oil into his bones.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
They clothed themselves with cursing like armor; it penetrated into them like water, like oil into their bones.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they wore curses like a supply of arms and they entered into them like waters and like oil into their bones.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
He clothed himself also with cursing as with his raiment, And it is come into his inward parts like water, And like oil into his bones.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
Yea, he put on cursing as a garment, and it is come as water into his bowels, and as oil into his bones.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Song of the Slandered… 17The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. 18The cursing thathe worelike a coat,may it soak intohis bodylike water,and into his boneslike oil.19May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him.…
Cross References Matthew 7:2For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Galatians 6:7Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.
Proverbs 26:27He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
Romans 2:6God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”
James 2:13For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Luke 6:38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Revelation 16:6For they have spilled the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, as they deserve.”
2 Thessalonians 1:6After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
Colossians 3:25Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
1 Peter 3:9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Matthew 5:7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Proverbs 11:27He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it.
Job 4:8As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same.
Obadiah 1:15For the Day of the LORD is near for all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head.
Isaiah 3:11Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
Treasury of Scripture As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. as he Psalm 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth themas a garment. Job 29:14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgmentwas as a robe and a diadem. Colossians 3:8,12 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth… so let Numbers 5:22,27 And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to makethy belly to swell, andthy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen… Job 20:12-16,20-23 Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth,though he hide it under his tongue; … Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. into his bowels. Jump to Previous BodyBonesBowelsClothedCoatCursingEnteredGarmentInwardMidstOilPartsPuttethRaimentRevilingRobeWaterWoreJump to Next BodyBonesBowelsClothedCoatCursingEnteredGarmentInwardMidstOilPartsPuttethRaimentRevilingRobeWaterWorePsalm 109 1.David complains of his slanderous enemies16.He shows their sin21.Complaining of his own misery, he prays for help29.He promises thankfulnessThe cursing that he wore like a coatThis phrase suggests that the individual in question is enveloped in cursing, much like a garment that covers the entire body. In biblical times, clothing was a significant part of one's identity and social status. The imagery of wearing cursing like a coat implies that the person is not only surrounded by curses but also identified by them. This can be seen as a reflection of the consequences of living a life contrary to God's will, as seen in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are outlined based on obedience or disobedience to God's commandments. The coat imagery also connects to the idea of being clothed in righteousness or unrighteousness, as seen in Isaiah 61:10, where righteousness is described as a garment. may it soak into his body like water
Water is a vital element in the Bible, often symbolizing life, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit. However, in this context, water represents the pervasive and penetrating nature of the curse. Just as water can seep into every part of the body, the curse is intended to infiltrate every aspect of the person's life. This imagery highlights the inescapable and consuming nature of divine judgment when one is separated from God's protection. The idea of water soaking into the body can also be contrasted with the living water that Jesus offers inJohn 4:14, which brings eternal life rather than destruction. and into his bones like oil
Oil in the Bible is frequently associated with anointing, healing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was used in ancient Israel for anointing kings and priests, symbolizing God's blessing and empowerment. However, in this verse, oil represents the deep penetration of the curse into the very structure of the person's being, much like oil that seeps into bones. This suggests a profound and lasting impact, affecting the individual's strength and vitality. The contrast here is with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which brings life and empowerment, as seen in1 Samuel 16:13 when David is anointed by Samuel. The imagery of oil in the bones can also be seen as a perversion of the intended purpose of oil, turning what is meant for blessing into a vehicle for judgment. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 109, David is expressing a deep lament and plea for justice against his enemies. 2. Enemies of DavidThe psalm speaks against those who have wronged David, using deceit and curses against him. 3. GodThe ultimate judge and deliverer whom David calls upon for justice and vindication. 4. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which the psalm was written, where curses and blessings held significant spiritual and social weight. 5. The Psalmist's AdversariesThose who are characterized by their malicious intent and actions against the psalmist. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords can deeply affect both the speaker and the recipient. Just as curses can permeate one's being, so can blessings. Believers are called to speak life and truth. Spiritual ArmorJust as David's enemies wore cursing like a coat, Christians are encouraged to "put on" the armor of God, which includes truth, righteousness, and peace. The Consequences of SinThe imagery of curses entering like water and oil suggests the pervasive and penetrating nature of sin. Believers must guard their hearts and minds against such influences. Trust in Divine JusticeDavid's reliance on God for justice reminds believers to trust in God's timing and righteousness rather than seeking personal revenge. Transformation through ChristWhile the psalm reflects a plea for justice, the New Testament calls believers to transformation through Christ, who empowers us to bless rather than curse. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 109
Does Numbers 5 describe a ritual related to abortion?
In Job 5:9, does the claim of God performing countless marvels conflict with documented miracles (or lack thereof) in other biblical texts?
In Psalm 109:17-18, does the invocation of curses contradict teachings elsewhere in Scripture promoting forgiveness?
What is the meaning of Psalm 23?Verse 18. - As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment (comp. Psalm 10:7; Psalm 59:12; Psalm 62:4). Extreme malevolence vents itself in curses, which tend to become frequent, and, so to speak, habitual. So let it come; rather, so it cams, or so it will come.Into his bowels like water. Dr. Kay sees here an allusion to the "water of cursing" which was drunk by the woman whose husband taxed her with unfaithfulness ( Numbers 5:22); and so also Hengstenberg. But this is doubtful. Perhaps the mere penetrative power of water is alluded to. See the next clause. And like oil into his bones. The oil, wherewith it was usual to anoint the frame, was believed to penetrate, not only into the tissues, but into the very bones and marrow.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The cursingקְלָלָ֗ה(qə·lā·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7045:Vilificationhe woreוַיִּלְבַּ֥שׁ(way·yil·baš)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3847:Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothelike a coat,כְּמַ֫דּ֥וֹ(kə·mad·dōw)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4055:Extent, height, a measure, a vesture, a carpetmay it soak intoוַתָּבֹ֣א(wat·tā·ḇō)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gohis bodyבְּקִרְבּ֑וֹ(bə·qir·bōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7130:The nearest part, the centerlike water,כַמַּ֣יִם(ḵam·ma·yim)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semenand into his bonesבְּעַצְמוֹתָֽיו׃(bə·‘aṣ·mō·w·ṯāw)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6106:A bone, the body, the substance, selfsamelike oil.וְ֝כַשֶּׁ֗מֶן(wə·ḵaš·še·men)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081:Grease, liquid, richness
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OT Poetry: Psalm 109:18 He clothed himself also with cursing as (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
