Psalm 109:16
New International Version
For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted.

New Living Translation
For he refused all kindness to others; he persecuted the poor and needy, and he hounded the brokenhearted to death.

English Standard Version
For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted, to put them to death.

Berean Standard Bible
For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.

King James Bible
Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

New King James Version
Because he did not remember to show mercy, But persecuted the poor and needy man, That he might even slay the broken in heart.

New American Standard Bible
Because he did not remember to show mercy, But persecuted the afflicted and needy person, And the despondent in heart, to put them to death.

NASB 1995
Because he did not remember to show lovingkindness, But persecuted the afflicted and needy man, And the despondent in heart, to put them to death.

NASB 1977
Because he did not remember to show lovingkindness, But persecuted the afflicted and needy man, And the despondent in heart, to put them to death.

Legacy Standard Bible
Because he did not remember to show lovingkindness, But persecuted the afflicted, the needy man, And the disheartened to put them to death.

Amplified Bible
Because the man did not remember to show kindness, But persecuted the suffering and needy man, And the brokenhearted, to put them to death.

Christian Standard Bible
For he did not think to show kindness, but pursued the suffering, needy, and brokenhearted in order to put them to death.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For he did not think to show kindness, but pursued the afflicted, poor, and brokenhearted in order to put them to death.

American Standard Version
Because he remembered not to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart, to slay them.

Contemporary English Version
He was so cruel to the poor, homeless, and discouraged that they died young.

English Revised Version
Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, and the broken in heart, to slay them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
because he did not remember to be kind. "He drove oppressed, needy, and brokenhearted people to their graves.

Good News Translation
That man never thought of being kind; he persecuted and killed the poor, the needy, and the helpless.

International Standard Version
For he didn't think to extend gracious love; he harassed to death the poor, the needy, and the broken hearted.

Majority Standard Bible
For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.

NET Bible
For he never bothered to show kindness; he harassed the oppressed and needy, and killed the disheartened.

New Heart English Bible
because he did not remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them.

Webster's Bible Translation
Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

World English Bible
because he didn’t remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Because that he has not remembered to do kindness, "" And pursues the poor man and needy, "" And the struck of heart—to slay,

Young's Literal Translation
Because that he hath not remembered to do kindness, And pursueth the poor man and needy, And the smitten of heart -- to slay,

Smith's Literal Translation
Because he remembered not to do mercy, and he will pursue the poor and needy man to slay the dejected of heart.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
because he remembered not to show mercy,

Catholic Public Domain Version
For certain things are not remembered about them, in order to be merciful.

New American Bible
For he did not remember to show mercy, but hounded the wretched poor and brought death to the brokenhearted.

New Revised Standard Version
For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted to their death.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because they remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy, and him whose heart is sorrowful to death.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because they did not remember to do good and they persecuted the poor and afflicted him whose heart grieves to death.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Because that he remembered not to do kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart he was ready to slay.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Because he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the needy and poor man, and that to slay him that was pricked in the heart.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Song of the Slandered
15May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth. 16For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death. 17The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.…

Cross References
Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Matthew 18:33
Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’

Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Proverbs 14:31
Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Ezekiel 18:12
He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not restore a pledge. He lifts his eyes to idols; he commits abominations.

Job 22:7
You gave no water to the weary and withheld food from the famished,

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Luke 16:19-31
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...

Matthew 25:41-45
Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. / For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, / I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.’ ...

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”


Treasury of Scripture

Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

he remembered

2 Samuel 17:1,2
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: …

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 18:33-35
Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? …

persecuted

Psalm 10:2,14
The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined…

Genesis 42:21
And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

Job 19:2,3,21,22
How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? …

slay

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 69:20-29
Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none…

2 Samuel 16:11,12
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him…

Jump to Previous
Afflicted Broken Brokenhearted Broken-Hearted Cruel Death Designing Heart Kill Kindness Lovingkindness Mercy Needy Persecuted Poor Pursued Pursueth Ready Remember Remembered Shew Show Slay Smitten Thought
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Afflicted Broken Brokenhearted Broken-Hearted Cruel Death Designing Heart Kill Kindness Lovingkindness Mercy Needy Persecuted Poor Pursued Pursueth Ready Remember Remembered Shew Show Slay Smitten Thought
Psalm 109
1. David complains of his slanderous enemies
16. He shows their sin
21. Complaining of his own misery, he prays for help
29. He promises thankfulness














For he never thought to show kindness
The Hebrew word for "kindness" here is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which is often translated as loving-kindness, mercy, or steadfast love. This word is rich in meaning, encompassing the covenantal love and loyalty that God shows to His people. In the context of this verse, the absence of "chesed" highlights a profound moral failing. The individual in question is depicted as lacking the fundamental attribute of godliness, which is to reflect God's own merciful nature. Historically, the expectation of showing kindness was deeply embedded in the social and religious fabric of Israelite society, where the community was called to mirror God's covenantal faithfulness.

but pursued the poor and needy
The phrase "pursued the poor and needy" indicates a deliberate and aggressive action against those who are vulnerable. The Hebrew word for "pursued" is "רָדַף" (radaph), which can mean to chase or persecute. This suggests a relentless and hostile intent. The "poor and needy" are often mentioned in the Psalms and throughout the Old Testament as those whom God particularly cares for and defends. In ancient Israel, the poor and needy were not just economically disadvantaged but were often marginalized and oppressed. The psalmist's condemnation of this behavior underscores a violation of divine justice and compassion, as God commands His people to protect and provide for the vulnerable.

and brokenhearted
The term "brokenhearted" refers to those who are crushed in spirit, experiencing deep emotional or spiritual distress. The Hebrew word "נִשְׁבְּרֵי לֵב" (nishberei lev) conveys a sense of being shattered or broken into pieces. In the biblical context, the brokenhearted are those who have suffered great loss or injustice, and they are often depicted as recipients of God's special attention and care. The psalmist's inclusion of the brokenhearted in this verse emphasizes the callousness of the individual's actions, as they target those who are already suffering and in need of healing and comfort.

even to their death
The phrase "even to their death" indicates the extreme consequences of the individual's actions. The Hebrew word for "death" is "מָוֶת" (maveth), which signifies not only physical death but also a state of separation from life and blessing. This phrase suggests that the relentless pursuit and oppression of the poor, needy, and brokenhearted lead to their ultimate demise. In the biblical worldview, such actions are seen as a grave sin, as they directly oppose God's will for life, justice, and mercy. The severity of this condemnation serves as a stark warning against the abuse of power and the neglect of compassion, calling believers to uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of every person.

(16) Poor.--The Hebrew word thus rendered, viz., 'ani, has suggested a reference to the murder of the high priest Onias (2 Maccabees 4:34-36).

Verses 16-20. - A portraiture of the wicked man, who was David's chief adversary at the time, is now given, in explanation, and perhaps in justification, of the numerous and severe anathemas. He was merciless (ver. 16), a persecutor of the poor (ver. 16), given to cursing (vers. 17, 18), and one who spoke evil against the innocent (ver. 20). Verse 16. - Because that he remembered not to show mercy. Saul certainly was a persecutor of this kind - implacable; one whom compassion never touched; who, after he had once become David's enemy, never under any circumstances showed him mercy. But otherwise the description scarcely seems to point to Saul. But persecuted the poor and needy man (see 1 Samuel 18:10; 1 Samuel 19:1, 10, 11; 1 Samuel 20:31; 1 Samuel 23:8, 14, 25; 1 Samuel 24:2; 1 Samuel 26:2-20; 1 Samuel 27:1, etc.). That he might even slay the broken in heart; literally, and the broken in heart (or, yea, the broken in heart) to slay him. It was certainly Saul's object to slay David (1 Samuel 18:11; 1 Samuel 19:1, 10; 1 Samuel 20:1, etc.). It was probably also Ahithophel's (2 Samuel 17:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
יַ֗עַן (ya·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3282: Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause

he never
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

thought
זָכַר֮ (zā·ḵar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

to show
עֲשׂ֪וֹת (‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

kindness,
חָ֥סֶד (ḥā·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

but pursued
וַיִּרְדֹּ֡ף (way·yir·dōp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

the poor
עָנִ֣י (‘ā·nî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble

and needy
וְ֭אֶבְיוֹן (wə·’eḇ·yō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor

and
וְנִכְאֵ֨ה (wə·niḵ·’êh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5218: Smitten, afflicted

brokenhearted,
לֵבָ֬ב (lê·ḇāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

even to their death.
לְמוֹתֵֽת׃ (lə·mō·w·ṯêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT Poetry: Psalm 109:16 Because he didn't remember to show kindness (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 109:15
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