Psalms 109:28 Meaning: When Others Curse, God Blesses
They may curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be shamed, but your servant shall rejoice.
Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
Let them curse, but bless thou: When they arise, they shall be put to shame, But thy servant shall rejoice.
They revile, and Thou dost bless, They have risen, and are ashamed, And Thy servant doth rejoice.
Let them curse, but bless thou; when they rise up, let them be ashamed, and let thy servant rejoice.
Meaning in one sentence
When people curse you, God's blessing is stronger. Psalm 109:28 shows how to trust God's favor over human words.
Context
Psalm 109 is one of the hardest psalms to read. The writer is in deep trouble. His enemies are lying about him, wishing him harm. He has been generous to them, and they return hatred. Then, in the middle of his outcry, he says something like this verse. It is not a command to curse others. It is a prayer spoken to God, handing over the whole situation. The psalmist has been honest about his pain, and now he names what he trusts: God's blessing outweighs any human curse. The chapter ends with praise, because God stands with the needy.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words stand out here. The first, qalal, means to treat as light or worthless. When people curse, they try to make you small in their eyes. But the psalmist contrasts that with barakh, the word for blessing. In Hebrew, barakh carries the picture of kneeling to give a gift. God does not curse; He kneels down to bless. And finally, samach, the joy of the servant. Not a forced smile, but real gladness that comes from knowing whose you are. This joy is not about getting even. It is about being held by the One whose blessing cannot be undone.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this verse in different ways. Some see David speaking as a type of Christ, pointing to how Jesus endured curses yet received the Father's blessing. Others read the psalm as a model for honest prayer, where believers bring their raw feelings to God without pretending. The desire for enemies to be put to shame is understood not as personal vengeance but as a plea for God's justice to be seen. The New Testament does not cancel this prayer; it deepens it, calling believers to trust God with the outcome. Across traditions, the key point holds: human curses do not have the final word.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think this verse gives permission to curse others or to pray for their harm. In fact, the psalmist is turning to God in the middle of being cursed. He is not cursing back. He is declaring that God's blessing is stronger. The shame he mentions is not something he inflicts; it is the natural result when God's truth is revealed. This is a prayer of trust, not a weapon.
Living This Out
This week, someone may speak against you. It could be a coworker's gossip, a family member's criticism, or a stranger's harsh comment. Before you react, stop and say this verse under your breath. 'They may curse, but You bless.' Let that contrast settle. You do not need to defend yourself. You do not need to curse back. You can ask God to bless you, and then go bless someone else. That is how the verse works in real life.
Main takeaway: God's blessing is stronger than any human curse, and His servant can rejoice in that truth.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Sometimes people say mean things. God hears you and His love is bigger than their words. You can always tell God how you feel.
For ages 9, 12
When someone picks on you or says something false, it hurts. This verse shows that you don't have to get back at them. You can ask God to bless you and trust Him to sort things out. God's blessing is more powerful than any curse, and He is proud to call you His servant.
Questions People Ask
What does 'put to shame' mean in Psalm 109:28?
In the Bible, shame often means being disappointed in your plans or exposed as wrong. The psalmist asks that his enemies' efforts fail because they are unjust. It is not about public humiliation for its own sake, but about God's justice being seen.
Is it wrong to pray for my enemies to be ashamed?
Christians differ on this. Some see the imprecatory psalms as honest emotions that we bring to God, not commands to carry out. Others believe Jesus' command to love enemies means we should pray for their repentance, not shame. The key is to bring your pain to God without taking revenge yourself.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teaching on loving enemies?
Jesus said to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This verse can be seen as a step in that direction: the psalmist stops cursing back and instead trusts God to handle it. Loving enemies does not mean pretending you are not hurt, but leaving justice to God.
Who is the 'servant' in this verse?
The word 'eved means servant or worshiper. It can refer to David, to the faithful believer, and ultimately to Christ, the perfect Servant. In context, it is someone who belongs to God and trusts Him despite opposition.
Can Christians today pray Psalm 109:28?
Yes, as a prayer of trust. You can pray it when you feel attacked or misunderstood. It puts the focus on God's blessing rather than on the curses of others. It is an honest prayer that asks God to be your defender.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study