Psalms 79:12

12 Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.

Psalms 79:12 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
12 And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
12 Return sevenfold into the lap of our neighbors the taunts with which they have taunted you, O Lord!
New Living Translation (NLT)
12 O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times for the scorn they have hurled at you.
The Message Bible (MSG)
12 Give our jeering neighbors what they've got coming to them; let their God-taunts boomerang and knock them flat.
American Standard Version (ASV)
12 And render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom Their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
12 Pay each one of our neighbors back with seven times the number of insults they used to insult you, O Lord.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
12 Pay back sevenfold to our neighbors the reproach they have hurled at You, Lord.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
12 Lord, our neighbors have laughed at you. Pay them back seven times for what they have done.

Psalms 79:12 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 79:12

And render unto our neighbours seven fold into their bosom,
ec.] Not seven fold for one, as the Targum paraphrases it, or a seven fold punishment for one sin; but that he would recompense their sins, or punish for them, and take vengeance on them, largely, abundantly, though not beyond measure, or exceeding the rules of justice; see ( Genesis 4:15 ) ( Luke 6:38 ) ,

the reproach with which they have reproached thee, O Lord;
by denying his being, or calling in question his perfections of power, truth, and goodness, to help his people; speaking ill of his providence, despising his word and ordinances, and even reproaching his people in reproaching him, ( Psalms 89:50 Psalms 89:51 ) , and this is what a righteous recompence is desired for; see ( Lamentations 3:64 ) .

Psalms 79:12 In-Context

10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.
11 May the groans of the prisoners come before you; with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.
12 Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.
13 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Isaiah 65:6; Jeremiah 32:18
  • 2. S Genesis 4:15
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.