Psalms 109:16
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Because that he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Because he remembered not to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart, to slay them .
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Because he had no mercy, but was cruel to the low and the poor, designing the death of the broken-hearted.
Webster's Revision
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.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, and the broken in heart, to slay them.
Clarke's Psalms 109:16 Bible Commentary
Persecuted the poor and needy man - In the case of Jesus Christ all the dictates of justice and mercy were destroyed, and they persecuted this poor man unto death. They acted from a diabolical malice. On common principles, their opposition to Christ cannot be accounted for.
Barnes's Psalms 109:16 Bible Commentary
Because that he remembered not to show mercy - He had no compassion; he was severe, harsh, unjust, unfeeling.
But persecuted the poor and needy man - The man that was destitute of friends; that was a wanderer and a beggar. There were times in the life of David when this would be strictly and literally applicable to him.
That he might even slay the broken in heart - The man whose heart was crushed by sorrow - that he might put "the finishing stroke" to all, and send him to the grave. Whatever might have been the "feeling" which prompted to this prayer, or however difficult it may be to vindicate the psalmist's expression of feeling, there can be no doubt as to the propriety of inflicting punishment on such a man. The sufferings invoked are none too severe to be inflicted on a man who persecutes the poor and needy, and seeks so to multiply sorrows that the man already crushed and broken in heart shall sink to the grave.
