Psalms 83:17

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 83:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever; Yea, let them be confounded and perish;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever; Yea, let them be confounded and perish;
Psalms 83:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 83

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever; Yea, let them be confounded and perish;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let them be confounded and troubled for ever, etc.] As long as they are in this world, and to all eternity in another; a dreadful portion this: yea, let them be put to shame, and perish; wholly and eternally, in soul and body, for evermore.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Let them be confounded - Let them be ashamed. That is, Let them have that kind of shame and confusion which results from the fact that their plans have not been successful, or that they have been foiled and baffled in their schemes. And troubled - Disturbed; put to confusion. Let them be troubled as men are who are unsuccessful in their projects. Forever - As a people; as confederated nations; as united in such an unholy alliance. Let them never again be able thus to combine, or to form a compact for the destruction of thy people. This does not refer to them as individuals, but as nations. It is a prayer that they may be so discomfited now that they may see the wickedness and folly of all…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 35:4, Psa 35:26, Psa 40:14, Psa 40:15, Psa 109:29 Psalms 83:18”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The aim of the wish is that they in the midst of their downfall may lay hold upon the mercy of Jahve as their only deliverance: first they must come to nought, and only by giving Jahve the glory will they not be utterly destroyed. Side by side with אתּה, v. 19a, is placed שׁמך as a second subject (cf. Psa 44:3; Psa 69:11). In view of Psa 83:17 וידעוּ (as in Psa 59:14) has not merely the sense of perceiving so far as the justice of the punishment is concerned; the knowledge which is unto salvation is not excluded. The end of the matter which the poet wishes to see brought about is this, that Jahve, that the God of revelation (שׁמך), may become the All-exalted One in the consciousness of the…”
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Sources and verification