Psalms 79:12

WEB

Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord.

KJV

And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

Commentary

And render unto our neighbours seven fold into their bosom, 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 Gen 4:15 , 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, Psa 89:50 , and this is what a righteous recompence is desired for; see Lam 3:64 .