KJV ORIGINAL
They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
They paid me back with evil when I had done good to them, and this deeply wounded my heart.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is expressing the deep pain of being treated badly by people he had treated well.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm is attributed to David, who frequently faced betrayal from those he had helped or shown kindness to during his time as both a shepherd and king. The phrase 'spoiling of my soul' reflects the Hebrew concept that such betrayal doesn't just hurt feelings—it attacks the very core of a person's being. In ancient Hebrew culture, repaying good with evil was considered one of the most serious violations of community trust and divine law.
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