Psalms 109:14 Meaning & Explanation (with Related Verses)

“Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the Lord; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.”

– King James Version (KJV)


“Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered by the Lord, and do not let the sin of his mother be blotted out.”

– Amplified (AMP)


“Don’t ever forget the sin of his parents. Their sin must not be erased from memory.”

– The Message Bible (MSG)


Psalms 109:14 Meaning

In Psalm 109:14, we encounter the raw emotions and deep feelings expressed by the psalmist, who is seeking justice in a situation filled with betrayal and conflict. This verse highlights the importance of acknowledging the impact of past sins, not just on the individual but also on their family. In ancient Israel, a person’s sins often had ramifications for their family. The legacy of sin could linger and affect multiple generations. The psalmist points out that the sins of the father and mother should be remembered. This reflection serves to remind us that our actions can transcend time and impact our loved ones. When we act unjustly or with malice, we are not only affecting ourselves but also those connected to us.

When we look deeper into this verse, we can see how the psalmist is presenting a plea for divine justice and a desire to see wrongs acknowledged. This moment of reflection on family sins makes us realize the gravity of our actions. As believers, we understand the importance of repenting for our sins and striving to lead lives that honor God. The verse reminds us that God sees all and remembers the injustices that have occurred. This acknowledgement can feel heavy, but it also serves as a powerful motivator for us to seek forgiveness, address our shortcomings, and strive to do better, not just for ourselves but also for our families and future generations.

Popular Words of Wisdom From Psalms 109:14


“This verse resonates with the idea that our family trees can weigh heavy with past iniquities. It is a reminder that we must be vigilant, striving toward righteousness for our sake and the sake of those who come after us.” – Pastor Charles Stanley


“Recognition of our parents’ sins is vital for our growth. When we understand the legacy of sin, we become more equipped to break free from those chains and create a fresh path for ourselves and our children.” – Reverend Joyce Meyer


“As believers, we are called to acknowledge the impact of generational sins, asking God to cleanse them and to use us as vessels of His mercy and grace.” – Bishop T.D. Jakes


Psalms 109:14 Context Explained

To fully grasp Psalms 109:14, we must consider the broader context of the entire Psalm. Psalms are often characterized by their poetry and emotional intensity, expressing fervent desires for justice and vindication. In this Psalm, the psalmist is facing deep adversities and was likely wronged by someone he trusted. The cry for justice is rooted in a personal crisis, where the psalmist feels betrayed and seeks God’s intervention.

Throughout the book of Psalms, we often see alternating themes of distress and hope. The gathered prayers and poems reflect struggles with identity, faith, and the desire for deliverance from wickedness. Psalms 109, in particular, speaks candidly about feelings of hatred and opposition from others, indicating that the author is caught in a spiritual and emotional battle. The mention of mothers and fathers acknowledges the interconnectedness of life and how sins are sometimes passed from one generation to another.

By calling for the remembrance of his enemies’ parents’ sins, the psalmist frames his plea within a broader understanding of justice. Life in ancient Israel demanded accountability that extended beyond the individual, applying to families and communities. This highlights the kind of social fabric that should ideally allow for generational blessings rather than curses. Understanding this context greatly enhances our appreciation for the heavy themes of sin, justice, and mercy intertwined within the book of Psalms.

Psalms 109:14 Key Parts Explained

Let us break down the key components found in Psalms 109:14. The first aspect is “the iniquity of his fathers.” This phrase highlights how past wrongdoing must bear its consequence. When parents make poor choices, they create patterns that can be replicated by their children. This generational effect of sin can be observed in our daily lives, as we can often trace undesired behaviors back to family members.

The next component is “be remembered with the Lord.” This is a profound communication to God, reinforcing the belief that He holds all actions accountable. It’s a reminder that God has perfect memory and justice, always viewing our actions in light of their consequences. The speaker implores God to remember while also calling for action against wrongdoing.

Finally, the line “let not the sin of his mother be blotted out” further emphasizes awareness of familial sin and its implications. The idea of “not being blotted out” serves as a challenge for each of us, asking us to consider our legacy. It speaks to our societal role in stopping sinful patterns in their tracks. Acknowledgement of sin allows individuals and families the chance to repent and create change.

Lessons to Learn From Psalms 109:14

Understanding the Impact of Family Legacy

This verse shows us that our lives are greatly influenced by the actions of those who came before us. As we reflect on our family histories, we can uncover patterns that do not align with our faith. Recognizing these patterns can empower us to change our legacies and create a brighter future for our children.

Seeking Divine Justice

Psalms 109:14 reminds us that we are encouraged to seek justice through prayer. When faced with injustice, we must bring our concerns before God, trusting in His ability to right wrongs. This verse teaches us that it is okay to address grievances while also leaving the outcomes in God’s capable hands.

Mourning and Repentance

Lastly, this verse serves as a poignant reminder to mourn over the sins around us. Mourning leads to genuine repentance, which fosters healing and restoration, not only for ourselves but for our families and communities. By confronting our past, we make space for new growth and reconciliation.

Psalms 109:14 Related Verses

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” – Ezekiel 18:20

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” – Proverbs 13:22

“For I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.” – Exodus 20:5

“Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” – Ezekiel 18:31

“Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.” – Psalm 128:1

Final Thoughts

Psalms 109:14 serves as an essential reminder of the importance of accountability and legacy within our families. As we navigate through life, we must cultivate awareness and action in addressing the previous sins that may seek to bind us.

This verse encourages us to seek justice from God and to confront the deeper meanings behind our familial connections. We are not alone on this journey; by leaning on God, we can heal and break free from negative cycles. In doing so, we create a lasting impact that uplifts our lives and the lives of those who come after us. Let’s take steps today to honor the Lord and pursue a legacy of righteousness.

For those seeking more encouragement and inspiration, consider exploring topics like Bible verses about deception in the last days or Bible verses about homes. Every step we take to uplift our understanding brings us closer to the light of God’s wisdom.