For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.

PSALMS 109:4KJV
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Psalms 109:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 109:4 mean?

Psalms 109:4 describes how, even though the psalmist shows love, others become his adversaries, yet he responds by turning to prayer. The verse highlights a contrast between the psalmist’s loving attitude and the hostility he faces, showing his choice to seek God rather than retaliate.

King David is speaking in this psalm, addressing God about people who oppose him without cause. Despite his efforts to act with love, his enemies respond with opposition. Instead of fighting back, David commits himself to prayer, showing his reliance on God in the face of unfair treatment.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 109:4

  • love (אָהֲבָה, ahavah): This word means love or affection. The psalmist’s actions are motivated by genuine care, not just duty or obligation, which makes the hostility he receives even more painful.
  • adversaries (שָׂטַן, satan): This word often means an opponent or accuser. Here, it suggests active opposition, not just passive dislike, emphasizing the intensity of the conflict.
  • prayer (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): This word means prayer or supplication. The psalmist’s response is not just a private wish but a deliberate act of seeking God’s help and presence.

Why Psalms 109:4 matters

  • Psalms 109:4 clarifies that the psalmist’s troubles are not because of wrongdoing but arise despite his loving actions, highlighting the unfairness of his situation.
  • The verse emphasizes prayer as a response to hostility, showing that seeking God is not a last resort but a chosen path when facing adversity.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, where David continues to bring his struggles to God rather than taking matters into his own hands.

Where else these words appear

“adversaries” Hebrew H7853 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
  • Psalms 71:13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
  • Psalms 109:29 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

“love” Hebrew H160 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
  • Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
  • Song of Solomon 8:4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
  • Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.