Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

PSALMS 35:19KJV
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Psalms 35:19 (KJV)

What does Psalms 35:19 mean?

Psalms 35:19 is a plea from the psalmist asking God not to let his enemies celebrate his troubles or show sneaky signs of triumph, especially since their hatred is unfair and without reason. The verse highlights a deep sense of injustice, with the writer asking for protection from those who hate him for no legitimate cause.

King David is speaking in this psalm, addressing God about people who oppose him unfairly. The situation is one where David feels surrounded by enemies who not only dislike him but also take pleasure in his difficulties and act with hidden malice. The verse captures a moment of vulnerability, as David seeks both justice and relief from those who hate him without justification.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 35:19

  • "enemies" (אֹיְבַי, ’oyevai): This word points to those who are actively hostile, not just casual opponents. It emphasizes the real danger and animosity David feels.
  • "wrongfully" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This term means "falsely" or "without truth," underlining that the reasons for the hostility are not based on anything real or deserved.
  • "wink" (קָרַץ, qarats): In Hebrew, this word describes a sly or mocking gesture, often a signal of secret plotting or shared malice. It adds a layer of sneakiness to the enemies’ actions.
  • "hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This is a strong word for hatred, indicating deep-seated animosity rather than mild dislike.
  • "cause" (חִנָּם, hinnam): This word means "without cause" or "for nothing," stressing that the hatred is completely unprovoked.

Why Psalms 35:19 matters

  • Psalms 35:19 shows that the psalmist is not just facing open hostility, but also subtle, sneaky actions from his enemies, which makes his situation more distressing.
  • The verse emphasizes the unfairness of the attacks, making clear that the hatred and mockery are undeserved, which deepens the sense of injustice.
  • This plea fits into the larger theme of the psalm, where David repeatedly asks God to see his innocence and to intervene against those who oppose him without reason.

Where else these words appear

“wink” Hebrew H7169 · used in 5 verses

  • Job 33:6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
  • Proverbs 6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
  • Proverbs 10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

“cause” Hebrew H2600 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 29:15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
  • Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
  • Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

“wrongfully” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.

“hate” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: