Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.

PSALMS 35:23KJV
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Psalms 35:23 (KJV)

What does Psalms 35:23 mean?

Psalms 35:23 is a plea from the psalmist, asking God to rouse Himself and pay attention to the psalmist’s situation, to judge fairly and defend his cause. The verse shows the psalmist urgently calling on God as both his God and Lord to act on his behalf.

King David is speaking in this psalm, addressing God directly while facing false accusations and attacks from enemies. David’s words reflect a deep sense of desperation and trust, as he asks God to “stir up” and “awake” to his need for justice. The verse highlights David’s belief that God is the ultimate judge who can see the truth and defend those who are wronged.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 35:23

  • “Stir up thyself” uses the Hebrew word עוּר (ʿur), which means to awaken or rouse oneself. This word gives the sense of urgently asking God to become actively involved, as if God has been passive or silent.
  • “Awake” comes from קִיץ (qîṣ), which also means to wake up from sleep. The repetition with “stir up” emphasizes the psalmist’s longing for God’s immediate attention and action.
  • “Judgment” is מִשְׁפָּט (mishpāṭ), meaning a legal decision or justice. David is not just asking for help, but specifically for a fair and righteous judgment in his situation.
  • “Cause” is רִיב (rîḇ), which refers to a legal dispute or case. This word frames David’s trouble as something that needs to be settled in a court-like setting, appealing to God as the judge.
  • “God” is אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), a general term for God, and “Lord” is אֲדֹנָי (Adonai), a title of respect and authority. Using both titles shows David’s deep reverence and personal relationship with God.

Why Psalms 35:23 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God is distant or uninterested; David’s plea shows that it is natural for people to ask God to pay attention and act when they feel wronged.
  • The verse emphasizes the legal language of “judgment” and “cause,” reminding readers that God is seen as the ultimate judge who can bring justice when human systems fail.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 35, this verse is part of a larger prayer for deliverance from enemies, highlighting the psalmist’s reliance on God’s intervention rather than taking matters into his own hands.

Where else these words appear

“awake” Hebrew H6974 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.
  • Psalms 59:5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
  • Jeremiah 31:26 Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.

“cause” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

“up” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 78:38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
  • Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.