Psalms 35:26 (KJV)

What does Psalms 35:26 mean?

Psalms 35:26 is a prayer asking that those who take pleasure in the psalmist’s misfortune would be put to shame and confusion, and that those who boast against him would be disgraced. The verse expresses a desire for those who act with malice and pride toward the speaker to face the consequences of their actions.

King David is speaking in this psalm, addressing God about enemies who are happy when he suffers and who exalt themselves at his expense. The verse uses strong language to describe a wish that these people would experience the same shame and dishonor they tried to bring on him. This fits into the larger context of Psalm 35, where David is asking God for justice and protection from those who attack him unfairly.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 35:26

• "ashamed" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word often means to be publicly embarrassed or humiliated. David is not just asking for private regret but a visible reversal of fortune for his enemies.
• "confusion" (חָפֵר, chafeir): This word carries the sense of being dismayed or thrown into disorder. It highlights a wish that those who rejoice at David’s hurt would be unsettled and lose their confidence.
• "clothed" (לָבַשׁ, lavash): To be "clothed with shame and dishonour" paints a vivid picture of disgrace being as obvious as clothing, something everyone can see.
• "magnify" (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means to make oneself great or to boast. The verse singles out those who lift themselves up at David’s expense, asking that their pride be turned into shame.

Why Psalms 35:26 matters

• This verse helps clarify that David is not asking for personal revenge, but for justice against those who celebrate his suffering and act arrogantly.
• The language of being "clothed with shame" shows how public and complete the disgrace would be, not just a private feeling but something visible to all.
• In the wider context of Psalm 35, this verse highlights the theme of asking God to set things right when others treat someone unfairly, showing the psalmist’s trust in God’s justice rather than taking matters into his own hands.