But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

PSALMS 38:19KJV
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Psalms 38:19 (KJV)

What does Psalms 38:19 mean?

Psalms 38:19 describes how the psalmist’s enemies are full of energy and strength, and that those who hate him for no just reason have become numerous. The verse highlights the psalmist’s sense of being overwhelmed by opposition from people who are against him unfairly.

King David is speaking in this psalm, expressing his distress to God. He feels surrounded by powerful enemies and betrayed by people who hate him without cause. This verse comes in the middle of a prayer where David is honest about his suffering, both from his own struggles and from the hostility of others.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 38:19

  • "Enemies" (אֹיְבַי, ʾoyevai): This word points to those who are openly hostile, not just casual opponents. It emphasizes the real threat David feels.
  • "Lively" (חַי, ḥai): Often translated as "alive" or "full of life," this word suggests that David’s enemies are vigorous and active, not weak or passive.
  • "Strong" (עָצַם, ʿatsam): This word means "mighty" or "powerful," underlining that David’s adversaries are not only many but also formidable.
  • "Hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This verb means "to hate," and in this context, it stresses the deep hostility David faces.
  • "Wrongfully" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means "falsehood" or "without cause," showing that the hatred is not deserved.
  • "Multiplied" (רָבָה, rabah): This verb means "to become many," emphasizing that the number of those against David keeps increasing.

Why Psalms 38:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s suffering is not just from his own troubles, but also from unfair treatment by others, which adds to his distress.
  • The emphasis on the enemies being "lively" and "strong" helps the reader understand that David is not exaggerating his situation—he truly feels outnumbered and overpowered.
  • By mentioning that the hatred is "wrongful," the verse highlights the injustice David experiences, which is a key theme in many psalms and helps readers relate to feelings of being misunderstood or wrongly opposed.

Where else these words appear

“multiplied” Hebrew H7231 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
  • Psalms 25:19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
  • Isaiah 22:9 Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

“strong” Hebrew H6105 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 26:16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
  • Psalms 105:24 And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.
  • Jeremiah 15:8 Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.

“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: