For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.

PSALMS 69:26KJV
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Psalms 69:26 (KJV)

What does Psalms 69:26 mean?

Psalms 69:26 describes how enemies are attacking someone whom God has already struck down, and they add to the pain of those whom God has wounded. The verse highlights how these people not only persecute the suffering but also speak in ways that deepen their grief.

The speaker is David, talking to God about his troubles. David points out that his enemies are cruel: instead of showing compassion to someone already suffering under God’s hand, they make things worse by their actions and words. The verse paints a picture of people who take advantage of the vulnerable, adding insult to injury.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 69:26

  • "persecute" (רָדַף, radaph): This word means to pursue or chase after, often with hostile intent. Here, it shows that David’s enemies are actively seeking to harm someone already afflicted.
  • "smitten" (נָכָה, nakah): This means to strike or hit, often used for someone suffering a blow or punishment. The verse points out that the person being targeted is already suffering from God’s discipline.
  • "talk" (סָפַר, saphar): This word means to recount or speak about, suggesting that the enemies are not just acting but also speaking in ways that increase the pain.
  • "grief" (מַכְאוֹב, makh’ov): This word refers to pain or sorrow, emphasizing the emotional suffering being made worse by the enemies’ words.
  • "wounded" (חָלָל, chalal): This means someone who is pierced or fatally wounded. It highlights the depth of the suffering—these are not minor hurts, but deep wounds.

Why Psalms 69:26 matters

  • Psalms 69:26 clarifies that the enemies are not just passive observers but are actively making things worse for someone already suffering, which shows a deeper level of cruelty.
  • The verse emphasizes the injustice of adding to someone’s pain when they are already down, a theme that runs through many of David’s prayers.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, where David repeatedly describes his suffering and the lack of mercy shown by those around him, helping readers understand the depth of his distress.