They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

PSALMS 69:4KJV
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Psalms 69:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 69:4 mean?

Psalms 69:4 describes how the writer, feeling overwhelmed, says that those who hate him for no reason are as numerous as the hairs on his head, and that powerful enemies are trying to destroy him with false accusations, forcing him to make amends for things he did not do. The verse expresses a deep sense of injustice and being wrongly targeted by many people.

King David is speaking in this psalm, crying out to God about being unfairly hated and pursued by enemies. The situation is one of distress, where David feels surrounded by hostility and is being blamed for things he is not guilty of. This verse highlights both the scale of opposition he faces and the unfairness of his situation, setting the tone for the rest of the psalm’s plea for help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 69:4

  • "hate" (שָׂנֵא, śānēʾ): This word means to hate or be hostile toward. Here, it shows that the opposition David faces is not just passive dislike but active hostility.
  • "without a cause" (חִנָּם, ḥinnām): This phrase means "for nothing" or "without reason," emphasizing that David’s enemies have no valid reason for their hatred.
  • "destroy" (צָמַת, ṣāmat): This word means to cut off or destroy completely, showing the seriousness of what David’s enemies intend to do.
  • "wrongfully" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means "falsehood" or "deceit," indicating that the accusations and attacks against David are based on lies.

Why Psalms 69:4 matters

  • Psalms 69:4 clarifies that David’s suffering is not because of his own wrongdoing, but because of unjust hatred and false accusations, which helps readers understand the depth of his distress.
  • The verse highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed by opposition, using the image of countless hairs to show just how outnumbered and powerless David feels.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, where David continues to plead for God’s help and justice, making it clear that his trust is in God even when people turn against him unfairly.

Where else these words appear

“hairs” Hebrew H8185 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
  • 2 Samuel 14:11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.
  • Job 4:15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:

“destroy” Hebrew H6789 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:41 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
  • Psalms 54:5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
  • Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

“more” 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.

“mighty” 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.