Psalms 102:8
Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַ֭יּוֹם
me all the day
H3117
הַ֭יּוֹם
me all the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
חֵרְפ֣וּנִי
reproach
H2778
חֵרְפ֣וּנִי
reproach
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
3 of 7
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
Historical Context
In the ancient world, oaths and curses carried serious weight, often invoking divine judgment. Enemies taking oaths against someone indicated extreme hostility and a formal commitment to that person's destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond biblically to persistent criticism and opposition from unbelievers?
- What does Christ's response to His persecutors teach about maintaining love for enemies?
Analysis & Commentary
Constant reproach (charaph) from enemies compounds the psalmist's suffering. 'All the day' indicates relentless persecution. 'Mad against me' suggests enemies consumed by hatred, while 'sworn against me' implies formal oaths to destroy him. This persecution anticipates Christ's experience, who endured constant reproach (Ps 69:9, Rom 15:3) culminating in His trial where false witnesses swore against Him. The Reformed understanding of persecution as normative for believers (2 Tim 3:12) should prepare Christians for similar opposition.