Psalms 119:78
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Original Language Analysis
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
be ashamed
H954
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֶׁ֣קֶר
with me without a cause
H8267
שֶׁ֣קֶר
with me without a cause
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
4 of 8
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
Cross References
Psalms 35:7For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.Psalms 119:21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.Psalms 69:4They 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 35:26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.Psalms 25:3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.Psalms 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Psalms 109:3They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.Psalms 119:23Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.Psalms 119:51The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.Jeremiah 50:32And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.
Historical Context
During the Babylonian exile and post-exilic period, the faithful remnant faced mockery from both pagan oppressors and apostate Israelites. The imprecatory elements in Psalms aren't personal revenge but prayers for God to vindicate His name and justice. Jesus quoted these psalms (John 15:25), identifying with the righteous sufferer.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when falsely accused—with defensive arguing or by returning to meditation on God's Word?
- What does it mean to pray for the shame of the proud while maintaining love for enemies?
- When persecution comes 'without cause,' how does this identify you with Christ's undeserved suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause (יֵבֹשׁוּ זֵדִים כִּי־שֶׁקֶר עִוְּתוּנִי)—the petition for enemies' shame (yevoshu) isn't personal vindictiveness but appeal for divine justice. Zedim (proud/arrogant ones) denotes those who presumptuously oppose God's purposes. Sheker (falsehood) and ivvetuni (they twisted/perverted me) describe slander—they distorted truth about him without cause (chinnam).
But I will meditate in thy precepts (אֲנִי אָשִׂיחַ בְּפִקּוּדֶיךָ) contrasts his response: while enemies attack, he will asiach (meditate/muse) on God's pikudim (precepts). This models Jesus's response to false accusers (1 Peter 2:23) and Paul's counsel to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).