Psalms 31:11

Authorized King James Version

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I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

Original Language Analysis

מִכָּל H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צֹרְרַ֨י among all mine enemies H6887
צֹרְרַ֨י among all mine enemies
Strong's: H6887
Word #: 2 of 12
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
הָיִ֪יתִי H1961
הָיִ֪יתִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 3 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
חֶרְפָּ֡ה I was a reproach H2781
חֶרְפָּ֡ה I was a reproach
Strong's: H2781
Word #: 4 of 12
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
וְלִ֥שְׁכֵנַ֨י׀ among my neighbours H7934
וְלִ֥שְׁכֵנַ֨י׀ among my neighbours
Strong's: H7934
Word #: 5 of 12
a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
מְאֹד֮ but especially H3966
מְאֹד֮ but especially
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וּפַ֪חַד and a fear H6343
וּפַ֪חַד and a fear
Strong's: H6343
Word #: 7 of 12
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
לִֽמְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥י to mine acquaintance H3045
לִֽמְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥י to mine acquaintance
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 8 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
רֹאַ֥י they that did see H7200
רֹאַ֥י they that did see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 9 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בַּח֑וּץ me without H2351
בַּח֑וּץ me without
Strong's: H2351
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
נָדְד֥וּ fled H5074
נָדְד֥וּ fled
Strong's: H5074
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ H4480
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis & Commentary

I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me. Social death—isolation and rejection compounding physical and emotional suffering. This illustrates how sin and suffering alienate from community, prefiguring Christ's rejection.

A reproach (cherpah—disgrace, scorn) means David has become mockery target, his suffering interpreted as divine judgment. Reformed theology recognizes world often reads God's providence backwards—assuming suffering equals guilt. Job's friends made this error; David experiences it personally.

But especially among my neighbours intensifies pain. Strangers' scorn stings; neighbors' scorn devastates. Those who knew David, who should offer support, join reproach. Betrayal within community compounds external persecution.

A fear to mine acquaintance reveals active avoidance. Hebrew pachad suggests dread or terror. His condition has become so associated with divine displeasure that acquaintances fear contamination by association. This prefigures Christ, despised and rejected, from whom people hid faces (Isaiah 53:3). The Suffering Servant experiences comprehensive abandonment so believers need never be ultimately forsaken.

Historical Context

Social isolation was more painful in ancient collectivist cultures than modern individualistic societies. Hebrew identity was deeply communal—family, clan, tribe, nation. To be cut off meant loss of identity, protection, purpose. David's isolation would be experienced as partial death even while physically alive.

Jesus experienced this rejection supremely. Disciples fled, people chose Barabbas, nation rejected Him as Messiah. The Righteous One bore reproach of unrighteous, absorbing shame so believers can be welcomed into eternal community.

Questions for Reflection