Psalms 31:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צֹרְרַ֨י

H6887

among all mine enemies

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

הָיִ֪יתִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חֶרְפָּ֡ה

H2781

I was a reproach

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

וְלִ֥שְׁכֵנַ֨י׀

H7934

among my neighbours

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

מְאֹד֮

H3966

but especially

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וּפַ֪חַד

H6343

and a fear

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

לִֽמְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥י

H3045

to mine acquaintance

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

רֹאַ֥י

H7200

they that did see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#10

בַּח֑וּץ

H2351

me without

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#11

נָדְד֥וּ

H5074

fled

properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away

#12

מִמֶּֽנִּי׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?