Psalms 35:13

Authorized King James Version

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But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Original Language Analysis

וַאֲנִ֤י׀ H589
וַאֲנִ֤י׀
Strong's: H589
Word #: 1 of 11
i
בַּחֲלוֹתָ֡ם But as for me when they were sick H2470
בַּחֲלוֹתָ֡ם But as for me when they were sick
Strong's: H2470
Word #: 2 of 11
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
לְב֬וּשִׁי my clothing H3830
לְב֬וּשִׁי my clothing
Strong's: H3830
Word #: 3 of 11
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
שָׂ֗ק was sackcloth H8242
שָׂ֗ק was sackcloth
Strong's: H8242
Word #: 4 of 11
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
עִנֵּ֣יתִי I humbled H6031
עִנֵּ֣יתִי I humbled
Strong's: H6031
Word #: 5 of 11
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
בַצּ֣וֹם with fasting H6685
בַצּ֣וֹם with fasting
Strong's: H6685
Word #: 6 of 11
a fast
נַפְשִׁ֑י my soul H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וּ֝תְפִלָּתִ֗י and my prayer H8605
וּ֝תְפִלָּתִ֗י and my prayer
Strong's: H8605
Word #: 8 of 11
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 9 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חֵיקִ֥י into mine own bosom H2436
חֵיקִ֥י into mine own bosom
Strong's: H2436
Word #: 10 of 11
the bosom (literally or figuratively)
תָשֽׁוּב׃ returned H7725
תָשֽׁוּב׃ returned
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 11 of 11
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis & Commentary

David's response to enemies' sickness demonstrates covenant love transcending personal grievance. Sackcloth and fasting expressed genuine intercession, yet his prayer 'returned into mine own bosom' suggests either unanswered prayer or blessing rebounding to himself. This models Christ's command to love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44), proving that righteous character persists regardless of others' responses.

Historical Context

Sackcloth, coarse goat hair worn during mourning or repentance, physically expressed inner anguish. Ancient Near Eastern culture expected such demonstrations of sympathy, making his enemies' later mockery especially egregious.

Questions for Reflection