Psalms 35:14
I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
Original Language Analysis
כְּרֵֽעַ
myself as though he had been my friend
H7453
כְּרֵֽעַ
myself as though he had been my friend
Strong's:
H7453
Word #:
1 of 8
an associate (more or less close)
כְּאָ֣ח
or brother
H251
כְּאָ֣ח
or brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
2 of 8
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
הִתְהַלָּ֑כְתִּי
I behaved
H1980
הִתְהַלָּ֑כְתִּי
I behaved
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֵ֝֗ם
for his mother
H517
אֵ֝֗ם
for his mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
6 of 8
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
Historical Context
Mourning rituals in ancient Israel included specific bodily postures and garments. David's adoption of these customs for his enemies' sake showed extraordinary compassion transcending tribal loyalty.
Questions for Reflection
- How genuinely do you care for those who may later become adversaries?
- In what ways does Christ's love for enemies challenge your natural responses?
Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew intensifies the intimacy: 'rea' (friend), 'ach' (brother), and mourning 'for his mother' represent the deepest human connections. David's grief was authentic, not performative, revealing Christlike compassion for enemies. Yet this very vulnerability became occasion for their attack (v. 15), teaching that godly love risks betrayal but remains the commanded path, for 'while we were yet enemies, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8).