Psalms 35:15

Authorized King James Version

But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְצַלְעִי֮
But in mine adversity
a limping or full (figuratively)
#2
שָׂמְח֪וּ
they rejoiced
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#3
נֶאֶסְפ֬וּ
and gathered themselves together
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#4
נֶאֶסְפ֬וּ
and gathered themselves together
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#5
עָלַ֣י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
נֵ֭כִים
yea the abjects
a smiter, i.e., (figuratively) traducer
#7
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יָדַ֑עְתִּי
against me and I knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
קָֽרְע֥וּ
it not they did tear
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
#10
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
דָֽמּוּ׃
me and ceased
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection