Psalms 35:19
Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
Original Language Analysis
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִשְׂמְחוּ
rejoice
H8055
יִשְׂמְחוּ
rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
2 of 9
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
שֶׁ֑קֶר
wrongfully
H8267
שֶׁ֑קֶר
wrongfully
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
5 of 9
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
חִ֝נָּ֗ם
me without a cause
H2600
חִ֝נָּ֗ם
me without a cause
Strong's:
H2600
Word #:
7 of 9
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
Cross References
Psalms 69:4They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.Psalms 38:19But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.Psalms 13:4Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.Proverbs 6:13He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;John 15:25But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.Proverbs 10:10He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.Psalms 38:16For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
Historical Context
Body language conveyed meaning in ancient societies where nonverbal communication was culturally codified. The winking eye was universally understood as expressing mockery or secret plotting.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when hated or opposed despite living righteously?
- In what ways does Christ's experience of causeless hatred comfort your own?
Analysis & Commentary
Enemies who 'hate me without a cause' directly parallels Christ's words in John 15:25, making this psalm messianic. The 'wink with the eye' signifies conspiratorial contempt (Proverbs 6:13, 10:10), covert signaling of malicious intent. David's innocence and their baseless hatred establish the pattern fulfilled in Christ, whom the world hated though He deserved worship, revealing that righteousness itself provokes fallen humanity's hostility.