Psalms 35:21

Authorized King James Version

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Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּרְחִ֥יבוּ wide H7337
וַיַּרְחִ֥יבוּ wide
Strong's: H7337
Word #: 1 of 8
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
עָלַ֗י H5921
עָלַ֗י
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֫יהֶ֥ם Yea they opened their mouth H6310
פִּ֫יהֶ֥ם Yea they opened their mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 3 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
אָ֭מְרוּ against me and said H559
אָ֭מְרוּ against me and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 4 of 8
to say (used with great latitude)
הֶאָ֑ח Aha H1889
הֶאָ֑ח Aha
Strong's: H1889
Word #: 5 of 8
aha!
הֶאָ֑ח Aha H1889
הֶאָ֑ח Aha
Strong's: H1889
Word #: 6 of 8
aha!
רָאֲתָ֥ה hath seen H7200
רָאֲתָ֥ה hath seen
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 7 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֵינֵֽנוּ׃ our eye H5869
עֵינֵֽנוּ׃ our eye
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 8 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis & Commentary

The double 'Aha, aha' expresses triumphant gloating, the enemy's premature celebration of apparent victory. 'Our eye hath seen it' suggests catching someone in compromising circumstances or witnessing their downfall. Yet God also sees, and His seeing carries judicial weight—He observes both the wicked's triumph and the righteous person's vindication. This sets up the contrast between human perception and divine knowledge, where earthly verdicts don't constitute final judgment.

Historical Context

Ancient legal proceedings relied heavily on eyewitness testimony. The enemies claim visual proof of David's guilt or defeat, but David appeals to God's superior sight that knows truth.

Questions for Reflection