Psalms 38:19
But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
Original Language Analysis
חַיִּ֣ים
are lively
H2416
חַיִּ֣ים
are lively
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
2 of 6
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
עָצֵ֑מוּ
and they are strong
H6105
עָצֵ֑מוּ
and they are strong
Strong's:
H6105
Word #:
3 of 6
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
וְרַבּ֖וּ
are multiplied
H7231
וְרַבּ֖וּ
are multiplied
Strong's:
H7231
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad
Historical Context
David's conspiring enemies (Absalom, Ahithophel, others) gained strength precisely when illness/discipline weakened him. Ancient near eastern politics operated on perceived strength—vultures circled the wounded. The multiplication of 'wrongful' enemies suggests opportunistic allies joining David's downfall. Yet this same pattern would characterize Messiah's rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when legitimate discipline from God coincides with illegitimate attacks from enemies?
- What does the flourishing of 'wrongful' enemies while you're weakened teach about temporal versus eternal justice?
- How does knowing Christ was 'hated wrongfully' encourage you when suffering unjust opposition during seasons of discipline?
Analysis & Commentary
But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. The contrast: David weakens (vv.1-18) while enemies are lively (חַי, chay, vigorous/living) and strong (עָצוּם, atsum, mighty/numerous). Those who hate wrongfully (שָׂנֵא שֶׁקֶר, sane sheqer, hate with deception/falsehood) are multiplied (רָבַב, rabab, increased).
David experiences the paradox of discipline: while he's crushed under God's hand, his adversaries flourish. The phrase 'hate me wrongfully' (Hebrew: sheqer, without cause/falsely) anticipates Psalm 69:4 and Christ's prophecy: 'They hated me without a cause' (John 15:25). Unjust suffering while weakened by legitimate discipline creates profound tension—testing whether David will trust God's justice or despair.