Psalms Chapter 55 · Verse 12
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְחָֽרְפֵ֗נִי
that reproached
H2778
יְחָֽרְפֵ֗נִי
that reproached
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
4 of 11
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
וְאֶ֫שָּׂ֥א
me then I could have borne
H5375
וְאֶ֫שָּׂ֥א
me then I could have borne
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
5 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָלַ֣י
H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הִגְדִּ֑יל
me that did magnify
H1431
הִגְדִּ֑יל
me that did magnify
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
9 of 11
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
Cross References
Psalms 41:9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.John 13:18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.Psalms 35:26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
Historical Context
This likely refers to Ahithophel, David's trusted counselor who joined Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:12). Ahithophel's subsequent suicide (2 Samuel 17:23) parallels Judas's fate, strengthening the typological connection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's experience of betrayal minister to you in your own experiences of treachery?
- What does God's sovereignty over even Judas's betrayal reveal about His control of evil?
Analysis & Commentary
David's pain at betrayal by an intimate companion prophetically foreshadows Christ's betrayal by Judas (John 13:18). The Hebrew 'alluph' (close friend/guide) intensifies the treachery. Reformed theology sees this as typological—David's suffering prefiguring Christ's, demonstrating that God's Messiah would experience the fullness of human grief including betrayal.