Psalms 59:3
For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְנַפְשִׁ֗י
for my soul
H5315
לְנַפְשִׁ֗י
for my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יָג֣וּרוּ
are gathered
H1481
יָג֣וּרוּ
are gathered
Strong's:
H1481
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
עָלַ֣י
H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
פִשְׁעִ֖י
against me not for my transgression
H6588
פִשְׁעִ֖י
against me not for my transgression
Strong's:
H6588
Word #:
9 of 12
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 56:6They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.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.1 Samuel 24:11Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.Proverbs 12:6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.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.Micah 7:2The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.Acts 23:21But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.Psalms 38:12They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.Psalms 2:2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,1 Samuel 26:18And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?
Historical Context
This verse addresses the false charges Saul leveled against David. Despite Jonathan's defense (1 Samuel 19:4-5) and David's proven loyalty, Saul persisted in murderous intent, demonstrating that righteousness doesn't guarantee earthly justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when suffering is not connected to personal sin?
- What does Christ's undeserved suffering teach about God's purposes in allowing the righteous to suffer?
Analysis & Commentary
David's innocence claim 'not for my transgression, nor for my sin' demonstrates that suffering isn't always punitive. The Hebrew 'pesha' (transgression/rebellion) and 'chatta'ah' (sin/missing the mark) cover all categories of offense. David faces persecution despite righteousness, prefiguring Christ who suffered 'not for his own sins' but for ours (1 Peter 2:22-24).