Psalms 69:19

Authorized King James Version

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Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

Original Language Analysis

אַתָּ֤ה H859
אַתָּ֤ה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 1 of 8
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
יָדַ֗עְתָּ Thou hast known H3045
יָדַ֗עְתָּ Thou hast known
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 2 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
חֶרְפָּתִ֣י my reproach H2781
חֶרְפָּתִ֣י my reproach
Strong's: H2781
Word #: 3 of 8
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
וּ֭בָשְׁתִּי and my shame H1322
וּ֭בָשְׁתִּי and my shame
Strong's: H1322
Word #: 4 of 8
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
וּכְלִמָּתִ֑י and my dishonour H3639
וּכְלִמָּתִ֑י and my dishonour
Strong's: H3639
Word #: 5 of 8
disgrace
נֶ֝גְדְּךָ֗ H5048
נֶ֝גְדְּךָ֗
Strong's: H5048
Word #: 6 of 8
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צוֹרְרָֽי׃ mine adversaries H6887
צוֹרְרָֽי׃ mine adversaries
Strong's: H6887
Word #: 8 of 8
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

Analysis & Commentary

Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. This verse shifts from petition to confidence, acknowledging God's comprehensive awareness. "Thou hast known" (יָדַעְתָּ/yada'ta) uses yada, meaning experiential, intimate knowledge, not mere cognitive awareness. God doesn't simply observe David's suffering from distance but knows it deeply, intimately, as if experiencing it Himself.

"My reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour" (חֶרְפָּתִי וּבָשְׁתִּי וּכְלִמָּתִי/cherpati uvoshti ukhlimati) piles up three Hebrew terms for disgrace, creating comprehensive picture of public humiliation. Each term adds nuance: cherpah (reproach/scorn), boshet (shame/embarrassment), kelimah (dishonor/disgrace). The triple emphasis communicates total loss of honor from every angle. Yet all this is known by God.

"Mine adversaries are all before thee" (נֶגְדְּךָ כָּל־צוֹרְרָי/negdekha khol-tsorerai) declares that enemies, though they surround David, stand before God—exposed to divine scrutiny and judgment. The word order in Hebrew emphasizes "before thee"—God sees everything. This provides comfort (nothing is hidden from divine justice) and confidence (God will act as righteous Judge).

Historical Context

The theme of God knowing His servant's suffering appears throughout biblical lament (Psalm 31:7, 142:3, Lamentations 3:1-20). Against ancient Near Eastern deities portrayed as distant, capricious, or indifferent, Israel's God is intimately aware of His people's afflictions. The exodus narrative emphasizes this: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people... and have heard their cry... for I know their sorrows" (Exodus 3:7).

Honor-shame culture made public disgrace particularly devastating—worse than physical pain or material loss. To lose honor meant losing social standing, influence, and even identity. That God knows this shame provided profound comfort: human judgment isn't final; divine vindication is coming.

For early Christians facing persecution and martyrdom, this verse provided assurance that their suffering wasn't meaningless or unobserved. God knew their reproach, their enemies stood before His judgment, and vindication—if not in this life, certainly in resurrection—was guaranteed.

Questions for Reflection