Psalms 69:4

Authorized King James Version

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They 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.

Original Language Analysis

רַבּ֤וּ׀ are more H7231
רַבּ֤וּ׀ are more
Strong's: H7231
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad
מִשַּׂעֲר֣וֹת than the hairs H8185
מִשַּׂעֲר֣וֹת than the hairs
Strong's: H8185
Word #: 2 of 14
hairiness
רֹאשִׁי֮ of mine head H7218
רֹאשִׁי֮ of mine head
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 3 of 14
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
שֹׂנְאַ֪י They that hate H8130
שֹׂנְאַ֪י They that hate
Strong's: H8130
Word #: 4 of 14
to hate (personally)
חִ֫נָּ֥ם me without a cause H2600
חִ֫נָּ֥ם me without a cause
Strong's: H2600
Word #: 5 of 14
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
עָצְמ֣וּ are mighty H6105
עָצְמ֣וּ are mighty
Strong's: H6105
Word #: 6 of 14
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
מַ֭צְמִיתַי they that would destroy H6789
מַ֭צְמִיתַי they that would destroy
Strong's: H6789
Word #: 7 of 14
to extirpate (literally or figuratively)
אֹיְבַ֣י me being mine enemies H341
אֹיְבַ֣י me being mine enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 8 of 14
hating; an adversary
שֶׁ֑קֶר wrongfully H8267
שֶׁ֑קֶר wrongfully
Strong's: H8267
Word #: 9 of 14
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
גָ֝זַ֗לְתִּי that which I took not away H1497
גָ֝זַ֗לְתִּי that which I took not away
Strong's: H1497
Word #: 12 of 14
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
אָ֣ז H227
אָ֣ז
Strong's: H227
Word #: 13 of 14
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
אָשִֽׁיב׃ then I restored H7725
אָשִֽׁיב׃ then I restored
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 14 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis & Commentary

Enemies 'more than the hairs of mine head' outnumber and overwhelm. They 'hate me without a cause'—unjust persecution, quoted about Christ in John 15:25. Demanding restoration of what wasn't stolen adds injustice to persecution. This describes Satan's accusations against believers and Christ's bearing sins He didn't commit (2 Corinthians 5:21). The innocent sufferer theme runs from Job through Christ to persecuted believers (2 Timothy 3:12).

Historical Context

David faced numerous enemies throughout his life—Saul's pursuit, Absalom's rebellion, surrounding nations' hostility. Yet his experience pointed beyond itself to the Messiah's greater innocent suffering.

Questions for Reflection