Psalms 69:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection