Psalms 69:8

Authorized King James Version

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I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.

Original Language Analysis

מ֭וּזָר I am become a stranger H2114
מ֭וּזָר I am become a stranger
Strong's: H2114
Word #: 1 of 6
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
הָיִ֣יתִי H1961
הָיִ֣יתִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְאֶחָ֑י unto my brethren H251
לְאֶחָ֑י unto my brethren
Strong's: H251
Word #: 3 of 6
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וְ֝נָכְרִ֗י and an alien H5237
וְ֝נָכְרִ֗י and an alien
Strong's: H5237
Word #: 4 of 6
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
לִבְנֵ֥י children H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 5 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִמִּֽי׃ unto my mother's H517
אִמִּֽי׃ unto my mother's
Strong's: H517
Word #: 6 of 6
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

Analysis & Commentary

I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. This verse intensifies the description of suffering by revealing familial alienation. "Stranger" (זָר/zar) and "alien" (נָכְרִי/nokhri) are strong terms for outsider, foreigner, one who doesn't belong. David isn't merely misunderstood by family but treated as if no kinship bond existed—the most painful form of rejection in collectivist, family-centered culture.

"My brethren" and "my mother's children" might refer literally to David's biological siblings (who showed contempt for him in 1 Samuel 17:28) or metaphorically to fellow Israelites, his covenant brothers. The repetition emphasizes completeness of rejection. Even those who should stand with him by blood and covenant have turned away.

This verse profoundly anticipates Christ, who "came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11). His brothers didn't believe in Him (John 7:5). Jesus warned disciples they would experience similar alienation: "a man's foes shall be they of his own household" (Matthew 10:36).

Historical Context

Ancient Israelite society was intensely familial and tribal. Identity, security, inheritance, and social standing all flowed from family connections. To be treated as a stranger by one's own family meant losing all social foundation and protection. This wasn't merely emotional pain but threatened survival itself.

David's brothers did show contempt for him (1 Samuel 17:28), and his wife Michal despised him (2 Samuel 6:16). Throughout his life, David experienced betrayal by those closest: his son Absalom, his counselor Ahithophel, and others.

For the early church, this verse captured the experience of Jewish Christians expelled from synagogues and disowned by families for confessing Jesus as Messiah.

Questions for Reflection