King James Version

What Does Psalms 35:13 Mean?

Psalms 35:13 in the King James Version says “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned in...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. humbled: or, afflicted”

Psalms 35:13 · KJV

Prayer

Context

11

False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not. False: Heb. Witnesses of wrong they: Heb. they asked me

12

They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. spoiling: Heb. depriving

13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. humbled: or, afflicted

14

I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. behaved myself: Heb. walked as though: Heb. as a friend, as a brother to me

15

But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: adversity: Heb. halting

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's response to enemies' sickness demonstrates covenant love transcending personal grievance. Sackcloth and fasting expressed genuine intercession, yet his prayer 'returned into mine own bosom' suggests either unanswered prayer or blessing rebounding to himself. This models Christ's command to love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44), proving that righteous character persists regardless of others' responses.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sackcloth, coarse goat hair worn during mourning or repentance, physically expressed inner anguish. Ancient Near Eastern culture expected such demonstrations of sympathy, making his enemies' later mockery especially egregious.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you prayed for someone who later hurt you? How did that shape your response?
  2. What blessings have 'returned to your bosom' when others rejected your kindness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַאֲנִ֤י׀1 of 11
H589

i

בַּחֲלוֹתָ֡ם2 of 11

“But as for me when they were sick”

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

לְב֬וּשִׁי3 of 11

“my clothing”

H3830

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

שָׂ֗ק4 of 11

“was sackcloth”

H8242

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

עִנֵּ֣יתִי5 of 11

“I humbled”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

בַצּ֣וֹם6 of 11

“with fasting”

H6685

a fast

נַפְשִׁ֑י7 of 11

“my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וּ֝תְפִלָּתִ֗י8 of 11

“and my prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

עַל9 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֵיקִ֥י10 of 11

“into mine own bosom”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

תָשֽׁוּב׃11 of 11

“returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 35:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 35:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 69:10-11Job 30:25Matthew 5:44Matthew 10:13Isaiah 58:5Leviticus 16:31

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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