King James Version

What Does Psalms 35:14 Mean?

Psalms 35:14 in the King James Version says “I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 35:14 · KJV

Context

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

16

With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

Read Psalms 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew intensifies the intimacy: 'rea' (friend), 'ach' (brother), and mourning 'for his mother' represent the deepest human connections. David's grief was authentic, not performative, revealing Christlike compassion for enemies. Yet this very vulnerability became occasion for their attack (v. 15), teaching that godly love risks betrayal but remains the commanded path, for 'while we were yet enemies, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mourning rituals in ancient Israel included specific bodily postures and garments. David's adoption of these customs for his enemies' sake showed extraordinary compassion transcending tribal loyalty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How genuinely do you care for those who may later become adversaries?
  2. In what ways does Christ's love for enemies challenge your natural responses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כְּרֵֽעַ1 of 8

“myself as though he had been my friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

כְּאָ֣ח2 of 8

“or brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

לִ֭י3 of 8
H0
הִתְהַלָּ֑כְתִּי4 of 8

“I behaved”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כַּאֲבֶל5 of 8

“as one that mourneth”

H57

lamenting

אֵ֝֗ם6 of 8

“for his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

קֹדֵ֥ר7 of 8

“heavily”

H6937

to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)

שַׁחֽוֹתִי׃8 of 8

“I bowed down”

H7817

to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)

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 35:14 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 35:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:41-422 Samuel 1:11-12Psalms 38:62 Samuel 1:17-27Genesis 24:67

Test Your Knowledge

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

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