King James Version

What Does Psalms 35:15 Mean?

Psalms 35:15 in the King James Version says “But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together aga...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 35:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. darling: Heb. only one

Read Psalms 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The word 'abjects' (Hebrew 'nakheh') denotes the lowest social class—perhaps mercenaries or ruffians. Their joy at David's 'adversity' (literally 'limping' or stumbling) reveals moral depravity celebrating another's suffering. The phrase 'I knew it not' suggests conspiracy and ambush. This contrasts David's transparency with their deceit, and prophetically pictures Christ's experience: mocked by those He came to save.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Public humiliation was deeply shaming in honor-shame cultures. That strangers gathered against David indicates organized opposition, possibly incited by Saul or Absalom, uniting disparate elements against God's anointed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you guard against taking pleasure in others' misfortunes?
  2. When surrounded by unexpected opposition, where do you find your security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּבְצַלְעִי֮1 of 11

“But in mine adversity”

H6761

a limping or full (figuratively)

שָׂמְח֪וּ2 of 11

“they rejoiced”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

נֶאֶסְפ֬וּ3 of 11

“and gathered themselves together”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

נֶאֶסְפ֬וּ4 of 11

“and gathered themselves together”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

עָלַ֣י5 of 11
H5921

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

נֵ֭כִים6 of 11

“yea the abjects”

H5222

a smiter, i.e., (figuratively) traducer

וְלֹ֣א7 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֑עְתִּי8 of 11

“against me and I knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

קָֽרְע֥וּ9 of 11

“it not they did tear”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

וְלֹא10 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

דָֽמּוּ׃11 of 11

“me and ceased”

H1826

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

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 35:15 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 35:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 14:65Matthew 27:27-30Psalms 7:2Jeremiah 20:10Matthew 27:39-44Psalms 71:10-11

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

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