King James Version

What Does Psalms 35:19 Mean?

Psalms 35:19 in the King James Version says “Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause. wrongfully: Heb. falsely”

Psalms 35:19 · KJV

Context

17

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

18

I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. much: Heb. strong

19

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause. wrongfully: Heb. falsely

20

For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.

21

Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.

Read Psalms 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Enemies who 'hate me without a cause' directly parallels Christ's words in John 15:25, making this psalm messianic. The 'wink with the eye' signifies conspiratorial contempt (Proverbs 6:13, 10:10), covert signaling of malicious intent. David's innocence and their baseless hatred establish the pattern fulfilled in Christ, whom the world hated though He deserved worship, revealing that righteousness itself provokes fallen humanity's hostility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Body language conveyed meaning in ancient societies where nonverbal communication was culturally codified. The winking eye was universally understood as expressing mockery or secret plotting.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when hated or opposed despite living righteously?
  2. In what ways does Christ's experience of causeless hatred comfort your own?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אַֽל1 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִשְׂמְחוּ2 of 9

“rejoice”

H8055

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

לִ֣י3 of 9
H0
אֹיְבַ֣י4 of 9

“Let not them that are mine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

שֶׁ֑קֶר5 of 9

“wrongfully”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

שֹׂנְאַ֥י6 of 9

“that hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

חִ֝נָּ֗ם7 of 9

“me without a cause”

H2600

gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

יִקְרְצוּ8 of 9

“over me neither let them wink”

H7169

to pinch, i.e., (partially) to bite the lips, blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice), or (fully) to squeeze off (a piece of clay in order to mould a

עָֽיִן׃9 of 9

“with the eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 35:19 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 35:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 69:4John 15:25Proverbs 6:13Psalms 38:19Psalms 13:4Proverbs 10:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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