King James Version

What Does Psalms 35:26 Mean?

Psalms 35:26 in the King James Version says “Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dish...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.”

Psalms 35:26 · KJV

Context

24

Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

25

Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up. Ah: Heb. Ah, ah, our soul

26

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.

27

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. righteous: Heb. righteousness

28

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Read Psalms 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The judicial imagery reaches its climax: shame and dishonor as divine verdict on the proud who exalted themselves. Being 'clothed' with shame contrasts their desired clothing with honor, showing that God's judgment reverses human aspirations. Those who 'magnify themselves' (Hebrew 'gadal,' make great) against David actually magnify themselves against God's anointed, thus warranting divine humiliation. This anticipates Philippians 2—self-exaltation leads to humbling, humility to exaltation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Clothing metaphors were powerful in cultures where garments signified status. To be clothed with shame meant public disgrace, the opposite of the honor-robes these enemies sought.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride make us vulnerable to divine opposition?
  2. In what ways are you tempted to magnify yourself rather than humble yourself before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ1 of 10

“Let them be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

וְיַחְפְּר֨וּ׀2 of 10

“and brought to confusion”

H2659

to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach

יַחְדָּו֮3 of 10

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

שְׂמֵחֵ֪י4 of 10

“that rejoice”

H8056

blithe or gleeful

רָעָ֫תִ֥י5 of 10

“at mine hurt”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

יִֽלְבְּשׁוּ6 of 10

“let them be clothed”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

בֹ֥שֶׁת7 of 10

“with shame”

H1322

shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

וּכְלִמָּ֑ה8 of 10

“and dishonour”

H3639

disgrace

הַֽמַּגְדִּילִ֥ים9 of 10

“that magnify”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

עָלָֽי׃10 of 10
H5921

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

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 35:26 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 35:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 8:22Psalms 38:16Psalms 132:18Job 19:5Isaiah 41:111 Peter 5:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 35 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes