King James Version

What Does Psalms 35:27 Mean?

Psalms 35:27 in the King James Version says “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magn...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 35:27 · KJV

Joy

Context

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
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. After calling for judgment on his enemies (verses 4-8, 26), David now prays for his allies' joy. This demonstrates godly concern for others even amid personal crisis. David wants those who support his 'righteous cause' (tzidqi, צִדְקִי) to experience joy and gladness when God vindicates him.

'That favour my righteous cause' (chafetzei tzidqi, חֲפֵצֵי צִדְקִי) literally means 'those who delight in my righteousness.' David's supporters aren't merely political allies but those who desire justice and righteousness to prevail. They share David's values and recognize his cause as just. Their joy in his vindication isn't partisan celebration but rejoicing in righteousness vindicated and justice executed.

The phrase 'let them say continually' (yomru tamid, יֹאמְרוּ תָמִיד) emphasizes ongoing, perpetual praise—not momentary celebration but sustained testimony. The content of their testimony is crucial: 'Let the LORD be magnified.' This moves beyond thanking God for favorable outcomes to magnifying God's character. The focus shifts from the blessing to the Blesser, from deliverance to the Deliverer.

The final clause reveals God's heart: He 'hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant' (chafetz shalom avdo, חָפֵץ שְׁלוֹם עַבְדּוֹ). The word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) encompasses far more than material prosperity—it means peace, wholeness, well-being, flourishing in every dimension. God delights (chafetz, the same root as 'favour' earlier) in His servants' comprehensive well-being. This counters false theology that God delights in His people's suffering. While He uses suffering redemptively, His ultimate desire is for His children's flourishing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects ancient Near Eastern concepts of corporate identity and shared destiny. In David's world, individuals weren't isolated autonomous units but members of communities whose fortunes rose and fell together. When the king prospered, the nation prospered; when he suffered, they suffered. David's prayer for his supporters' joy recognizes this interconnectedness—his vindication benefits not just himself but all who aligned with his cause.

The phrase 'righteous cause' had legal implications in ancient Israel. Court cases were evaluated based on righteousness—whether the plaintiff's claim was just and whether the defendant was innocent or guilty. David's confidence in his 'righteous cause' wasn't arrogance but conviction that God's investigation would vindicate him. He had not conspired against Saul despite opportunity (1 Samuel 24, 26), had not sought Absalom's throne but had been driven from it, had not committed the crimes his enemies alleged.

The concept of God taking 'pleasure in the prosperity of his servant' distinguishes biblical faith from pagan religion. Ancient deities were often capricious, jealous of human success, or indifferent to human welfare. In contrast, YHWH delights in blessing His covenant people. This divine benevolence wasn't unconditional—it operated within covenant relationship—but it was genuine. God desired Israel's flourishing, promising abundance, peace, and victory if they obeyed (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

Jesus embodied this divine pleasure in human flourishing. His ministry was characterized by healing, feeding, delivering, and restoring people to wholeness. He stated His purpose: 'I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly' (John 10:10). God's pleasure in His servants' shalom is ultimately expressed in Christ's redemptive work, restoring comprehensive wholeness to fallen humanity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the people 'that favour your righteous cause,' and how can you pray for their joy?
  2. What does it mean for God to take 'pleasure in your prosperity,' and how does this affect your view of blessing?
  3. How can you ensure your prayers focus on magnifying the LORD rather than merely receiving benefits?
  4. What is the difference between circumstantial happiness and the ongoing testimony to 'let the LORD be magnified'?
  5. In what ways does understanding <em>shalom</em> (comprehensive flourishing) expand your concept of God's desires for you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יָרֹ֣נּוּ1 of 11

“Let them shout for joy”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

וְיִשְׂמְחוּ֮2 of 11

“and be glad”

H8055

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

הֶ֝חָפֵ֗ץ3 of 11

“that favour”

H2655

pleased with

צִ֫דְקִ֥י4 of 11

“my righteous cause”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וְיֹאמְר֣וּ5 of 11

“yea let them say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תָ֭מִיד6 of 11

“continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

יִגְדַּ֣ל7 of 11

“be magnified”

H1431

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

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 11

“Let the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֶ֝חָפֵ֗ץ9 of 11

“that favour”

H2655

pleased with

שְׁל֣וֹם10 of 11

“in the prosperity”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

עַבְדּֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“of his servant”

H5650

a servant

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 35:27 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 35:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 32:40-41Psalms 149:4Zephaniah 3:17Psalms 40:16Proverbs 8:18Psalms 70:4

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