Psalms 38:19

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But mine enemies [are] lively, [and] they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But my enemies are alive and well, those who wrongfully hate me increase their numbers;

Berean Standard Bible:

Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.

American Standard Version:

But mine enemies are lively, and are strong; And they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But mine enemies^{H341} are lively^{H2416}, and they are strong^{H6105}{H8804)}: and they that hate^{H8130}{H8802)} me wrongfully^{H8267} are multiplied^{H7231}{H8804)}.

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Commentary for Psalms 38:19

Psalm 38:19 is part of a psalm traditionally attributed to King David, though the exact authorship is not certain. This particular verse reflects a common theme in the Book of Psalms, where the psalmist expresses deep personal distress in the face of adversaries. The historical context of the psalms often mirrors the tumultuous experiences of the Israelites, including periods of exile, conflict, and personal trials.

In this verse, the psalmist is lamenting the stark contrast between his own weakened state and the vigor and strength of his enemies. The phrase "But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong" suggests that the adversaries are not only numerous but also full of energy and vitality, posing a significant threat. The latter part of the verse, "and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied," indicates a sense of injustice, as the psalmist feels wronged and besieged by an increasing number of foes.

The themes present in this verse include the struggle against adversity, a cry for justice, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by opposition. It speaks to the human experience of facing opposition and the emotional toll of feeling outnumbered and overpowered. The psalmist's plea resonates with those who experience unjust suffering and seeks to find solace and strength in the midst of difficult circumstances. This verse, like many in the Psalms, serves as a prayer for deliverance and a reflection on the nature of enemies and conflict, both personal and communal.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H341
   There are 481 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֹיֵב
   Transliteration: ʼôyêb
   Pronunciation: o-yabe'
   Description: or (fully) אוֹיֵב; active participle of אָיַב; hating; an adversary; enemy, foe.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2416
   There are 452 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חַי
   Transliteration: chay
   Pronunciation: khah'-ee
   Description: from חָיָה; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively; [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6105
   There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָצַם
   Transliteration: ʻâtsam
   Pronunciation: aw-tsam'
   Description: a primitive root; also denominatively (from עֶצֶם); to bind fast, i.e. close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones; break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er).
   
4. Strong's Number: H8130
   There are 139 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׂנֵא
   Transliteration: sânêʼ
   Pronunciation: saw-nay'
   Description: a primitive root; to hate (personally); enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8267
   There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁקֶר
   Transliteration: sheqer
   Pronunciation: sheh'-ker
   Description: from שָׁקַר; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7231
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָבַב
   Transliteration: râbab
   Pronunciation: raw-bab'
   Description: a primitive root; (compare רָבִיב); also as denominative from רְבָבָה; properly, to cast together , i.e. increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad; increase, be many(-ifold), be more, multiply, ten thousands.