Psalms 31:11

KJV

I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

I was a reproach {H2781} among all mine enemies {H6887}, but especially {H3966} among my neighbours {H7934}, and a fear {H6343} to mine acquaintance {H3045}: they that did see {H7200} me without {H2351} fled {H5074} from me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am scorned by all my adversaries, and even more by my neighbors; even to acquaintances I am an object of fear when they see me in the street, they turn away from me.

Berean Standard Bible

Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street.

American Standard Version

Because of all mine adversaries I am become a reproach, Yea, unto my neighbors exceedingly, And a fear to mine acquaintance: They that did see me without fled from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 31:11 offers a profoundly poignant and raw depiction of the psalmist's intense social and emotional suffering, vividly portraying his experience of complete ostracism and abandonment. It articulates the crushing weight of public shame, the deep sting of betrayal from those he considered close, and the pervasive sense of being a pariah, shunned and feared by even casual acquaintances. This verse powerfully encapsulates the raw pain of isolation and the devastating impact of human rejection, setting a stark backdrop against which the psalmist's subsequent expressions of trust in God's faithfulness become all the more profound.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 31 is a classic individual lament, a heartfelt cry to God from a psalmist (traditionally David) facing overwhelming distress, persecution, and numerous enemies. While the psalm begins with fervent pleas for deliverance and strong declarations of trust in God's unfailing faithfulness, as seen in verses like [Psalms 31:1](/psalms/31-1 "Psalm 31:1 - David's Plea for Deliverance") ("In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness") and [Psalms 31:5](/psalms/31-5 "Psalm 31:5 - David's Trust in God's Hand") ("Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth"), verse 11 starkly highlights the devastating human cost of his affliction. It serves as a powerful contrast to his unwavering faith, detailing the profound social isolation and humiliation he endured, thereby making his subsequent expressions of reliance on God, particularly in verses 14-16, all the more compelling and resilient. This verse is nestled within a section (verses 9-13) that elaborates on the extent of his physical, emotional, and social anguish, providing a detailed catalogue of his suffering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Assuming Davidic authorship, the psalmist's distress could stem from various periods of his tumultuous life, such as his flight from King Saul, the rebellion of his son Absalom, or other conflicts with adversaries. In ancient Israelite society, community, honor, and reputation were paramount. To be a "reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, _cherpâh_) meant public disgrace and scorn, a form of social death that was deeply humiliating and often perceived as a sign of divine disfavor. The emphasis on "neighbours" and "acquaintance" underscores the particular pain of betrayal and abandonment from within one's own immediate social fabric, rather than merely from external enemies. Furthermore, in a culture where suffering was often simplistically linked to divine judgment (as seen in the [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - A Study of Suffering and Faith")), those who "fled" from the psalmist might have done so out of fear of association with someone perceived to be under a curse or divine disfavor, adding another layer to his profound isolation and amplifying his sense of being a pariah.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Profound Ostracization**, describing not merely hatred from adversaries but active avoidance and dread from those he knew, painting a vivid picture of complete social abandonment where even casual acquaintances shunned him. Secondly, the phrase "but especially among my neighbours" emphasizes **The Sting of Betrayal**, underscoring the deep hurt of rejection from within one's own community, reflecting a common human experience of disappointment from trusted companions, as seen in [Psalms 44:13](/psalms/44-13 "Psalm 44:13 - Reproach and Scorn Among Neighbors"). Thirdly, to be a "reproach" signifies **Public Shame and Reproach**, indicating that his suffering was not merely internal but had become a matter of public ridicule and disgrace, adding a heavy burden to his affliction and echoing the societal disgrace faced by figures like Jeremiah in [Lamentations 3:14](/lamentations/3-14 "Lamentations 3:14 - Jeremiah as a Derision to All People"). Finally, the verse implicitly sets up the overarching theme of **Human Vulnerability versus Divine Faithfulness**, where the psalmist's ultimate refuge in God, articulated in [Psalms 31:14](/psalms/31-14 "Psalm 31:14 - David's Trust in God Amidst Trouble"), stands in stark contrast to the complete failure of human support.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, this term signifies contumely, disgrace, or public shame. It conveys a profound sense of being an object of derision and mockery, often associated with perceived divine disfavor or social humiliation. The psalmist is not merely experiencing internal pain but has become a public spectacle of scorn, a target for open contempt.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** From H6343, this word denotes a sudden alarm, dread, or terror. It suggests that the psalmist's acquaintances did not merely avoid him out of indifference, but did so out of a sense of active apprehension or dread, perhaps fearing that associating with him would bring misfortune or taint them in some way, given his perceived status as an outcast. This is not just avoidance, but an active, fearful distancing.
* **Fled (Hebrew, _nâdad'_):** From H5074, this primitive root means to wave to and fro, figuratively to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away. In this context, it implies a rapid, decisive movement away from the psalmist, emphasizing the extreme and active nature of the social rejection he faced. It paints a vivid picture of people actively and deliberately distancing themselves from him upon sight, highlighting the intensity of his pariah status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I was a reproach among all mine enemies":** The psalmist has become an object of scorn, mockery, and public disgrace in the eyes of his adversaries. His suffering is not hidden but is a source of triumph and derision for those who wish him ill, indicating a complete loss of honor and standing in their estimation.
* **"but especially among my neighbours":** This clause intensifies the pain described. While rejection from enemies is expected, the betrayal and abandonment from those within his immediate community—people who should have offered support and solidarity due to their proximity and shared life—inflicts a far deeper, more personal wound, highlighting the profound sting of intimate betrayal.
* **"and a fear to mine acquaintance":** Those who knew him, even casually (from H3045, _yâdaʻ_, "to know," implying familiarity), were not merely indifferent or avoidant, but actively dreaded him. This suggests a perception that he was somehow cursed, contagious, or dangerous to associate with, leading to active apprehension and distancing, transforming familiarity into dread.
* **"they that did see me without fled from me":** This final phrase vividly illustrates the extreme extent of his social isolation. Even a chance encounter in public (from H2351, _chûwts_, "outside" or "outdoors") led to people actively taking flight from him, indicating a total and public shunning that left the psalmist utterly alone and marginalized, a pariah in the truest sense.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 31:11 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the psalmist's profound distress and social abandonment. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping statement that "all mine enemies" and "they that did see me without fled from me," which, while perhaps not literally true for every single person, effectively conveys the overwhelming and pervasive nature of his social isolation and the depth of his subjective experience. **Parallelism** is also at play, particularly in the intensifying progression from "enemies" to "neighbours" and "acquaintance," and from being a "reproach" to a "fear," culminating in the dramatic image of people fleeing. This escalating structure builds the sense of increasing abandonment and the widening circle of rejection. The verse is rich in **Pathos**, effectively evoking strong feelings of pity, sadness, and empathy for the psalmist's suffering, drawing the reader into his emotional anguish. Finally, the stark **Imagery** of people actively "fleeing" upon seeing him creates a vivid mental picture, powerfully emphasizing his pariah status and the depth of his public humiliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the profound pain of social rejection and betrayal, a theme woven throughout Scripture. It underscores the vulnerability of even the righteous to public scorn and the deep wound inflicted when those closest turn away. The psalmist's experience challenges the simplistic notion, prevalent in ancient thought, that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin, inviting us instead to consider the complexities of human malice, the trials faced by those who walk faithfully, and the mystery of innocent suffering. It also sets the stage for understanding how God's faithfulness can be most powerfully demonstrated precisely when human support completely fails, highlighting a divine sovereignty and steadfast love that transcends human judgment and abandonment.

* [Job 19:13-19](/job/19-13-19 "Job 19:13-19 - Job's Friends and Relatives Abandon Him")
* [Lamentations 3:14](/lamentations/3-14 "Lamentations 3:14 - Jeremiah as a Derision to All People")
* [Psalm 69:7-8](/psalms/69-7-8 "Psalm 69:7-8 - The Messiah's Reproach for God's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 31:11 serves as a profound validation for anyone who has experienced the sting of social rejection, betrayal, or public shame. It reminds us that such pain is not new, nor is it necessarily a sign of divine abandonment or personal failing. Instead, it calls us to cultivate deep empathy for the marginalized and ostracized within our own communities and globally, recognizing the devastating impact of social isolation and the profound human need for belonging. For those enduring similar trials, this verse offers solace in knowing that their suffering is understood and acknowledged within the biblical narrative, connecting their experience to that of a righteous psalmist. It also challenges us to examine our own responses to those who are struggling – do we, like the psalmist's acquaintances, flee out of discomfort, fear of association, or judgment, or do we extend compassion and support, mirroring the steadfast love of God even when others falter? Ultimately, it points us to the enduring truth that even when all human support fails and we are utterly alone, God remains our ultimate refuge and deliverer, a constant presence in our deepest trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's experience of social isolation resonate with modern feelings of loneliness, being misunderstood, or "cancelled" in today's interconnected yet often isolating society?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps unintentionally, contribute to the ostracization of others in our communities, churches, or online interactions, and how can we counter such tendencies?**
* **When facing betrayal or public criticism, how can we lean into God's faithfulness as the psalmist ultimately did, rather than succumbing to despair or seeking validation from those who reject us?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that the psalmist was being punished by God?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While ancient Near Eastern thought often linked suffering directly to sin, the broader biblical narrative, especially in books like [Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - A Study of Suffering and Faith"), challenges this simplistic correlation. The psalmist's lament here expresses the *experience* of being treated as if he were cursed or disfavored by others, but the psalm as a whole, particularly in verses such as [Psalms 31:14](/psalms/31-14 "Psalm 31:14 - David's Trust in God Amidst Trouble") ("But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God"), consistently affirms his trust in God's righteousness and deliverance. This suggests his suffering is a trial, a test of faith, or a consequence of human malice, rather than necessarily a direct divine judgment for personal sin.

**How can I find comfort in this verse if I feel similarly rejected or abandoned?**

Answer: This verse offers profound comfort by validating your pain, showing that even righteous figures in the Bible experienced the deep emotional and social distress of rejection. The key is to read it within the larger context of [Psalm 31](/psalms/31 "Psalm 31 - A Psalm of Lament and Trust"), which, despite the intense lament, ultimately moves towards an unwavering trust in God's unfailing love and deliverance. While human support may fail and people may flee, God remains a steadfast refuge and a source of hope. Your experience of being seen and understood within the biblical narrative can be a powerful source of solace, reminding you that ultimate hope and acceptance are found in Him, not in fleeting human approval.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The psalmist's lament in [Psalms 31:11](/psalms/31-11 "Psalm 31:11 - The Psalmist's Reproach and Abandonment") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He was truly "a reproach among all" (cf. [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant Despised and Rejected")), not only scorned by His enemies but also betrayed by one of His closest disciples ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal by Judas")) and abandoned by His "neighbours"—His own people, who cried out, "Crucify him!" ([Luke 23:21](/luke/23-21 "Luke 23:21 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). Even His acquaintances, the disciples, "forsook him, and fled" ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Flee Jesus' Arrest")) when He was arrested, leaving Him utterly alone. Jesus became the ultimate object of public shame, disgrace, and fear, being crucified outside the city walls, a public spectacle of utter rejection and humiliation ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). Yet, precisely in this complete human abandonment and the depths of His suffering, God's faithfulness was most powerfully displayed, as Christ's voluntary suffering and death became the means of salvation for all who believe, demonstrating that even in the deepest depths of human rejection, God's redemptive plan prevails and brings about ultimate exaltation ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 38:11

My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

Psalms 88:8

Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: [I am] shut up, and I cannot come forth.

Psalms 88:18

Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, [and] mine acquaintance into darkness.

Matthew 26:56

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Psalms 41:8

An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him: and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

Job 19:13

He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.