Psalms 35:16

KJV

With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

KJV (with Strong's)

With hypocritical {H2611} mockers {H3934} in feasts {H4580}, they gnashed {H2786} upon me with their teeth {H8127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With ungodly mocking and grimacing, they grind their teeth at me.

Berean Standard Bible

Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me.

American Standard Version

Like the profane mockers in feasts, They gnashed upon me with their teeth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:16 powerfully articulates the profound anguish and public humiliation experienced by the psalmist, David, at the hands of his adversaries. This verse, deeply embedded within a fervent psalm of lament and imprecation, vividly portrays the intense malice and visceral hatred directed towards him by those who repaid his good with evil. It highlights a public display of contempt and a destructive desire, serving as a poignant cry for divine intervention and justice against unjust persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 35 is an impassioned prayer of lament and imprecation, where David urgently appeals to God for deliverance and vindication against his enemies. The psalm commences with a fervent plea for God to "contend with those who contend with me" and to "fight against those who fight against me" [Psalm 35:1](/psalms/35-1 "Psalm 35:1 - David's Plea for Justice"). Throughout the psalm, David contrasts his own righteous and compassionate conduct towards his adversaries (e.g., his mourning and fasting when they were sick, as described in [Psalm 35:13-14](/psalms/35-13-14 "Psalm 35:13-14 - David's Compassion for His Enemies")) with their unprovoked malice and ingratitude. Verse 16 specifically falls within a section (verses 11-16) where David details the cruel mockery and false accusations he endures, emphasizing the public and deeply personal nature of their attacks. This vivid description of their contempt sets the stage for his renewed and desperate plea for God's swift and decisive intervention in the latter half of the psalm, highlighting the desperate need for divine justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical occasion for Psalms 35 is not explicitly stated, it is widely attributed to David during periods of intense persecution, such as his flight from King Saul (e.g., [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul")) or the treacherous rebellion led by his son Absalom (e.g., [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Israelite society, public honor, reputation, and social standing were paramount. To be publicly mocked or scorned, especially "in feasts" or other public gatherings, constituted a profound act of shaming and social degradation. Such actions were designed to strip an individual of their dignity and standing within the community. The "gnashing of teeth" was a universally recognized and visceral expression of extreme rage, contempt, and often a desire to inflict physical or emotional harm. This imagery underscores the deep-seated, animalistic hatred of David's enemies, revealing their intent to utterly destroy his reputation and well-being.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 35:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes present within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **unjust suffering and persecution of the righteous**. David, despite his benevolent actions, receives only malice and contempt in return, highlighting the profound injustice faced by those who walk in integrity. Secondly, the verse underscores the pervasive theme of **hypocrisy and deceit**, as the "hypocritical mockers" feign one thing while harboring destructive intent. This lament against the wicked, whose outward appearances often belie their corrupt hearts, is a common motif throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 10:7](/psalms/10-7 "Psalm 10:7 - The Wicked's Deceit and Oppression")). Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **malicious hatred and rage** directed at God's servant, emphasizing the intense emotional and spiritual warfare David faced. Lastly, by detailing such profound injustice, the verse implicitly sets the stage for the crucial theme of **divine vindication and justice**. David's only recourse against such overwhelming and unprovoked hatred is to appeal to a righteous God for intervention, a central hope found in many psalms of lament (e.g., [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hypocritical (Hebrew, _chânêph'_):** Derived from the root חָנֵף, this word (H2611) signifies someone who is "soiled (i.e. with sin), impious," or "hypocritical." It denotes a person whose moral character is corrupt, often implying a deceptive outward appearance that masks inner godlessness or malicious intent. In this context, it suggests that the mockers' scorn is not merely casual but stems from a deep-seated wickedness and a lack of integrity, making their actions particularly insidious and hurtful to the psalmist.
* **mockers (Hebrew, _lâʻêg'_):** From the root לָעַג, this term (H3934) refers to "a buffoon" or "mocker." It describes individuals who deride, scoff, or make sport of another. When combined with "hypocritical," it emphasizes that their mockery is not just rude but is rooted in a morally corrupt and impious disposition, adding a layer of deliberate malice and scorn to their actions against David.
* **gnashed (Hebrew, _châraq'_):** This primitive root (H2786) means "to grate the teeth" or "gnash." It is a powerful, visceral verb that conveys intense, uncontrollable rage, fury, and destructive intent. It suggests an almost animalistic display of aggression, signifying a deep-seated animosity that longs to tear apart, consume, or utterly destroy the object of their hatred. It goes beyond mere verbal abuse to indicate a profound, violent desire for the victim's ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With hypocritical mockers in feasts,":** This opening clause immediately establishes the nature and setting of David's tormentors. They are identified as "hypocritical mockers"—individuals whose scorn is rooted in a godless, impious, and deceitful character. The phrase "in feasts" (or public gatherings) underscores the profoundly public and humiliating nature of their attacks. This setting is crucial, as it implies that David was subjected to open ridicule and contempt in social contexts where community, respect, or even celebration might normally be expected. This public shaming amplifies the emotional pain and betrayal, making his suffering all the more acute.
* **"they gnashed upon me with their teeth.":** This second clause vividly describes the extreme, visceral reaction of David's enemies. The act of "gnashing of teeth" is a powerful and universally understood idiom for intense, uncontrollable rage, malice, and a destructive desire. It conveys a deep-seated hatred that is not merely verbal but manifests as an almost animalistic display of fury, signifying their longing to tear David down, to utterly consume him, and to see him destroyed. It speaks to the depth of their animosity and their intent to inflict maximum harm, highlighting the brutal and unbridled nature of their opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey the intensity of David's suffering and the malice of his enemies. The phrase "gnashed upon me with their teeth" is a striking example of **Idiom** and **Hyperbole**, vividly expressing extreme rage and destructive malice. While not literally biting, the imagery conjures a powerful picture of animalistic fury and a predatory intent, making the enemies' hatred palpable and visceral. The setting "in feasts" (or public gatherings) implies a cruel **Irony**, as places typically associated with joy, community, and celebration become arenas for public humiliation and scorn. This stark contrast between expectation and reality heightens the sense of betrayal and injustice. Furthermore, the entire verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a clear and disturbing picture of the psalmist surrounded by hostile, contemptuous individuals whose hatred is so profound it manifests in a physical, almost predatory, display, conveying the full weight of his persecution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:16 powerfully articulates the experience of righteous suffering at the hands of the wicked, a recurring and profound theme throughout Scripture. It highlights the profound injustice inherent when good is repaid with evil, and genuine compassion is met with malicious contempt. The "hypocritical mockers" embody the deceitful and corrupt nature of sin, where outward appearances or social contexts mask deep-seated animosity and a desire for destruction. The "gnashing of teeth" serves as a stark reminder of the visceral, often animalistic, hatred that can motivate human actions, a hatred that stands in stark contrast to God's character of perfect love, righteousness, and justice. Theologically, this verse underscores the fundamental need for divine intervention and vindication, as the psalmist's only hope against such overwhelming and unprovoked malice lies in God's righteous judgment and deliverance. It foreshadows the suffering of God's true servants throughout history, who often face scorn and opposition for their faithfulness and integrity.

* [Psalm 69:7](/psalms/69-7 "Mockery and Shame for God's Sake")
* [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")
* [Acts 7:54](/acts/7-54 "Stephen's Persecutors Gnashing Teeth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse resonates deeply with the universal human experience of facing unjust criticism, betrayal, or public scorn, especially from those who mask their malice or from whom one might expect better. It serves as a stark reminder to believers that suffering for righteousness' sake is not uncommon; indeed, even the most righteous figures in biblical history, including King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, endured such trials and profound mockery. When confronted with such hostility, the response of the righteous, as exemplified by David throughout this psalm, is not to retaliate in kind or to seek personal revenge, but rather to turn to God for vindication, justice, and deliverance. This encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate justice, knowing with certainty that He sees our suffering, hears our cries, and will, in His perfect timing, bring forth truth and righteousness. It calls us to endure patiently, to pray for our enemies, and to rest in the profound assurance that our ultimate vindication comes from the Lord, not from fleeting human approval or the futile pursuit of retaliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond, emotionally and spiritually, when you face unjust criticism, public mockery, or betrayal?**
* **In what ways does the psalmist's appeal to God for justice encourage you to trust God's ultimate vindication rather than seeking personal revenge or validation?**
* **How can the "gnashing of teeth" imagery help you understand the depth and spiritual intensity of opposition faced by believers today?**

### FAQ
**What does "hypocritical mockers in feasts" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "hypocritical mockers" (Hebrew: *chânêph lâʻêg*) refers to individuals who are ungodly, impious, and deceitful in their mockery. Their scorn is not merely casual but rooted in a corrupt character, possibly feigning friendship or respect while harboring deep-seated malice and destructive intent. The phrase "in feasts" (Hebrew: *bemaʻôwg*) is challenging and has been interpreted in various ways. While "feasts" might imply public gatherings or social occasions, the literal Hebrew root (*mâʻôwg*) means "cake" or "round bread." Some scholars interpret it as "mockers for a piece of bread," suggesting they are parasitic or mock for trivial gain, highlighting their base motivations. However, the King James Version's rendering emphasizes the public and humiliating nature of the mockery, occurring in social settings where David's dignity was publicly assailed. This highlights the profound shame and betrayal David experienced from those who should have been allies or at least respectful members of society, amplifying the cruelty of their actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as David, the righteous sufferer, was subjected to the scorn of "hypocritical mockers" and the visceral hatred expressed by "gnashing of teeth," so too was the Son of God. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus endured constant and relentless opposition from religious leaders who were outwardly pious but inwardly full of hypocrisy and malice, as He Himself exposed in His denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27-28 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). His passion narrative is replete with instances of public mockery, scorn, and intense hatred. On the cross, He was reviled by passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders who "gnashed" their verbal teeth at Him, challenging Him to save Himself [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross"). The "gnashing of teeth" imagery, often used in the New Testament to describe the despair of those in judgment [Matthew 13:42](/matthew/13-42 "Matthew 13:42 - Parable of the Weeds"), ironically describes the very rage directed at the one who came to save. Unlike David, who cried out for vindication, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, silently endured this unjust suffering, committing Himself to Him who judges righteously [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering"). His suffering, including this profound mockery, was not for His own sin but for the sins of the world, ultimately leading to His glorious vindication and exaltation by God the Father [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). Thus, David's lament becomes a prophetic echo of the greater suffering and ultimate triumph of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the righteous suffering foreshadowed in the Psalms.

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

Lamentations 2:16

All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].

Job 16:9

He teareth [me] in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

Psalms 37:12

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

John 18:28

¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

1 Corinthians 5:8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.

Isaiah 1:14

Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear [them].

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.