Psalms 35:19

KJV

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: [neither] let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let not them that are mine enemies {H341} wrongfully {H8267} rejoice {H8055}{H8799)} over me: neither let them wink {H7169}{H8799)} with the eye {H5869} that hate {H8130}{H8802)} me without a cause {H2600}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't let those who are wrongfully my enemies gloat over me; and those who hate me unprovoked -don't let them smirk at me.

Berean Standard Bible

Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice.

American Standard Version

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; Neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:19 is a fervent and poignant plea from David to God, imploring Him to prevent his adversaries from celebrating his misfortune or displaying malicious triumph and conspiratorial glee over his suffering. This verse powerfully encapsulates the psalmist's deep distress and his unwavering reliance on divine intervention against enemies whose animosity is entirely unprovoked, highlighting the profound injustice faced by the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a classic lament psalm, a desperate and urgent appeal from David for God's direct intervention against those who unjustly persecute him. The psalm opens with an immediate call for divine action: "Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!" ([Psalms 35:1](/psalms/35-1 "Psalm 35:1 - David's Plea for Vindication")). David vividly describes his enemies as actively plotting his downfall, setting snares, and repaying his good with evil, even when he mourned their afflictions ([Psalms 35:7-12](/psalms/35-7-12 "Psalm 35:7-12 - Enemies' Treachery and David's Compassion")). Verse 19 is situated within a passionate appeal to God's justice, where David emphasizes the baseless nature of his enemies' hatred and their eager desire to mock his suffering. This specific plea for God to thwart their malicious rejoicing directly counters their scornful intentions, underscoring David's complete reliance on divine vindication in the face of overwhelming and unjust opposition. The psalm culminates in a vow of perpetual praise, anticipating God's righteous deliverance ([Psalms 35:28](/psalms/35-28 "Psalm 35:28 - Vow of Praise")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 35 is not explicitly stated, it is commonly associated with periods of intense persecution in David's life, such as his flight from King Saul ([1_samuel/19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - Saul's Attempts to Kill David")) or the traumatic rebellion of his son Absalom ([2_samuel/15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In the ancient Near East, public humiliation and the triumph of one's enemies were considered deeply shameful and often interpreted as a sign of divine disfavor or abandonment. Gestures like "winking with the eye" were far from casual; they typically conveyed malicious intent, mockery, or a conspiratorial understanding, especially in the context of witnessing another's downfall. Such actions constituted a form of psychological warfare, designed to break the spirit and diminish the honor of the victim. David's prayer, therefore, is a profound plea for God to intervene in a way that not only protects him physically but also preserves his honor and reputation against both overt public scorn and covert plots.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several enduring themes found throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, asserting that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately defend the innocent and hold the wicked accountable. David seeks not personal retribution, but God's public vindication of his cause, trusting that the Lord will "awake to my judgment, even to my cause, my God and my Lord" ([Psalms 35:23](/psalms/35-23 "Psalm 35:23 - God's Intervention Sought")). Secondly, the poignant phrase "hate me without a cause" profoundly emphasizes the theme of **Unjust Persecution**, depicting the suffering of the righteous at the hands of those whose malice is entirely unprovoked. This concept of innocent suffering is a recurring motif, powerfully foreshadowing the experience of Christ Himself, as explicitly noted in [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Jesus Hated Without Cause")). Thirdly, the desire of enemies to "wrongfully rejoice" and "wink with the eye" speaks directly to the theme of **Malicious Triumph and Scoffing**, portraying their scornful, gloating attitude and perverse revelry in David's distress. This gesture signifies contempt, conspiracy, and a malicious pleasure in another's downfall, a behavior condemned in wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 6:13](/proverbs/6-13 "Proverbs 6:13 - The Deceitful Wink")). Finally, despite the intense opposition, David's immediate response to turn to God in fervent prayer demonstrates the foundational theme of **Dependence on God**, illustrating his complete trust in divine protection and deliverance as his sole recourse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** From H8055, this root primarily means "to brighten up," or figuratively, "to be blithe or gleesome." It signifies to be glad, joyful, or merry. In the context of Psalms 35:19, when coupled with "wrongfully" (from H8267, _sheqer_), it denotes a joy that is perverse and ill-gotten, derived from injustice or the suffering of an innocent person. It is a celebration of something inherently evil, a malicious delight in another's misfortune that stands in stark opposition to God's righteous character.
* **wink (Hebrew, _qârats'_):** From H7169, this primitive root means "to pinch," specifically referring to biting the lips or blinking the eyes as a gesture of malice. In this verse, it describes a deliberate, scornful action, not a casual or friendly gesture. It conveys malicious intent, mockery, or a conspiratorial signal among those who plot mischief. This gesture implies a shared, silent delight in another's downfall, adding insult to injury and often linked with pride and arrogance in biblical wisdom literature.
* **without a cause (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** From H2600, this term means "gratis," "devoid of cost, reason or advantage." It signifies "for nothing," "undeservedly," or "unjustly." Its presence in the verse powerfully emphasizes the absolute lack of provocation for the hatred and persecution David faced. It highlights the innocence of the sufferer and the profound injustice of the aggressors, underscoring that David had done nothing to merit such animosity. This makes his suffering all the more poignant and his enemies' actions all the more reprehensible in God's sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me:"** This clause is a fervent petition, an imprecation against the malicious triumph of David's adversaries. David prays that God would actively prevent his enemies from experiencing joy, satisfaction, or gloating pleasure at his distress, downfall, or perceived defeat. The implied "wrongfully" (derived from the KJV translation of the Hebrew context) emphasizes that any such rejoicing would be based on injustice and unrighteousness, a celebration of evil rather than good. It is a plea for God to intervene decisively and thwart their desired outcome, denying them the perverse gratification of witnessing David's suffering.
* **"neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause."** This second clause powerfully reinforces the first, adding a layer of specific, scornful, and conspiratorial behavior. David asks God to prevent his enemies from making the malicious gesture of winking, which signifies their shared delight in his misfortune, their contempt for him, and often their secret plotting. The crucial phrase "that hate me without a cause" reiterates the unprovoked and baseless nature of their animosity. It highlights the profound injustice of his situation, where hatred is directed at him for no legitimate reason, making their mockery and desired triumph all the more cruel, undeserved, and morally reprehensible.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:19 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey David's deep distress and his earnest prayer. The entire psalm, including this verse, is a quintessential example of a **Lament**, a structured form of prayer characterized by an outpouring of complaint, an earnest petition for divine intervention, and an ultimate expression of trust in God. Within this lament, David utilizes **Imprecation**, directly appealing to God to act against his enemies, not out of personal vengeance, but as an appeal for divine justice and vindication. The phrase "Let not them..." is a direct imprecatory petition. **Imagery** is powerfully invoked with "wink with the eye," creating a vivid mental picture of scornful, conspiratorial mockery. This specific gesture is a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the eye winking) represents the whole malicious intent and character of the enemies. The repetition of the idea of unprovoked hatred and malicious rejoicing throughout the psalm, and particularly underscored in this verse, serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the profound injustice David faces and the inherent righteousness of his plea.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:19 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning divine justice, the suffering of the righteous, and God's ultimate vindication. It affirms God's character as a righteous judge who meticulously observes the hidden malice and unprovoked hatred directed at His faithful servants. David's prayer is not merely a personal cry but a profound appeal to the moral order of the universe, rooted in the belief that God will not permit the wicked to triumph indefinitely over the innocent. This verse underscores the painful reality of unjust suffering in a fallen world, yet simultaneously points to the unwavering hope that God will ultimately expose, thwart, and judge the schemes of those who delight in evil. It teaches believers to bring their grievances and the depths of their pain to God, trusting in His perfect timing and just intervention, rather than succumbing to bitterness or seeking personal retribution. The "without a cause" aspect is particularly significant, setting the stage for understanding the ultimate innocent suffering of the Messiah.

* [Psalms 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God as a Righteous Judge")
* [Psalms 69:4](/Psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - Hated Without Cause")
* [Proverbs 6:13](/Proverbs/6-13 "Proverbs 6:13 - Deceitful Gestures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 35:19 offers timeless wisdom and a profound model for believers navigating opposition, injustice, or even subtle forms of malice in their lives. Like David, when we face unfair criticism, baseless accusations, or the scorn of those who wish us ill, our primary and most potent response should be to turn to God in fervent, honest prayer. This verse reminds us that God sees and understands the depths of our plight, even the hidden gestures of contempt and the secret delight of our adversaries. It encourages us to lay bare our pain, our pleas for justice, and our longing for vindication before Him, trusting that He is a righteous judge who will ultimately vindicate His own. Rather than succumbing to bitterness, seeking personal vengeance, or allowing the malicious joy of others to define our emotional state or spiritual well-being, we are called to anchor our hope firmly in God's perfect justice and sovereign timing. This posture of faith empowers us to endure patiently, knowing that our ultimate vindication rests not in human approval or retribution, but in the powerful, just, and loving hand of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced "hatred without a cause" or felt others "wrongfully rejoice" over your difficulties? How did you respond, and what did you learn about God's character in that experience?**
* **How does David's earnest prayer in this verse encourage you to bring your own feelings of injustice, distress, and vulnerability directly to God?**
* **What does it truly mean to trust in God's justice when human justice seems to fail or when your adversaries appear to be triumphing? How can this trust shape your perspective?**
* **How can reflecting on this verse help you actively resist bitterness, the temptation to seek revenge, or the desire to retaliate when you have been wronged?**

### FAQ
**What does "wink with the eye" signify in this context?**

Answer: In Psalm 35:19, "wink with the eye" (Hebrew: _qarats ayin_) is not a casual or friendly gesture. It signifies malicious intent, mockery, and often a conspiratorial understanding among the enemies. It implies a secret, shared delight in the psalmist's misfortune or a silent agreement to plot mischief. This gesture adds insult to injury, demonstrating contempt and a perverse joy in the suffering of the righteous, as also noted in [Proverbs 10:10](/proverbs/10-10 "Proverbs 10:10 - The Deceitful Eye") and [Proverbs 6:13](/proverbs/6-13 "Proverbs 6:13 - The Deceitful Wink").

**Why is the phrase "without a cause" so important in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "without a cause" (Hebrew: _chinnâm_) is profoundly significant because it underscores the absolute innocence of the psalmist and the utter injustice of his enemies' hatred and persecution. It means "gratuitously," "for nothing," or "undeservedly." This highlights that David had done nothing to provoke such animosity, making his suffering all the more poignant and the actions of his adversaries all the more reprehensible. The unprovoked nature of the hatred emphasizes the moral depravity of the enemies and strengthens David's righteous appeal for divine intervention. This very phrase is echoed by Jesus in [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Jesus Hated Without Cause"), directly connecting David's experience to the ultimate innocent suffering of the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David's fervent cry of being "hated without a cause" ([Psalms 35:19](/Psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Hated Without Cause")) is directly quoted by Jesus Himself in [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Jesus Hated Without Cause") as a prophecy concerning His own experience. Indeed, Jesus endured the most extreme form of unprovoked hatred, facing baseless accusations, false witnesses, and the malicious scorn of His enemies who "wrongfully rejoiced" over Him at His crucifixion. They "winked with the eye" in mockery, wagging their heads, hurling insults, and taunting Him to save Himself ([Matthew 27:39-43](/Matthew/27-39-43 "Matthew 27:39-43 - Mockery at the Cross")). Yet, unlike David, Jesus did not pray for His enemies to be thwarted in their immediate actions, but rather for their forgiveness, uttering the profound words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/Luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Enemies")). His suffering, though utterly unjust and undeserved, was paradoxically part of God's sovereign redemptive plan, leading to the ultimate vindication through His glorious resurrection and triumphant ascension, where He was exalted far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/Ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Christ not only perfectly embodies the "hated without a cause" righteous sufferer but also demonstrates God's ultimate answer to malicious triumph: not merely preventing it, but transforming it into the very means of salvation for humanity and eternal glory for Himself, offering profound hope and a perfect model for all who suffer unjustly for His name's sake ([1_peter/4-16](/1_peter/4-16 "1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering as a Christian")).

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 69:4

They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored [that] which I took not away.

John 15:25

But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

Proverbs 6:13

He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

Psalms 13:4

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

Psalms 38:19

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

Proverbs 10:10

¶ He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

Psalms 38:16

For I said, [Hear me], lest [otherwise] they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify [themselves] against me.