Psalms 35:21

KJV

Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, [and] said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, they opened their mouth {H6310} wide {H7337} against me, and said {H559}{H8804)}, Aha {H1889}, aha {H1889}, our eye {H5869} hath seen {H7200}{H8804)} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

They shout to accuse me, "Aha! Aha! we saw you with our own eyes!"

Berean Standard Bible

They gape at me and say, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!”

American Standard Version

Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me; They said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:21 powerfully depicts the unbridled malice and triumphant mockery of David's adversaries. They openly gloat over his perceived downfall, expressing cruel satisfaction as if their schemes against him have been fully realized. This verse underscores the deep emotional pain inflicted by public ridicule and highlights the profound injustice faced by the psalmist, setting the stage for his desperate plea for divine intervention and vindication against such relentless hostility, revealing the spiritual warfare inherent in such unprovoked attacks.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a fervent prayer of David, pleading with God for deliverance and vindication from his enemies. It is a psalm of lament and imprecation, where David describes the intense and unjust persecution he faces from those who seek his harm without cause. The psalm details their treachery, false accusations, and malicious intent, often using vivid imagery to portray their aggression. Verse 21 specifically highlights the public and open mockery David endures, following earlier verses that describe their secret plotting and triumphant expectation of his downfall. This psalm offers a profound insight into the emotional and spiritual struggles of the righteous facing unprovoked hostility, a theme echoed in many of David's other laments, such as when he describes the multitude of his enemies who hate him without cause in [Psalm 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - David's Enemies Hate Him Without Cause"). The progression from secret plotting (vv. 7-8) to open taunting (v. 21) intensifies David's distress and his subsequent appeal for God to intervene and expose their wickedness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was marked by periods of intense persecution, notably from King Saul and later from Absalom. This psalm likely reflects a time when he was unjustly accused or pursued, possibly during his flight from Saul (e.g., [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul")) or during Absalom's rebellion (e.g., [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public shaming and mockery were potent forms of social warfare, designed to strip an individual of their honor and standing. The "opening of the mouth wide" and public "Aha, aha" would have been deeply humiliating, aiming to destroy reputation and morale. Such public declarations of perceived victory were common tactics to assert dominance and demoralize an opponent, often preceding or accompanying physical harm. The cultural emphasis on honor and shame meant that such public taunting was not merely verbal abuse but a severe assault on one's social identity and worth, making the psalmist's plea for divine intervention a desperate cry for restoration of honor.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes of Psalms 35:21 revolve around the **malicious mockery and taunting** endured by the righteous. The repeated "Aha, aha" is an onomatopoeic expression of cruel glee, signifying the enemies' triumphant satisfaction and derision at David's perceived downfall. This highlights the pervasive theme of **unjust persecution**, where David consistently asserts his innocence against baseless accusations, as seen in other psalms where he appeals for God's deliverance from those who afflict him without cause, like [Psalm 7:1](/psalms/7-1 "Psalm 7:1 - David's Plea for Deliverance"). The phrase "Our eye hath seen it" conveys their **spiteful observation** and declaration of perceived victory, believing their evil desires have been fulfilled. Consequently, the verse powerfully underscores **the desperate need for divine vindication**, as David's only recourse against such public humiliation and unprovoked hostility is to appeal to God, the ultimate Judge, for justice and defense. This plea for God to "see" and "judge" is a recurring motif throughout the psalm, contrasting with the enemies' malicious "seeing."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** H6310. The term "mouth" (H6310, _peh'_) here signifies the instrument of speech, but in this context, it is "opened wide" (from H7337, _râchab_). This combination implies an unrestrained, aggressive, and public verbal assault. It's not merely speaking, but an unbridled outpouring of malicious words, indicative of contempt, accusation, and even a predatory intent. The "wide" aspect amplifies the sense of unbridled hostility and a complete lack of shame in their verbal attack, suggesting a devouring or consuming intent.
* **Aha (Hebrew, _heʼâch'_):** H1889. This onomatopoeic interjection (H1889, _heʼâch'_) is repeated for emphasis, powerfully conveying malicious glee, triumphant scorn, and derisive satisfaction. It is the sound of "Gotcha!" or "Just as we wanted!" and is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to express cruel delight at another's misfortune. Its double utterance underscores the intensity and unashamed nature of their gloating, a public declaration of perceived victory and an unholy joy in the suffering of the psalmist.
* **Eye (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** H5869. The "eye" (H5869, _ʻayin'_) in this phrase represents the enemies' perception and observation, leading to their declaration of "hath seen it." This signifies a perceived confirmation of their desired outcome. It implies that David's adversaries believe they have witnessed his ruin, caught him in a vulnerable position, or seen their evil schemes come to fruition. It's a statement of satisfaction and self-congratulation, as if their malicious desires have been fulfilled and validated by what they have observed, culminating in their triumphant taunt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me,"**: This clause introduces the aggressive and uninhibited verbal assault David endures. The "opening of the mouth wide" signifies a bold, unrestrained, and public display of contempt and hostility, indicating that his enemies are not merely whispering but loudly proclaiming their animosity and accusations against him without shame or reservation. It suggests a predatory eagerness to consume or destroy David's reputation and spirit.
* **"and said, Aha, aha,"**: This segment captures the core of their malicious mockery. The repeated interjection "Aha, aha" is an onomatopoeic expression of cruel delight, triumphant scorn, and derisive satisfaction. It reveals their gloating over David's distress or perceived downfall, demonstrating an unholy joy in his suffering and a declaration of their perceived victory over him, amplifying the intensity of their unashamed derision.
* **"our eye hath seen it."**: This concluding phrase solidifies their sense of triumph and validation. It suggests that David's adversaries believe they have witnessed his ruin, his vulnerability, or the successful outcome of their plots against him. It is a declaration of perceived factual confirmation, as if their malicious desires have been fulfilled and they are now reveling in the tangible evidence of his misfortune, confirming their wicked satisfaction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the intensity of the enemies' malice. The most striking is **Onomatopoeia** in the repeated "Aha, aha" (Hebrew: *he'ach*), which directly mimics the sound of cruel, triumphant glee, making the mockery palpable to the reader. This repetition also serves as an emphatic **Repetition**, amplifying the scorn and delight of the adversaries and underscoring their unashamed gloating. The phrase "opened their mouth wide against me" uses vivid **Imagery** to depict an unrestrained, aggressive verbal attack, almost a devouring action, and could be seen as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme nature of their contempt and the depth of their hostility. Furthermore, the declaration "our eye hath seen it" employs **Synecdoche**, where "eye" represents the full perception and satisfaction of the enemies, signifying their complete and confirmed observation of David's perceived downfall. The entire verse is a masterclass in conveying the psychological warfare waged by David's foes and the profound emotional pain it inflicts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:21 profoundly illustrates the spiritual and emotional warfare faced by the righteous when confronted with unprovoked malice. The enemies' "Aha, aha" is not merely a taunt but a manifestation of a deeper spiritual antagonism, a joy in the suffering of the innocent that stands in stark contrast to God's character. This verse highlights the theme of divine justice and vindication, as David's appeal to God is a recognition that only the Almighty can truly see, judge, and act against such deep-seated wickedness. It underscores the reality that the world often rejoices in the downfall of those who seek righteousness, mirroring the ancient serpent's delight in human sin and suffering. The psalmist's distress, therefore, is not just personal but resonates with the universal struggle against evil forces that delight in human misery, emphasizing the believer's absolute reliance on God's sovereign hand for ultimate justice and deliverance.

* [Psalm 40:15](/psalms/40-15 "Psalm 40:15 - The Mockery of Enemies")
* [Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Taunt Against Israel")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:21 offers a poignant mirror for believers navigating a world that often celebrates the struggles of the righteous. When we face public ridicule, false accusations, or the gloating satisfaction of those who wish us ill, this verse validates the deep emotional pain such experiences inflict. It reminds us that our adversaries' joy in our suffering is not a sign of our failure, but often a mark of their spiritual opposition to God and His purposes. In such moments, like David, our primary response should not be to retaliate in kind or to despair, but to turn to God in fervent prayer and lament. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in divine justice, knowing that God sees every taunt, hears every malicious "Aha," and will ultimately bring all hidden things to light. Our vindication does not come from silencing our critics or proving our innocence to them, but from resting in the sovereign hand of a God who promises to defend His own and to execute perfect justice. It encourages perseverance in prayer and faith, even when the world seems to revel in our perceived defeat, for our ultimate hope rests not in human approval but in God's unfailing righteousness and deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when others openly mock or gloat over your difficulties or perceived failures?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal vindication?**
* **What spiritual battle might be underlying the malicious joy of those who oppose righteousness in your life or in the world?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart that turns to God in lament and prayer, even when facing intense public humiliation or scorn?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "Aha, aha" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "Aha, aha" is a direct translation of the Hebrew interjection *he'ach* (הֶאָח), which is an onomatopoeic expression. Its repetition emphasizes a strong sense of malicious glee, triumphant scorn, and derisive satisfaction. It's the sound of someone reveling in another's misfortune, akin to saying "Gotcha!" or "Just as we wanted!" This expression is used in other Old Testament passages to convey similar cruel delight, such as when the enemies of the righteous gloat in [Psalm 40:15](/psalms/40-15 "Psalm 40:15 - The Mockery of Enemies") or when the Lord pronounces judgment on those who mocked Israel in [Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Taunt Against Israel"). It signifies an unholy joy in the suffering of others, particularly those seen as adversaries, highlighting their deep-seated animosity and lack of compassion.

**Why is public mockery and gloating so painful for David, and for believers today?**

Answer: Public mockery, as depicted in Psalms 35:21, is deeply painful because it is a direct assault on one's honor, reputation, and emotional well-being. In ancient cultures, honor was paramount, and public shaming was a severe form of social warfare, designed to strip an individual of their standing and dignity. For David, it wasn't just verbal abuse; it was a public declaration of his enemies' perceived victory and his perceived defeat, aiming to demoralize and isolate him. For believers today, facing such taunts can be excruciating because it often targets our faith, our character, or our perceived weaknesses. It can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and injustice, especially when the accusations are false or the suffering is unmerited. It’s a form of psychological warfare that seeks to break the spirit and undermine one's trust in God, making David's cry for divine vindication all the more poignant and relatable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:21, with its depiction of the righteous one enduring malicious mockery and triumphant scorn, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential righteous sufferer, against whom enemies "opened their mouth wide" in false accusation and derision. During His passion, the religious leaders and Roman soldiers alike hurled insults and taunts, saying, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save!" (as recorded in [Matthew 27:42](/matthew/27-42 "Matthew 27:42 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")). The cry of "Aha, aha" echoes the cruel delight of those who thought they had finally "seen it"—the defeat and demise of the Messiah on the cross. They believed their schemes had triumphed, and their "eye hath seen" His perceived downfall, reveling in His agony. Yet, what they saw as His defeat was, in God's sovereign plan, the very means of salvation for humanity. Just as David appealed for divine vindication, Jesus silently endured, trusting His Father and committing Himself to Him who judges righteously ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). His ultimate vindication came not through earthly triumph over His mockers, but through His glorious resurrection, proving that the "eye" of His enemies had not seen His true end, but rather the beginning of His eternal reign and the triumph of God's justice over all evil, as declared in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). Thus, David's lament becomes a prophetic foreshadowing of the Lamb of God who endured the ultimate scorn to secure our eternal hope and demonstrate God's perfect justice.

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 22:13

They gaped upon me [with] their mouths, [as] a ravening and a roaring lion.

Psalms 40:15

Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

Psalms 70:3

Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.

Luke 11:53

And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge [him] vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

Luke 11:54

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Psalms 54:7

For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen [his desire] upon mine enemies.

Isaiah 9:12

The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.