Psalms 35:26

KJV

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them be ashamed {H954} and brought to confusion {H2659}{H8799)} together {H3162} that rejoice {H8056} at mine hurt {H7451}: let them be clothed {H3847}{H8799)} with shame {H1322} and dishonour {H3639} that magnify {H1431}{H8688)} themselves against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

May those who gloat over my distress be disgraced and humiliated. May those who aggrandize themselves at my expense be covered with shame and confusion.

Berean Standard Bible

May those who gloat in my distress be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed in shame and reproach.

American Standard Version

Let them be put to shame and confounded together that rejoice at my hurt: Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor that magnify themselves against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:26 is a fervent imprecatory prayer by David, appealing to God for the public humiliation and comprehensive defeat of his malicious adversaries. It expresses a profound desire for divine justice against those who not only plot against him but also take sadistic pleasure in his suffering and arrogantly exalt themselves in their opposition. The verse culminates David's plea for God to act decisively, bringing shame and dishonor upon his enemies, thereby vindicating the psalmist and demonstrating God's righteous judgment and unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a powerful lament and imprecatory psalm, where David fervently appeals to God as his divine warrior and advocate. The psalm opens with a plea for God to contend with David's adversaries, to take up shield and buckler against them (cf. [Psalm 35:1-3](/psalms/35-1-3 "Psalm 35:1-3 - David's Plea for Vindication")), followed by a detailed description of their unjust and malicious actions, including plotting his ruin and spreading false accusations (cf. [Psalm 35:4-12](/psalms/35-4-12 "Psalm 35:4-12 - The Malice of David's Enemies")). A significant turn occurs in verses 13-16, where David contrasts his compassionate response to their distress with their cruel rejoicing in his misfortune. Verse 26, therefore, serves as a climactic petition within a sustained cry for divine intervention. It is part of a series of pleas for the downfall of his enemies (cf. [Psalm 35:4](/psalms/35-4 "Psalm 35:4 - Let Them Be Put to Shame"), [Psalm 35:8](/psalms/35-8 "Psalm 35:8 - Let Ruin Come Upon Them")), leading into a final vow of praise and thanksgiving for God's anticipated deliverance (cf. [Psalm 35:27-28](/psalms/35-27-28 "Psalm 35:27-28 - David's Vow of Praise")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm likely reflects a period of intense personal persecution, possibly from figures like King Saul, Absalom, or other political enemies who sought his downfall. In ancient Near Eastern culture, "shame" (Hebrew: *bosh*, *chapher*) was not merely an internal feeling but a profound public disgrace, a loss of honor and social standing that could be devastating. To be "clothed with shame" implied a complete and visible reversal of status, signifying public humiliation and the utter failure of one's schemes, often in the very place where one had boasted. Conversely, "honor" and "vindication" were paramount to one's identity and standing in the community. The concept of "magnifying oneself" (Hebrew: *gadal*) against someone was an act of arrogant self-exaltation, often seen as an affront to divine order and an usurpation of God's prerogative. David's prayer reflects the cultural expectation that God, as the righteous judge, would intervene to uphold justice and restore honor to the wronged, especially His anointed servant, thereby demonstrating His sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting God's role as the ultimate arbiter who will not allow wickedness to triumph indefinitely (cf. [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to God")). Secondly, it highlights the **Reversal of Fortune**, where the proud and malicious are brought low, and their arrogance is met with public shame and confusion, demonstrating God's opposition to the proud (cf. [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Vindication of the Righteous**, as the downfall of the enemies implicitly confirms the innocence and God-favored status of the psalmist, showcasing God's faithfulness to His servants (cf. [Psalm 7:10](/psalms/7-10 "Psalm 7:10 - God is My Shield")). The psalm, and this verse in particular, gives voice to the longing for God's righteousness to be openly displayed in the face of unmerited suffering, affirming that God is indeed a God who sees and acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh_):** This primitive root (H954) properly means "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries the sense of being "disappointed or delayed." In this context, it signifies a profound sense of humiliation, disgrace, and disappointment for David's enemies, describing the feeling of one whose plans have failed, whose expectations have been shattered, or whose wickedness has been exposed. It implies a public and complete loss of face.
* **Confusion (Hebrew, _châphêr_):** This primitive root (H2659), perhaps related to the idea of detection, means "to blush," and figuratively, "to be ashamed, disappointed." It encompasses being "confounded" or "put to shame." It carries the nuance of their malicious schemes being utterly thwarted and their boastful arrogance being exposed as folly, suggesting a state of bewilderment and public disgrace that stems from their plans backfiring.
* **Magnify (Hebrew, _gâdal_):** This primitive root (H1431) means "to be (causatively make) large" in various senses, including "pride." When used in opposition, as here, it describes enemies who arrogantly exalt themselves, boast, or act with inflated pride and self-importance against God's servant. The prayer is for this hubris to be shattered and replaced with shame, as their self-exaltation is an affront to God's own greatness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together":** This is a direct, fervent petition for the public and collective humiliation of David's adversaries. The word "together" (H3162, _yachad_) emphasizes a unified downfall, a complete failure of their malicious conspiracy, suggesting that their combined efforts against David will result in a shared, visible disgrace. It speaks to the frustration of their plans and the exposure of their wickedness.
* **"that rejoice at mine hurt":** This clause precisely identifies the specific, deeply malicious nature of the enemies' actions. They are not merely opposing David but are taking sadistic pleasure (H8056, _sâmêach_, "blithe or gleeful") in his pain, misfortune, and suffering (H7451, _raʻ_, "bad or evil, adversity, affliction"). This highlights their depravity and lack of empathy, intensifying the psalmist's plea for divine intervention, as their joy is rooted in his sorrow.
* **"let them be clothed with shame and dishonour":** This is a powerful, vivid metaphor. To be "clothed" (H3847, _lâbash_, "to put on a garment or clothe oneself") with shame (H1322, _bôsheth_) and dishonour (H3639, _kᵉlimmâh_) means that these qualities become their very identity, publicly displayed for all to see. It signifies a complete and inescapable envelopment in disgrace, a reversal of their proud and boastful demeanor. "Dishonour" is a strong term for disgrace, ignominy, and reproach, indicating a total loss of public standing and reputation.
* **"that magnify [themselves] against me":** This final clause reiterates and defines the character of David's enemies: those who act with arrogant self-exaltation and pride in their opposition to him. Their "magnifying themselves" (H1431, _gâdal_) is an act of defiance and hubris, a claim to superiority and power that challenges God's authority. The psalmist prays that this overweening pride will be met with divine judgment and public disgrace, demonstrating that God alone is truly great.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:26 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and emotional depth. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, where the psalmist directly calls upon God to bring judgment and calamity upon his enemies. This is not a personal curse but an appeal to divine justice, entrusting the retribution to God. **Parallelism** is evident in the verse's structure, with the first half ("Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt") mirroring the second ("let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me"). This structural repetition intensifies the plea for judgment, emphasizing both the nature of the enemies' sin and the desired outcome. The phrase "clothed with shame and dishonour" is a vivid **Metaphor**, portraying shame and dishonor as garments that completely envelop and define the enemies, making their disgrace public and inescapable. This imagery powerfully communicates the totality of their anticipated downfall. The use of strong, evocative language throughout the verse, such as "rejoice at mine hurt" and "magnify themselves," contributes to its **Intensification**, emphasizing the depth of the psalmist's anguish and the severity of the desired divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while intensely personal, transcends individual experience to articulate a profound theological truth: God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to the oppressed and shame to the proud. It is a prayer rooted in the conviction that God sees injustice, hears the cries of His suffering servants, and will act to vindicate them. The call for the enemies to be "ashamed" and "clothed with shame" is not merely a desire for personal revenge but an appeal for the public display of God's moral order, where evil is exposed and its practitioners are stripped of their ill-gotten pride. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and rebellion, affirming His sovereignty over human affairs and His promise to defend the helpless.

* [Psalm 7:10](/psalms/7-10 "God is My Shield")
* [Psalm 40:14](/psalms/40-14 "Let Them Be Ashamed")
* [Isaiah 45:24](/isaiah/45-24 "Shame for Opponents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:26 offers a profound avenue for reflection on how believers navigate suffering and injustice. It validates the deep human longing for justice when faced with malicious opposition and the pain of being wronged. While the New Testament calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, this psalm reminds us that we can, and should, commit our cause to God, trusting in His ultimate righteousness. It is a prayer for God's justice to prevail, for the schemes of the wicked to be thwarted, and for His name to be glorified through the vindication of His people. This verse encourages us to release our desire for personal retribution and instead rely on God's perfect timing and method for setting things right, knowing that He sees, He cares, and He will act. It fosters a faith that believes in the eventual triumph of good over evil, even when circumstances seem bleak, and teaches us to channel our righteous indignation into prayer rather than personal vengeance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this psalm help us articulate our pain and longing for justice in a way that honors God, even when facing intense opposition?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "rejoice at the hurt" of others, or "magnify ourselves" against those we disagree with, and how can we guard against such ungodly attitudes?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate justice free us from seeking personal revenge or harboring bitterness, allowing us to pursue peace and reconciliation where possible?**

### FAQ
**Is it appropriate for Christians to pray imprecatory prayers like this?**

Answer: Imprecatory psalms, like Psalms 35:26, express a deep longing for divine justice and the defeat of evil, not a call for personal revenge. For Christians, while we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (as seen in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), these psalms provide a framework for committing our cause to God. They acknowledge that ultimate justice belongs to Him (cf. [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")) and express a fervent desire for God's righteousness to be manifest in the world, for evil to be judged, and for the oppressed to be vindicated. They are prayers for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done, which includes the judgment of all unrighteousness, aligning our desires with God's perfect justice.

**What does "magnify themselves against me" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "magnify themselves against me" refers to individuals or groups who arrogantly exalt themselves, boast, or act with inflated pride and self-importance in opposition to others, especially those who follow God. This can manifest as slander, malicious gossip, unjust criticism, professional sabotage, or any form of persecution driven by hubris, envy, or hostility. It describes those who seek to diminish, harm, or undermine others to elevate their own status or agenda, often with a sense of self-righteousness or perceived superiority. The prayer in Psalms 35:26 is that such pride and malicious intent would ultimately lead to their public shame and the thwarting of their wicked plans, demonstrating that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (cf. [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:26 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supremely righteous sufferer, the true David, who endured unparalleled "hurt" at the hands of those who "rejoiced" in His pain and "magnified themselves" against Him. From the mocking crowds at His crucifixion (cf. [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - The Mocking of Jesus")) to the religious and political leaders who plotted His demise (cf. [John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot Against Jesus")), Jesus faced the very malice David prayed against. Yet, in His suffering, He did not imprecate His enemies but prayed for their forgiveness (cf. [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer on the Cross")), embodying the very love for enemies that the New Testament commands. Paradoxically, through His death and resurrection, the very powers that magnified themselves against Him—sin, death, and the devil—were utterly defeated and put to open shame (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The cross, which seemed to be the ultimate triumph of His enemies, became the means of their confusion and dishonor, and the ultimate vindication of God's righteous Son (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). Thus, David's prayer for the shame of his adversaries is ultimately answered in Christ's triumph over all evil, foreshadowing the final judgment when all who oppose God and His Christ will indeed be "clothed with shame and dishonour" (cf. [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")), while the righteous are eternally vindicated and clothed in Christ's righteousness.

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 38:16

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

Psalms 132:18

His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

Job 8:22

They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

Job 19:5

If indeed ye will magnify [yourselves] against me, and plead against me my reproach:

Psalms 71:13

Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

Psalms 35:4

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.

Jeremiah 48:26

Make ye him drunken: for he magnified [himself] against the LORD: Moab also shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall be in derision.