Psalms 38:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But mine enemies {H341} are lively {H2416}, and they are strong {H6105}{H8804)}: and they that hate {H8130}{H8802)} me wrongfully {H8267} are multiplied {H7231}{H8804)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But my enemies are alive and well, those who wrongfully hate me increase their numbers;

Berean Standard Bible

Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.

American Standard Version

But mine enemies are lively, and are strong; And they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 38:19 vividly articulates the psalmist's profound distress, shifting the focus from his personal suffering and sin to the formidable and unjust opposition he faces. It portrays his adversaries as robust, powerful, and relentlessly increasing in number, creating a stark contrast with his own debilitated state. This verse underscores the overwhelming nature of unprovoked hatred and the vulnerability of the righteous, setting the stage for David's desperate appeal to God for deliverance amidst seemingly insurmountable odds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 38 is a deeply personal and poignant lament, often categorized among the seven penitential psalms. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 38:1-18](/psalms/38-1-18 "Psalm 38:1-18 - David's Confession and Suffering")) meticulously detail David's physical afflictions, emotional anguish, and the painful abandonment by friends and family, which he attributes, in part, to his own sin. Verse 19 marks a pivotal transition, moving from an internal focus on his suffering and confession to an external focus on the formidable nature of his enemies. This shift underscores the multifaceted pressures David endures, where internal conviction of sin is compounded by relentless external persecution, making his subsequent plea for divine intervention even more urgent (cf. [Psalms 38:21-22](/psalms/38-21-22 "Psalm 38:21-22 - David's Earnest Plea for Help")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 38 is not explicitly stated, its themes resonate with various periods of David's life marked by intense personal suffering and political or personal betrayal. These include the rebellion of Absalom (cf. [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Treachery and David's Flight")) or the persistent persecution by Saul (cf. [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul and Seeks God's Guidance")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's well-being was often interpreted as a reflection of divine favor, and illness or weakness could be seen as a sign of divine displeasure or vulnerability to adversaries. The "wrongful" hatred mentioned in the verse speaks to the common experience of political intrigue and personal vendettas, where accusations and animosity were often baseless or exaggerated to gain advantage. The "enemies" were not abstract concepts but tangible human adversaries who actively sought the psalmist's downfall.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 38:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **formidable opposition**, portraying the enemies as vibrant and powerful, which contrasts sharply with the psalmist's own weakness and debilitation (cf. [Psalms 38:7-8](/psalms/38-7-8 "Psalm 38:7-8 - David's Physical and Emotional Anguish")). Secondly, the phrase "they that hate me wrongfully" introduces the crucial theme of **unjust suffering** or **persecution without cause**, a motif that recurs throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Do not let my deceitful enemies gloat over me") and [Psalms 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - Those who hate me without cause")). This highlights the psalmist's innocence in the face of specific, baseless accusations, even while acknowledging his general sinfulness. Finally, the "multiplication" of adversaries underscores the theme of **overwhelming odds** and **isolation**, driving the psalmist to rely solely on God for deliverance, as seen in his desperate cry for help in [Psalms 38:22](/psalms/38-22 "Psalm 38:22 - Make Haste to Help Me, O Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lively (Hebrew, _chay'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to live," this term conveys a sense of robust health, vitality, and vigorous activity. In this context, it starkly contrasts with David's own described state of weakness and decay, emphasizing the enemies' flourishing condition, their energy, and their active pursuit of his harm. It suggests not merely existence, but a thriving, potent, and dynamic presence.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _ʻâtsam'_):** This word, originating from a root meaning "to bind fast" or "to be powerful/numerous," denotes great might, strength, and often, a vast quantity or multitude. Here, it reinforces the formidable nature of David's adversaries, indicating their physical, political, or numerical superiority. They are not merely alive but possess significant power, making them a truly daunting and overwhelming threat.
* **Wrongfully (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** This adverb literally translates to "with falsehood," "with a lie," or "deceitfully." It is a crucial qualifier, asserting that the hatred directed at the psalmist is baseless, unjust, and rooted in deception or malicious intent rather than any legitimate grievance. This emphasizes the unprovoked nature of the animosity, portraying David as a victim of slander and unjust aggression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But mine enemies [are] lively, [and] they are strong":** This opening clause immediately establishes a sharp contrast with the psalmist's own state of weakness, suffering, and debilitation detailed in the preceding verses. The enemies are depicted as full of life, robust, and powerful, highlighting their vitality and formidable nature. This emphasizes the overwhelming odds David perceives himself to be facing, as his adversaries are not weakened but thriving and potent.
* **"and they that hate me wrongfully":** This phrase introduces a critical moral and ethical dimension to the conflict. The animosity is not merely opposition but is specifically characterized as "wrongful," "false," or "without cause." This indicates that the hatred directed at David is unjust, founded upon lies, slander, or malicious intent, rather than any legitimate grievance or action on his part. It underscores the psalmist's innocence concerning the specific accusations driving their hatred, even as he acknowledges his general sinfulness.
* **"are multiplied":** This final clause intensifies the sense of overwhelming odds and despair. Not only are the enemies lively and strong, but their numbers are also increasing. This multiplication suggests a growing and relentless force, adding to the psalmist's feeling of isolation and vulnerability. It portrays a situation where the opposition is not static but actively expanding, making deliverance seem even more remote without divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 38:19 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the psalmist's profound plight. **Contrast** is prominently featured, as the vibrant and robust description of the enemies ("lively," "strong") stands in stark opposition to David's own debilitated and suffering state depicted earlier in the psalm. This juxtaposition heightens the sense of his vulnerability and the perceived hopelessness of his situation. **Hyperbole** is suggested in the enemies being "multiplied," which, while potentially literal, also serves to emphasize the overwhelming and seemingly endless nature of the opposition, making it feel insurmountable. The phrase "they that hate me wrongfully" functions as a form of **Lament**, a common feature of the Psalms, where the sufferer appeals to God by detailing the injustice of their situation. This also borders on **Personification**, as the hatred itself is given an active, aggressive quality, almost as if it were a living, multiplying entity arrayed against him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 38:19 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning the suffering of the righteous and the reality of unjust persecution. The psalmist's experience of being hated "wrongfully" foreshadows a recurring theme in Scripture: that those who seek to live righteously often face baseless opposition from the world. This verse underscores the theological truth that suffering is not always a direct consequence of personal sin, but can also be the result of malicious and unprovoked attacks from external forces. It highlights the vulnerability of God's people in a fallen world and implicitly points to the need for divine justice and protection against those who act with falsehood and malice. The multiplication of enemies speaks to the overwhelming nature of evil and the constant spiritual warfare faced by believers, reminding us that our ultimate vindication comes from God alone.

* [Psalms 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Do not let my deceitful enemies gloat over me")
* [Psalms 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - Those who hate me without cause")
* [1 Peter 4:12](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 38:19 offers a profoundly relatable experience for believers navigating a complex and often hostile world. It validates the reality that opposition can be intensely personal, unjust, and overwhelming. In moments of weakness or vulnerability, whether due to personal struggles, illness, spiritual attacks, or societal pressures, our adversaries—be they visible individuals, challenging circumstances, or unseen spiritual forces—can seem "lively" and "strong," actively seeking our downfall. This verse reminds us that experiencing "wrongful" hatred or opposition is not an anomaly but a common thread in the tapestry of faith, echoing the experiences of countless biblical figures and indeed, Christ Himself. It encourages us to honestly articulate our struggles and the nature of our opposition before God, trusting that He sees our plight, hears our cries, and is ultimately the only one who can deliver us from forces that seem insurmountable. Our hope is not in our own strength or ability to overcome, but in the Lord who is greater than any foe and who promises to fight for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel that your "enemies" (whether people, circumstances, or spiritual forces) are "lively" and "strong"?**
* **Have you ever experienced "wrongful" hatred or opposition, and how did you respond to it both emotionally and spiritually?**
* **How does acknowledging the strength and multiplication of your adversaries drive you to greater dependence on God rather than self-reliance?**
* **What specific prayers can you offer to God when you feel overwhelmed by opposition, drawing inspiration from David's honest lament in this Psalm?**

### FAQ
**Does "wrongfully" imply David was completely innocent of all sin?**

Answer: No, "wrongfully" (Hebrew: *sheqer*) in Psalms 38:19 specifically means "with falsehood," "with a lie," or "deceitfully." While David acknowledges his general sinfulness and attributes some of his suffering to it earlier in the psalm (e.g., [Psalms 38:3-5](/psalms/38-3-5 "Psalm 38:3-5 - David's Confession of Sin and Its Consequences")), this particular phrase refers to the *basis* of his enemies' hatred. It asserts that their animosity toward him is not founded on truth or justice but on malicious lies, slander, or unprovoked aggression. It highlights the unjust nature of *their* specific accusations and actions, not a declaration of David's absolute sinlessness. This distinction is crucial for understanding the psalmist's plea for divine intervention against baseless persecution, even as he humbly confesses his own shortcomings before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 38:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's experience of being hated "wrongfully" and facing powerful, multiplying adversaries perfectly foreshadows the unjust suffering of the Messiah. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was hated "without cause," a prophecy echoed in [Psalms 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - Those who hate me without cause") and explicitly affirmed by Jesus Himself in [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - They Hated Me Without Cause"). His enemies, the religious and political powers of His day, were indeed "lively" and "strong," possessing immense temporal authority and actively seeking His destruction. They "multiplied" in their accusations, false testimonies, and plots, culminating in His unjust crucifixion. Yet, unlike David, Jesus bore this wrongful hatred not as a consequence of His own sin, but as the perfect, atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His ultimate victory over these "lively" and "strong" enemies—sin, death, and the devil—through His resurrection (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) demonstrates that God's deliverance is not merely *from* enemies, but triumphantly *through* the suffering of the righteous one. Thus, David's lament becomes a prophetic cry, pointing to the greater suffering and ultimate triumph of Christ, who truly conquered all who hated Him wrongfully, securing eternal life for all who believe (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

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 35:19

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

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Psalms 59:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Psalms 59:3

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD.

Psalms 3:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

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.