Psalms 69:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They that hate {H8130}{H8802)} me without a cause {H2600} are more {H7231}{H8804)} than the hairs {H8185} of mine head {H7218}: they that would destroy {H6789}{H8688)} me, being mine enemies {H341}{H8802)} wrongfully {H8267}, are mighty {H6105}{H8804)}: then I restored {H7725}{H8686)} that which I took not away {H1497}{H8804)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who hate me for no reason outnumber the hairs on my head. My persecutors are powerful, my enemies accuse me falsely. Am I expected to return things I didn't steal?

Berean Standard Bible

Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me— my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

American Standard Version

They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: They that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: That which I took not away I have to restore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 69:4 is a profound lament expressing the psalmist's deep anguish over overwhelming, baseless, and wrongful opposition. It vividly portrays a sufferer who is not only hated without cause but is also unjustly forced to make restitution for wrongs he did not commit. While rooted in the personal experience of the psalmist, traditionally David, this verse carries immense prophetic weight, powerfully foreshadowing the unmerited suffering and vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 69 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged lament, one of the most significant in the Psalter, often categorized as a "penitential" or "imprecatory" psalm due to its later calls for divine judgment. The psalmist, engulfed by distress, uses vivid imagery of "deep waters" and "floods" to describe his overwhelming suffering and isolation (e.g., [Psalms 69:1-3](/psalms/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-3 - Drowning in Trouble")). Verse 4 serves as a pivotal statement within this opening section, clearly articulating the *unjust* nature of his plight. It sets the stage for the subsequent pleas for vindication, the recounting of his shame and reproach, and the ultimate cries for God's intervention against his adversaries. The intensity of the psalmist's unmerited suffering here undergirds the entire psalm's appeal to divine justice and mercy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, suffering was often linked to sin, creating a social stigma for those undergoing hardship. The psalmist's cry of being "hated without a cause" and forced to "restore that which I took not away" speaks to a profound social and legal injustice. Enemies in this context were not merely personal adversaries but often those who opposed God's chosen or His righteous order, making their malice not just personal but spiritual. The concept of "restitution" (Hebrew: *shalem*) was deeply embedded in Israelite law, requiring payment or compensation for damages or theft (e.g., [Exodus 22:1-15](/exodus/22 "Exodus 22 - Laws of Restitution")). For the psalmist to be forced into such an act for something he *did not take* underscores the complete perversion of justice he experienced, highlighting the profound shame and legal vulnerability of his situation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes woven throughout Psalm 69 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully conveys **Unjust Suffering**, emphasizing that the psalmist's agony is not a consequence of his own wrongdoing but of pure, unprovoked malice. Secondly, the description of enemies as "more than the hairs of mine head" and "mighty" highlights **Overwhelming Opposition**, portraying a sense of being completely outnumbered and outmatched by formidable adversaries. Thirdly, the striking phrase "then I restored [that] which I took not away" introduces the theme of **False Accusation and Vicarious Burden-Bearing**, where the innocent party is compelled to bear the consequences or make amends for another's sin or accusation. Finally, and most profoundly, this verse carries significant **Messianic Prophecy**. As explicitly quoted by Jesus in [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Jesus quotes Psalm 69:4"), the unmerited hatred experienced by the psalmist directly foreshadows the ultimate innocent sufferer, Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity—sins He did not commit—to bring about redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hate (Hebrew, _sane'_):** This verb signifies a deep-seated, active animosity, often involving rejection, hostility, and even persecution. It's not merely a passive dislike but an intense, often aggressive, opposition. In the context of the psalm, it underscores the malevolent intent of the psalmist's enemies, who actively seek his downfall.
* **Without a cause (Hebrew, _chinnam'_):** This adverb means "gratis," "for nothing," "freely," or "without reason/cause." Its inclusion is crucial, as it explicitly denies any provocation or justification for the hatred directed at the psalmist. It highlights the sheer malice and irrationality of the opposition, emphasizing the psalmist's innocence in the face of such animosity.
* **Restored (Hebrew, _shalem'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be complete" or "to be whole," this verb in its Piel stem often carries the sense of "to make whole," "to repay," "to restore," or "to compensate." In this verse, it implies being forced to make amends or pay a debt for something that was not taken or damaged by the psalmist. It points to a profound legal or moral injustice, where the innocent is compelled to bear the burden of the guilty or the falsely accused.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head:"** This clause immediately establishes the overwhelming and unprovoked nature of the psalmist's opposition. The phrase "without a cause" (חִנָּם, *chinnam*) is central, asserting the complete innocence of the psalmist regarding the animosity directed towards him. The hyperbole "more than the hairs of mine head" vividly communicates the vast number and pervasive presence of his enemies, creating a sense of being utterly outnumbered and surrounded by malice.
* **"they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty:"** This second clause intensifies the threat. The enemies are not merely hateful but actively seek to "destroy" (צָמַת, *tsamat* – to cut off, to put an end to) the psalmist. The KJV's addition "[being] mine enemies wrongfully" correctly interprets the implication of "without a cause" and the context of the psalmist's innocence. These adversaries are also described as "mighty" (עָצַם, *'atsam* – to be strong, numerous, powerful), further emphasizing their formidable power and the psalmist's vulnerable position.
* **"then I restored [that] which I took not away."** This is the most striking and paradoxical statement of the verse. It speaks to a profound and absurd injustice. The psalmist is forced to "restore" or pay for something he did not steal, damage, or take. This could imply being falsely accused of theft or wrongdoing and then compelled by a corrupt system or overwhelming pressure to compensate for it. It powerfully conveys the depth of his unmerited suffering and the perversion of justice he endures, bearing a burden that rightfully belongs to another.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 69:4 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey the psalmist's anguish. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "more than the hairs of mine head," which dramatically exaggerates the number of enemies to emphasize their overwhelming multitude and the psalmist's feeling of being completely swamped. This exaggeration effectively communicates the psychological burden of relentless opposition. The phrase "then I restored [that] which I took not away" presents a stark **paradox** or **irony**, highlighting the profound injustice suffered. It's a statement that defies logical expectation, where the innocent is made to bear the consequences of the guilty, underscoring the perversion of justice and the depth of the psalmist's unmerited suffering. The entire verse functions as a powerful **lament**, a common genre in the Psalms, characterized by an outpouring of complaint, a plea for help, and an expression of trust in God despite dire circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 69:4 profoundly articulates the experience of unmerited suffering, a theme central to biblical theology. It speaks to the righteous individual who, despite their innocence, faces overwhelming and baseless hostility, often at the hands of those who should be allies or protectors. This scenario raises fundamental questions about divine justice and the nature of evil in the world. The psalmist's cry is not merely a personal lament but a universal human groan against injustice, pointing to a cosmic disorder where the innocent suffer and the guilty prosper. Theologically, it affirms that God is aware of such suffering and that, ultimately, He is the vindicator of the righteous. This verse also lays foundational groundwork for understanding the concept of vicarious suffering, where one bears a burden or makes restitution for another's wrongdoing, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in Christ.

* [Psalms 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19 - Enemies without cause")
* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 69:4 offers profound solace and a framework for understanding unmerited suffering. In a world where injustice, false accusations, and baseless hatred are unfortunately common, this verse reminds us that our experience is not unique, nor is it beyond the scope of divine understanding. When we are maligned, misunderstood, or forced to bear consequences for wrongs we did not commit, this psalm validates our pain and gives voice to our cry. It encourages us to bring our laments honestly before God, trusting in His ultimate justice and sovereignty, even when earthly systems fail. Furthermore, it challenges us to cultivate empathy for those who are unjustly treated and to remember the call to respond to our persecutors with grace and prayer, mirroring the example of the One who perfectly fulfilled this prophecy. Our suffering, when endured righteously, can become a point of solidarity with Christ and a testimony to His enduring faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced "hatred without a cause" or been forced to "restore that which you took not away" in your own life?**
* **How does knowing that the psalmist, and ultimately Christ, experienced such injustice, bring comfort or understanding to your own struggles?**
* **What is your immediate response when facing unmerited opposition, and how might this psalm encourage a more Christ-like reaction?**
* **How can we, as a community of faith, better support and advocate for those who are experiencing profound injustice?**

### FAQ

**Is Psalm 69:4 only about David?**
Answer: While traditionally attributed to David and certainly reflecting experiences he might have had (e.g., persecution by Saul or Absalom), the language of Psalm 69:4 transcends a purely individual historical context. Its profound themes of unmerited suffering and forced restitution resonate universally. More importantly, the New Testament explicitly applies this verse to Jesus Christ, indicating a prophetic, dual fulfillment. Thus, it is both a personal lament of the psalmist and a direct prophecy concerning the Messiah.

**What does "restored that which I took not away" mean?**
Answer: This phrase describes a deep and absurd injustice. It means the psalmist was compelled to pay for or make amends for something he did not steal, damage, or take. Imagine being falsely accused of theft and then forced to return the item or compensate the supposed victim, even though you are innocent. It highlights the complete perversion of justice and the immense burden placed upon the psalmist, who is made to bear the consequences of another's wrongdoing or a false accusation. It's a powerful expression of vicarious suffering, where an innocent party is made to suffer or pay for the actions of others.

**How does this verse apply to me today?**
Answer: Psalm 69:4 offers profound resonance for contemporary believers. It speaks to the reality of unmerited suffering, false accusations, and the experience of being maligned without cause in personal, professional, or even spiritual contexts. It reminds us that our Lord understands such pain intimately. When you face injustice, this verse validates your experience and encourages you to bring your lament to God. It also calls us to empathy for others who suffer unjustly and reminds us that, in Christ, we have a High Priest who identifies with our weaknesses, having experienced the ultimate "hatred without a cause" (see [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Understands")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:4 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist’s lament, "They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head," is directly quoted by Jesus Himself in [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Jesus quotes Psalm 69:4") to explain the baseless hatred He endured from the world. Indeed, Christ was hated and rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He came to His own")), falsely accused by religious and political authorities ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses")), and ultimately crucified by a mob that chose a murderer over Him ([Luke 23:18-25](/luke/23-18 "Luke 23:18-25 - Barabbas Chosen")). He was the ultimate innocent sufferer, enduring immense opposition and seeking to "destroy" Him. The most striking fulfillment lies in the phrase, "then I restored [that] which I took not away." Jesus, who knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ made sin for us")), perfectly "restored" or made full atonement for the sin of humanity—a sin He did not commit. He bore the penalty and made restitution for our rebellion against God, thereby bringing about reconciliation and peace ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). His suffering was vicarious, a perfect substitutionary sacrifice, fulfilling the psalmist's paradoxical cry by becoming the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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.

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.

Psalms 109:3

They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.

Psalms 109:5

And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

Psalms 35:11

¶ False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.

Psalms 35:12

They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.

Psalms 38:19

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