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.

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)}.

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?

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.

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.

Psalm 69:4 is a poignant cry from the heart of one who is suffering intense, baseless opposition. While primarily a lament from David, it carries profound prophetic weight, often cited as a direct foreshadowing of the suffering of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is found within Psalm 69, a deeply emotional lament psalm where the speaker (traditionally David) expresses overwhelming distress, feeling as if he is drowning in trouble. He describes being an outcast, reviled by his own people, and mocked by those in power. The psalm is rich with imagery of deep waters and the bitterness of unmerited suffering, setting the stage for the speaker's profound sense of injustice.

Key Themes

  • Unjust Hatred: The phrase "They that hate me without a cause" is central. This highlights the complete lack of justification for the animosity directed towards the speaker. It's not a consequence of his actions but a pure, unprovoked malice.
  • Overwhelming Opposition: The enemies are described as "more than the hairs of mine head" and "mighty," emphasizing their vast number and formidable power. This imagery conveys a sense of being completely outnumbered and outmatched by relentless adversaries.
  • False Accusation and Restitution: The most striking line, "then I restored [that] which I took not away," speaks to profound injustice. It suggests the speaker is being forced to pay for wrongs he did not commit, or to make amends for damage he did not cause. This is a powerful expression of being falsely accused and bearing the consequences of another's sin or accusation.
  • Messianic Prophecy: This verse is directly quoted and applied to Jesus in the New Testament. The Lord Jesus himself states in 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." This underscores the prophetic nature of David's suffering, pointing to the ultimate innocent sufferer, Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "without a cause" is chinnam (חִנָּם), meaning "gratis," "for nothing," or "without reason." This emphasizes the sheer baselessness of the hatred directed at the psalmist. It was not earned or provoked, highlighting the purity of the malice. The concept of being forced to "restore" what was not taken implies a deep legal or moral injustice, where the innocent party is made to bear the burden of the guilty or the falsely accused.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 69:4 offers solace and understanding in times of unmerited suffering or false accusation. When facing persecution or injustice for one's faith, this verse reminds us that Christ himself experienced the ultimate "hatred without a cause." It encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when earthly systems fail, and to find strength in knowing that our Lord understands our pain. It also serves as a call to empathy for those who are unjustly treated and a reminder to pray for those who persecute us, following Christ's example (Matthew 5:44).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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