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Psalms 38:19

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

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)}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 38:19 presents a poignant aspect of David's lament, focusing on the external pressures he faced from his adversaries. Having detailed his physical suffering and internal anguish in previous verses, David now turns his attention to the formidable nature of those who oppose him.

Context of the Verse

Psalm 38 is a deeply personal lament, often categorized as one of the seven penitential psalms. David expresses profound distress due to illness, the abandonment of friends, and the relentless attacks of his enemies. He sees his suffering, in part, as a consequence of his sin, yet he also highlights the unjust nature of his adversaries. Verse 19 specifically underscores the vigor and increasing numbers of his foes, contrasting sharply with David's own debilitated state described earlier in the psalm (e.g., Psalm 38:7).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Formidable Opposition: David's enemies are described as "lively" (full of vigor and health) and "strong" (powerful and numerous). This emphasizes the overwhelming odds he feels he is up against, highlighting a common experience for those facing persecution.
  • Wrongful Hatred: The phrase "they that hate me wrongfully" is crucial. It indicates that their animosity is not based on justice or truth but on malice or falsehood. This theme of being hated without cause resonates throughout the Psalms and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the life of Christ (John 15:25).
  • Multiplication of Adversaries: The enemies are not only strong but also "multiplied," suggesting an increasing and overwhelming force. This adds to the sense of isolation and despair David might have felt.
  • Vulnerability of the Righteous: Despite David's acknowledgment of his own sin, this verse focuses on the unprovoked and unjust nature of his enemies' hatred, portraying the righteous sufferer's vulnerability in a hostile world.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lively" is chayyim (חַיִּים), which means "life" or "living." Here, it conveys a sense of robust health and vitality, painting a stark contrast to David's own physical weakness. "Strong" comes from 'atsumim (עָצוּמִים), implying great power or a vast multitude. The phrase "hate me wrongfully" is from sone'ay b'sheqer (שֹׂנְאַי בְּשֶׂקֶר), literally "my haters with falsehood" or "my haters with a lie," strongly emphasizing the unjust and baseless nature of their animosity. This concept of hatred without cause is a recurring motif in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 69:4).

Practical Application and Reflection

Psalms 38:19 offers a relatable experience for believers today. We often face opposition, whether from direct adversaries, societal pressures, or spiritual forces. This verse reminds us that:

  • Opposition can be Real and Potent: It acknowledges that our enemies, visible or invisible, can seem strong and numerous, making us feel vulnerable.
  • Unjust Suffering is a Reality: Like David, we may experience "wrongful" hatred or opposition that is undeserved. This is a common part of the Christian walk (1 Peter 4:12).
  • Our Hope is in God: Even when surrounded by powerful adversaries, David's ultimate recourse in this psalm is to God, seeking His help and deliverance (Psalm 38:21). This verse, therefore, implicitly drives us to prayer and trust in the Lord, who is greater than any foe.

It encourages us to articulate our struggles honestly before God, trusting that He sees our plight and will act on behalf of those who are unjustly persecuted.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 35:19 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • John 15:25 (2 votes)

    But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.