Psalm 35 10

Psalm 35:10 kjv

All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

Psalm 35:10 nkjv

All my bones shall say, "LORD, who is like You, Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?"

Psalm 35:10 niv

My whole being will exclaim, "Who is like you, LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."

Psalm 35:10 esv

All my bones shall say, "O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?"

Psalm 35:10 nlt

With every bone in my body I will praise him:
"LORD, who can compare with you?
Who else rescues the helpless from the strong?
Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?"

Psalm 35 verses

Psalm 35 10 Meaning

Psalm 35:10 expresses the psalmist's deep conviction and expectation that every part of his being will declare God's unparalleled greatness and unique ability to deliver the weak and vulnerable from overwhelmingly powerful and predatory oppressors. It is a cry of praise affirming God as the incomparable rescuer of the afflicted.

Psalm 35 10 Context

Psalm 35 is a lament psalm attributed to David, a fervent plea for divine intervention against malicious enemies who are unjustly attacking and slandering him despite his previous acts of compassion towards them (vv. 11-16). David contrasts their betrayal with his own faithful service to God and humanity. Verse 10, situated within a section (vv. 9-10) expressing hope and anticipated praise, highlights the psalmist's deep conviction of God's unique power and justice, particularly His commitment to defending the vulnerable. The surrounding context emphasizes David's profound suffering and helplessness, making God's incomparability as a deliverer his ultimate solace and declaration. Historically, this theme resonated deeply in a society where the poor and needy often lacked legal or social recourse against the powerful, underscoring God's role as their ultimate Defender.

Psalm 35 10 Word analysis

• All my bones (_kól 'atzmótay_): In Hebrew thought, "bones" do not just represent the physical skeleton but signify the innermost core, strength, and essence of a person's being. This phrase conveys a total, internal, and fundamental conviction, indicating that this declaration will emerge from the very depth of the psalmist's soul, every fiber of his being. It suggests a complete, undeniable reality that he is compelled to express.
• shall say (_to'márnah_): This is a prophetic future tense, expressing a firm expectation and determination. It is not just a hope but a declared certainty that, as a result of God's anticipated deliverance, his entire being will erupt in praise and recognition of God's unparalleled nature.
• Lord (_YHWH_): This is the covenant name of God, indicating His personal, relational, and unchanging nature. It highlights His specific relationship with His people and His role as the sovereign, living God who acts in history. The psalmist addresses God by His personal name, underscoring a deep relationship and trust.
• who is like You (_míy kámokha_): This is a rhetorical question, characteristic of Hebrew poetry, that implies an emphatic negative: "There is no one like You!" It is a declaration of God's absolute uniqueness, incomparability, and singular majesty. It serves as a direct polemic against any other gods or powers, affirming Yahweh as utterly supreme and without rival in His attributes, particularly His saving power.
• Who delivers (_matsíl_): This is a participial form meaning "the one who delivers" or "the deliverer." It emphasizes God's consistent character and action as a rescuer, pulling out from danger, threat, or oppression. It signifies a powerful and active intervention on behalf of those who cannot help themselves.
• the poor (_dal_): Refers to those who are weak, lowly, thin, powerless, or impoverished, often indicating vulnerability, a lack of resources, and dependence on others for aid.
• from him who is too strong for him (_méchazáq mimémnu_): This phrase describes the oppressor as overpoweringly strong, indicating that the victim is utterly helpless against such force. It underscores the impossibility of human self-deliverance, emphasizing the absolute necessity of divine intervention.
• Yes, the poor and the needy (_w'aníy w'evyón_): This is a common pair in the Psalms, serving to intensify and broaden the description of those in distress. _aníy_ typically refers to the afflicted, humble, or lowly, often facing unjust suffering, while _evyón_ describes someone utterly destitute, beggar-like, experiencing dire poverty and total lack. The repetition underscores the depth of their plight and God's consistent care for them. This pair often represents not only material poverty but also social marginalization and spiritual humility.
• from him who plunders him (_mishodéhu_): This describes the oppressor as one who acts violently, ravages, despoils, or exploits. It highlights the oppressive, destructive, and unjust nature of the enemies who steal away the livelihood, dignity, and peace of the vulnerable.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "All my bones shall say": This group highlights the totality of internal conviction. It's not just a mental thought or an external utterance, but a deep, inherent recognition flowing from one's entire being. It represents a state where even the physical framework testifies to spiritual truth.
• "Lord, who is like You": This combines the personal address to God with the rhetorical question of His incomparability. It frames the entire declaration as an act of worship and adoration directed towards the unique God of the covenant, distinguishing Him sharply from all false deities or limited human powers.
• "Who delivers the poor... from him who is too strong for him, Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?": This section defines how God is incomparable—specifically in His protective and redemptive action on behalf of the most vulnerable. The use of different but related terms for "poor/needy" and for their oppressors ("too strong," "plunders") deepens the portrait of both the victims' helplessness and the oppressors' brutality, thereby magnifying God's extraordinary power to intervene where no one else can.

Psalm 35 10 Bonus section

The emphatic declaration in Ps 35:10 is a powerful example of Israelite faith asserting Yahweh's exclusive supremacy over all other entities, particularly local pagan deities often associated with strength or fertility but not justice for the vulnerable. This theological claim serves as a form of polemic, rejecting the power and influence of idols or human systems that oppress. The psalmist identifies himself with the "poor and needy," implying that his own persecution aligns him with those for whom God consistently acts as a champion. This verse marks a significant turn in the psalm, moving from lament and petition to an anticipated expression of praise and confident affirmation of God's character, underscoring the dynamic nature of trust amidst trials.

Psalm 35 10 Commentary

Psalm 35:10 encapsulates David’s deepest theological conviction, which forms the bedrock of his plea in the face of grave injustice. The phrase "all my bones shall say" vividly portrays an existential, total recognition of God's unique attributes, signifying a spiritual breakthrough from deep anguish to resolute faith. This is not merely an intellectual assent but a profound, inherent declaration of truth that resonates through every fiber of the psalmist's being. His enemies are too strong and plunder, illustrating their overwhelming power and destructive intent, highlighting human helplessness. However, David’s hope is anchored in God (YHWH), whose unparalleled nature is precisely His capacity to deliver the poor and needy (those both physically and spiritually impoverished, often the humble and afflicted) from such adversaries. The rhetorical question "Who is like You?" is a potent theological affirmation, setting Yahweh apart from all other purported powers and false gods, declaring His absolute singularity in both power and righteous character, especially as the divine Advocate for the oppressed. It signifies that God's justice is uniquely committed to lifting up the fallen and rescuing the victimized, demonstrating His righteousness in an active, saving way.