Psalm 35 13

Psalm 35:13 kjv

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Psalm 35:13 nkjv

But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart.

Psalm 35:13 niv

Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,

Psalm 35:13 esv

But I, when they were sick ? I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.

Psalm 35:13 nlt

Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them.
I denied myself by fasting for them,
but my prayers returned unanswered.

Psalm 35 verses

Psalm 35 13 Meaning

Psalm 35:13 describes the profound compassion and righteous conduct of the Psalmist, David, towards his adversaries, contrasting sharply with their subsequent betrayal and malice. When his enemies, who now seek his harm, were afflicted or suffering, David responded with genuine mourning, humility, and earnest prayer for their well-being. He donned sackcloth, a symbol of distress and penitence, engaged in fasting to humble his soul before God, and fervently interceded for them. The phrase "my prayer would return to my own bosom" signifies either the sincere depth and personal cost of his intercession, or the unfortunate reality that his fervent prayers for their good remained unreciprocated by them and thus ultimately served to benefit himself through divine favor or by highlighting his own blamelessness.

Psalm 35 13 Context

Psalm 35 is a lament psalm where David cries out to God for justice against his malicious enemies. The surrounding verses in the chapter depict these enemies as treacherous, repaying good with evil (v.12), spreading false accusations (v.11), and seeking to trap him (v.7-8). Verse 13 stands as a pivotal contrast, highlighting David's righteous and compassionate behavior towards them before they became his adversaries. This juxtaposition underscores the depth of their betrayal and serves as a powerful argument in David's appeal for divine intervention. Historically, this Psalm likely reflects David's experiences during periods of intense persecution, possibly from Saul's court or during Absalom's rebellion, where former associates or even close family turned against him. David uses his past actions as a testament to his innocent character and underscores the injustice he faces.

Psalm 35 13 Word analysis

• But as for me (וַאֲנִי - va'ani): This emphatic Hebrew pronoun "I" acts as a strong contrast, shifting the focus from the wicked deeds of his enemies (described in v.11-12) to the Psalmist's compassionate actions. It highlights his distinct moral posture.
• when they were sick (בַּחֲלוֹתָם - bachalahtam): From the root חָלָה (chalāh), meaning "to be weak," "sick," "feeble," or "distressed." This implies not only physical illness but any state of profound vulnerability, affliction, or suffering. David's compassion was for their overall well-being in times of distress.
• my clothing was sackcloth (לְבוּשִׁי שַׂק - levushi saq):
  • sackcloth (שַׂק - saq): A coarse, rough cloth, usually made from goat hair, worn as a sign of mourning, lamentation, penitence, or extreme distress. Its presence signified deep sorrow or abject humility. It wasn't merely a private gesture but often visible, publicly demonstrating a state of affliction or empathy.
• I humbled my soul (צַמְתִּי נַפְשִׁי - tsamti nafshi):
  • humble (צָמַת - tsāmath/עִנָּה - 'innâ): The root here is more commonly associated with 'innâ which means 'to humble, to afflict', particularly in the context of self-denial and fasting. While the primary meaning of 'tsamti' is related to cutting off, especially food (fasting), it strongly implies the deeper biblical concept of 'humbling the soul' through self-denial, contrition, and submission to God. This isn't external humiliation but an internal posture of reverence and dependence on God, often linked with repentance or fervent prayer.
  • my soul (נַפְשִׁי - nafshi): Refers to the inner self, the entire being—mind, will, emotions. It indicates a total and heartfelt act of devotion and sorrow, not just an outward ritual.
• with fasting (בְּצוֹם - betsom):
  • fasting (צוֹם - tsom): The voluntary abstention from food, and sometimes drink, for a period. In ancient Israel, fasting was typically for spiritual purposes: expressing grief, seeking divine favor, showing repentance, intensifying prayer, or identifying with suffering. It was a discipline intended to focus one's entire being on God and the spiritual matter at hand.
• And my prayer would return to my own bosom (וּתְפִלָּתִי עַל־חֵיקִי תָשׁוּב - u'tfilati al-cheiki tashuv):
  • prayer (תְּפִלָּה - tephillah): A direct address or petition to God. Here, fervent intercession.
  • bosom (חֵיק - cheiq): The lap or the breast. It represents a place of intimacy, protection, or deep closeness. Biblically, blessings, curses, or rewards are often said to return to the bosom or lap (Ps 79:12, Prov 17:23, Lk 6:38).
  • would return (תָּשׁוּב - tashuv): From שׁוּב (shuv), "to return," "turn back," "restore."
  • Phrase significance: This is perhaps the most nuanced part of the verse, with several interpretations:
    1. Sincere and Earnest Prayer: The prayer was so heartfelt and sincere that it remained within David's deepest self, embodying the intensity of his intercession. It was a prayer that genuinely came from and belonged to his innermost being.
    2. Unreceived/Unanswered by Them: Because his prayers for their good were met with malice and betrayal by them, the intended blessings of his prayer did not alight upon them but metaphorically "returned" to him. It highlights their unworthiness to receive such beneficence and thus God's favor remains with the righteous one who prayed.
    3. A Blessing upon the Pray-er: This implies that because his compassionate prayers for the undeserving were rejected or ignored, God ensures that the benefit of his prayers reverts to David, thus a blessing upon him. It is God’s divine recompense for David's faithful love.
    4. Lament for Ineffectiveness: It could also be a lament, meaning his prayers were ultimately ineffective in changing their hearts, and thus remained "close" to him as an unanswered wish.The strongest biblical emphasis usually points to interpretations 2 or 3, where righteous actions and sincere prayers ultimately bring blessing to the faithful.

Psalm 35 13 Bonus section

The act of wearing sackcloth and fasting was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern mourning rituals and acts of supplication. For David to perform such intensive spiritual disciplines on behalf of others' distress, particularly those who later proved faithless, demonstrates an exceptional level of selfless care and priestly intercession. This level of self-affliction was traditionally reserved for grave personal or national crises (e.g., King Ahab's repentance in 1 Kgs 21:27, the people of Nineveh in Jon 3:5-6). David’s application of it for his former benefactors speaks to his spiritual maturity and empathetic nature. The phrase "humble my soul" connects deeply with the Day of Atonement rituals (Lev 16:29-31), where fasting was mandatory to afflict the soul, signifying repentance and self-purification before God. Thus, David was placing himself in a posture of utmost spiritual earnestness and humility when praying for these individuals, reinforcing the depth of his genuine concern for them. This verse foreshadows the ultimate compassion of Christ, who prayed for His executioners even as they mocked and tormented Him, truly giving Himself fully in sacrificial love (Lk 23:34).

Psalm 35 13 Commentary

Psalm 35:13 vividly portrays David's exceptional character and depth of spiritual discipline, providing a sharp contrast to the deceit and malice of his adversaries. It speaks to a heart that deeply empathized with others' suffering, even those who would later become enemies. David's response to their past affliction was not indifference, but a profound commitment to sorrow (sackcloth), self-abasement (fasting, humbling his soul), and intercession. This wasn't merely a performative act but a genuine outpouring from his 'soul', his innermost being. The verse powerfully reminds us of the divine expectation of compassion, even for those who show none. The concluding phrase, "my prayer would return to my own bosom," speaks volumes about the nature of unrequited compassion and prayer. It underlines that while David's heartfelt prayers did not prevent their treachery, the sincerity and righteous nature of his actions were preserved before God. This illustrates a foundational biblical principle: genuine acts of piety and love, even when rejected or spurned by their human recipients, do not return empty to the righteous Giver, but accrue spiritual merit and blessing back to the one who offers them in sincerity. This resonates with the Christian teaching to pray for enemies and do good to those who persecute, trusting God for the outcome and the eventual recompense of righteousness. It encourages persistent good despite pervasive evil.