Psalm 38 19

Psalm 38:19 kjv

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

Psalm 38:19 nkjv

But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; And those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied.

Psalm 38:19 niv

Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous.

Psalm 38:19 esv

But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully.

Psalm 38:19 nlt

I have many aggressive enemies;
they hate me without reason.

Psalm 38 verses

Psalm 38 19 Meaning

Psalm 38:19 conveys the psalmist's stark lament concerning his adversaries. While he is described earlier in the psalm as weak and suffering, his enemies are vividly depicted as robust, thriving, and numerous. Crucially, their intense hatred towards him is explicitly stated to be baseless and unjust, highlighting a profound imbalance between his vulnerable state and their aggressive, unprovoked malice.

Psalm 38 19 Context

Psalm 38 is one of the seven penitential psalms, wherein the psalmist, often identified with David, laments over severe physical illness, which he connects to the consequence of his sin, coupled with deep spiritual distress. The psalm opens with a desperate cry for God's merciful discipline rather than full wrath (vv. 1-2) and describes the debilitating effects of his ailment (vv. 3-8). Compounding his physical suffering is the abandonment by friends and family (vv. 11-12) and the mockery and malicious scheming of his enemies (vv. 12, 16). In contrast to his own prostrate and weak condition, Psalm 38:19 dramatically highlights the robust and numerous presence of these adversaries. Historically, a leader's illness or weakness was often seen as an opportune moment for enemies to attack or gain advantage, and unjust accusations were common tactics in ancient near eastern societies. This verse underscores the extreme vulnerability of the psalmist when confronting a thriving and unprincipled opposition, emphasizing his utter reliance on God's intervention, which he passionately seeks in the psalm's closing verses (vv. 21-22).

Psalm 38 19 Word analysis

• "But" (וְ - wə-): This conjunction introduces a sharp contrast, shifting from the psalmist's previous introspection and confession of his own weakness (vv. 17-18) to the formidable external reality of his adversaries. It sets up the antithesis between his low state and their thriving vigor.
• "my enemies" (צָרַי - tzaray): From the root צַר (tzar), meaning "adversary," "foe," "oppressor," or literally "distresser." This term indicates those actively causing distress and opposing the psalmist. The possessive "my" emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the conflict.
• "are vigorous" (חַיִּים - ḥayyīm): Literally "living ones" or "alive." Used adjectivally here, it conveys not merely existence but vibrant vitality, health, strength, and an energetic, robust flourishing. This starkly contrasts with the psalmist's description of his own decaying or unsound physical state in earlier verses (vv. 3, 5, 8).
• "and strong" (וְעָצְמוּ - wəʿātzeʾmū): From עָצַם (ʿātsam), meaning "to be mighty," "powerful," "to become strong," or "to grow numerous." Here it signifies their formidable power and imposing presence. This complements "vigorous" to paint a picture of highly potent and capable adversaries.
• "And many" (וְרַבּוּ - wərabbū): From רָבָה (rāḇāh), "to be or become great," "numerous," "multiplied." This highlights the sheer quantity of his adversaries, emphasizing the overwhelming odds the psalmist faces. Their numbers add to their formidable nature.
• "are those who hate me" (שֹׂנְאַי - śonʾay): From שָׂנֵא (śānēʾ), "to hate." This is a participial form, denoting "my haters" or "those actively hating me." It clearly defines their active malice and deep-seated animosity toward the psalmist.
• "wrongfully" (שָׁקֶר - shāqer): Literally "falsehood," "lie," "deceit." In this context, it unequivocally means "unjustly," "without cause," "falsely," or "without provocation." This term is crucial, as it asserts that their intense hatred is completely unmerited by any specific wrongdoing on the psalmist's part, highlighting their malevolent and unjust character. It implies slander, baseless accusations, or malicious intent unrelated to genuine offense.

Words-group analysis

• "But my enemies are vigorous and strong": This phrase directly pits the psalmist's described weakness and suffering against the active, vibrant power of his foes. The dual description "vigorous and strong" (lit. "alive and become strong/many") underscores their energetic capacity for harm, amplifying the psalmist's vulnerability. It highlights the thriving state of unrighteous opposition.
• "And many are those who hate me wrongfully": This expands the threat from just power to overwhelming numbers, adding a quantitative dimension to their malice. The pivotal term "wrongfully" (שָׁקֶר) distinguishes this hatred as an act of sheer injustice rather than retribution for genuine offense. This signifies that their animosity stems from inherent wickedness or jealousy, making the psalmist an "innocent sufferer" in this particular conflict.

Psalm 38 19 Bonus section

• The phrase "vigorous and strong" (חַיִּים וְעָצְמוּ) implies not only their physical well-being but also their effective scheming and ability to act against the psalmist, further emphasizing the contrast with his own languishing state.
• The emphasis on "wrongfully" (שָׁקֶר) highlights the moral bankruptcy of the psalmist's enemies. Their animosity is not merely a consequence of conflict but a testament to their own malicious and deceptive character, serving as a powerful plea for divine justice.
• This verse contributes significantly to the biblical theme of the righteous sufferer being unjustly hated, a theme profoundly echoed in the New Testament with Jesus Christ, who stated He was hated "without cause." This connection offers profound comfort and theological continuity for believers facing similar opposition.

Psalm 38 19 Commentary

Psalm 38:19 delivers a profound reality check for the suffering psalmist, revealing the bleak external truth of his situation. While burdened by internal sin and physical decay, he faces adversaries who are not merely present but are robust, powerful, and numerous. The cruelest cut is that their intense hatred is entirely "wrongfully" based, meaning it is unprovoked and fueled by injustice or baseless animosity. This confession is not an act of despair, but a raw, honest lament before God, detailing the severity of the challenge when facing thriving evil from every side while feeling utterly diminished oneself. The stark contrast sets the stage for the psalmist's fervent plea for divine intervention, acknowledging that only God can provide deliverance from such potent, unjust, and overwhelming opposition. It highlights the biblical truth that true righteousness often incurs baseless hatred, echoing themes that find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

• Examples:
  • When believers find themselves experiencing renewed strength and favor in their walk with God, yet concurrently face an increase in inexplicable, vicious opposition from those who mock their faith.
  • A church leader or evangelist, laboring exhaustively in ministry amidst spiritual warfare, observes the prosperity and unhindered growth of ungodly ideologies or opposition while feeling personally depleted.
  • An individual trying to live a righteous life who becomes the target of unfair accusations or slander by those who seem to thrive on malice, making them feel isolated and unjustly attacked.