Psalm 69 10

Psalm 69:10 kjv

When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.

Psalm 69:10 nkjv

When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, That became my reproach.

Psalm 69:10 niv

When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;

Psalm 69:10 esv

When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach.

Psalm 69:10 nlt

When I weep and fast,
they scoff at me.

Psalm 69 verses

Psalm 69 10 Meaning

The psalmist describes a profound and painful paradox: his acts of sincere devotion and humility – weeping and self-affliction through fasting – were not perceived as genuine expressions of piety or distress by his adversaries. Instead, these very acts became a source of ridicule, scorn, and public humiliation, deepening his suffering. His vulnerability and commitment to spiritual discipline were twisted and used as weapons against him.

Psalm 69 10 Context

Psalm 69 is a profound lament, steeped in sorrow and deep distress, attributed to David and holding significant messianic undertones. The psalmist, engulfed by enemies and experiencing a sense of being overwhelmed "as the waters have come up to my neck" (Ps 69:1), cries out to God for deliverance. He feels alienated from his family and is reviled by his adversaries. Verse 10 specifically articulates a heightened level of suffering: his private acts of spiritual discipline—weeping and fasting, which typically express contrition, mourning, or earnest seeking of God—are cruelly turned into a source of public reproach by his persecutors. This highlights the intense malice and lack of compassion from his opponents, who exploit even his vulnerability and piety to inflict further humiliation. The historical backdrop for such suffering often involves a righteous individual facing unjust persecution for their devotion or truthfulness, a pattern echoed throughout the Old Testament and most perfectly in the life of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 69 10 Word analysis

• When/For (כִּֽי - Ki): This particle can function as "when," introducing a temporal clause, or "for/because," providing a reason. In this context, "When" sets the time for the action described, leading to the outcome stated. It points to a direct cause-effect relationship between his actions and their consequence.
• I wept (אֶבְכֶּה - evkeh): From the Hebrew root בכה (bākhah), meaning "to weep, to mourn, to lament." It indicates genuine, deep emotional distress, an outward expression of profound sorrow, often associated with repentance or anguish. This is a personal, heartfelt act.
• and humbled myself / and chastened (בַּצּוֹם נַפְשִׁ֑י - bātzaum nafshi):
  • with fasting (בַּצּוֹם - bātzaum): "Fasting" (צוֹם - tsom) is an act of self-denial and spiritual discipline, usually undertaken to humble oneself, seek God's favor, or mourn profoundly. It signifies serious commitment and often deep distress. The prefix "בּ" (be) means "in" or "with."
  • my soul (נַפְשִׁי - nafshi): From נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), referring to the soul, life, self, or whole being. Here, it indicates that the humbling was not merely external but an internal, all-encompassing act of the self. The idea of "chastening the soul" through fasting is an Old Testament concept for afflicting or humbling oneself (e.g., Lev 16:29; Num 29:7; Ps 35:13).
• that became (וַתְּהִ֖י - vatehi): Form of the verb היה (hāyāh), "to be" or "to become," indicating a transformation or consequence. The conjunctive "וְ" (vav) means "and," showing direct causation. His acts became this result.
• my reproach (לַחֲרָפָ֣ה לִֽי - laḥarafah li):
  • a reproach (לַחֲרָפָה - laḥarafah): From חֶרְפָּה (ḥerpah), meaning "reproach, disgrace, scorn, shame, ignominy, humiliation." It's not just a criticism, but active derision that publicly demeans and shames. The prefix "לְ" (le) means "to" or "for."
  • to me (לִֽי - li): Indicates the recipient of this reproach, clearly linking the shame back to the psalmist himself.

Words-group analysis

• "When I wept and humbled myself with fasting": This phrase describes intense, sincere, and holistic acts of personal piety and self-abasement before God. Weeping is the external sign of deep anguish, while fasting (and by extension, humbling the soul through it) is an internal and spiritual discipline. These are traditionally actions done to draw closer to God, express repentance, or appeal for divine intervention. They signify deep spiritual commitment and vulnerability.
• "that became my reproach": This reveals the cruel inversion of purpose by his enemies. Acts meant to elevate the psalmist spiritually, or to seek divine mercy, were instead twisted into grounds for mockery and public scorn. The shame was personal ("my reproach"), signifying direct humiliation and a devastating blow to his dignity and spirit. It underscores the profound antagonism faced by those genuinely seeking God in a hostile environment. This opposition sought not only to harm but to degrade and invalidate the very spiritual integrity of the psalmist.

Psalm 69 10 Bonus section

• Messianic Fulfillment: Psalm 69 as a whole is widely considered one of the most directly messianic psalms. Jesus perfectly fulfilled the sentiment of Psalm 69:10. His fasting in the wilderness was met with temptation (Mt 4:1-11); His weeping over Jerusalem (Lk 19:41) was ultimately rejected, and His life of perfect humility and devotion to the Father was met with relentless scorn, public degradation, and ultimate crucifixion (Phil 2:8). His adversaries used His claims, His works, and His very identity as reasons for ridicule and accusations, embodying the exact paradox articulated here.
• The Power of Shame as a Weapon: The verse underscores how adversaries use shame (ḥerpah) as a potent weapon. It attacks identity, undermines dignity, and aims to break the spirit more than physical violence. To be reproached for acts of faith or humility can be particularly demoralizing because it attacks the core of one's walk with God, twisting good into perceived evil.
• Distinguishing True from False Humility/Fasting: While the psalmist's fasting brought reproach, this is contrasted in scripture with hypocrisy in fasting (Mt 6:16) or merely ritualistic fasting without true repentance (Isa 58:3-5). The psalmist's lament implies a genuine and humble seeking, making the reproach all the more grievous.

Psalm 69 10 Commentary

Psalm 69:10 captures a chilling irony for the suffering righteous: even deeply personal, humble, and pious acts meant to draw near to God are exploited by adversaries for public derision. The psalmist's tears and self-denial, far from eliciting sympathy or understanding, are twisted into a basis for scorn. This reflects a world inherently hostile to sincere devotion, finding fault and cause for humiliation even in expressions of profound spiritual longing. It demonstrates the relentless nature of persecution, aiming not just to inflict pain but to thoroughly degrade the individual by ridiculing their most sacred practices. This lament foreshadows the ultimate example of Jesus Christ, whose unparalleled humility, acts of love, and sacrificial obedience were similarly met with intense reproach and public mockery. For the believer, it illustrates that faithfulness may indeed invite contempt from a world that despises true righteousness, urging reliance on God who ultimately vindicates the humble.