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Though I did not steal, I must repay.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/69-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/19_Psa_069_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 69:4 - The Waters Are Up to My Neck" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me--my enemies for no reason. 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I am forced to restore what I did not steal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/69.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head. Many enemies try to destroy me with lies, demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/69.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/69.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/69.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, <i>being</i> mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored <i>that</i> which I took not away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/69.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Those who hate me without a cause Are more than the hairs of my head; They are mighty who would destroy me, <i>Being</i> my enemies wrongfully; Though I have stolen nothing, I <i>still</i> must restore <i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/69.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, those who oppose me with lies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/69.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/69.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies, What I did not steal, I then have to restore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/69.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/69.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being my enemies wrongfully; I am forced to restore what I did not steal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/69.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my deceitful enemies, who would destroy me, are powerful. Though I did not steal, I must repay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/69.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my deceitful enemies, who would destroy me, are powerful. Though I did not steal, I must repay. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/69.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: They that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: That which I took not away I have to restore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/69.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There are more people who hate me for no reason than there are hairs on my head. Many terrible enemies want to destroy me, God. Am I supposed to give back something I didn't steal? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/69.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/69.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Those who hate me for no reason outnumber the hairs on my head. Those who want to destroy me are mighty. They have no reason to be my enemies. I am forced to pay back what I did not steal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/69.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who hate me for no reason are more numerous than the hairs of my head. My enemies tell lies against me; they are strong and want to kill me. They made me give back things I did not steal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/69.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head. My persecutors are mighty, and they want to destroy me. Must I be forced to return what I did not steal?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/69.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me?my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/69.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head. Those who want to destroy me, my enemies for no reason, outnumber me. They make me repay what I did not steal! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/69.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head. Those who want to cut me off, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty. I have to restore what I did not take away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/69.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: they that would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/69.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head. Those who want to cut me off, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty. I have to restore what I didn’t take away. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/69.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Those hating me without cause "" Have been more than the hairs of my head, "" Mighty have been my destroyers, "" My lying enemies, "" That which I did not take away—I bring back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/69.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Those hating me without cause Have been more than the hairs of my head, Mighty have been my destroyers, My lying enemies, That which I took not away -- I bring back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/69.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Those hating me were many above the hairs of my head: mine enemies destroying me by falsehood were strong: then I will turn back what I plucked not away.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/69.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They are multiplied above the hairs of my head, who hate me without cause. My enemies are grown strong who have wrongfully persecuted me: then did I pay that which I took not away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/69.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 68:5>Those who hate me without cause have been multiplied beyond the hairs of my head. My enemies, who persecuted me unjustly, have been strengthened. Then I was required to pay for what I did not take.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/69.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />More numerous than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause. Those who would destroy me are mighty, my enemies without reason. Must I now restore what I did not steal? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/69.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; many are those who would destroy me, my enemies who accuse me falsely. What I did not steal must I now restore?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/69.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty; then I restored that which I took lawfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/69.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My enemies who are without a cause are more than the hairs of my head and they are harder than my bones; I have returned that which I did not defraud to my lying enemies.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/69.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; They that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are many; Should I restore that which I took not away?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/69.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: my enemies that persecute me unrighteously are strengthened: then I restored that which I took not away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/69-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=8146" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/69.htm">The Waters Are Up to My Neck</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: śō·nə·’ay (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">Those who hate me</a> <a href="/hebrew/2600.htm" title="2600: ḥin·nām (Adv) -- Out of favor. From chen; gratis, i.e. Devoid of cost, reason or advantage.">without cause</a> <a href="/hebrew/7231.htm" title="7231: rab·bū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to cast together, i.e. Increase, especially in number; also to multiply by the myriad.">outnumber</a> <a href="/hebrew/8185.htm" title="8185: miś·śa·‘ă·rō·wṯ (Prep-m:: N-fpc) -- Hair. Feminine of se'ar; hairiness.">the hairs</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">of my head;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6105.htm" title="6105: ‘ā·ṣə·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to bind fast, i.e. Close; intransitively, to be powerful or numerous; denominatively to crunch the bones.">many are</a> <a href="/hebrew/6789.htm" title="6789: maṣ·mî·ṯay (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- To put an end to, exterminate. A primitive root; to extirpate.">those who would destroy me—</a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ’ō·yə·ḇay (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">my enemies</a> <a href="/hebrew/8267.htm" title="8267: še·qer (N-ms) -- Deception, disappointment, falsehood. From shaqar; an untruth; by implication, a sham.">for no reason.</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Though I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1497.htm" title="1497: ḡā·zal·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To tear away, seize, rob. A primitive root; to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob.">steal,</a> <a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: ’ā·šîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">I must repay.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-25.htm">John 15:25</a></span><br />But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-7.htm">John 7:7</a></span><br />The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-19</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-17.htm">John 2:17</a></span><br />His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Matthew 10:22</a></span><br />You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-13.htm">Mark 13:13</a></span><br />You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-22.htm">Luke 6:22</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-40.htm">John 8:40</a></span><br />But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-31.htm">John 10:31-33</a></span><br />At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him. / But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?” / “We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, make Yourself out to be God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Acts 9:4-5</a></span><br />He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-3.htm">Romans 11:3</a></span><br />“Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-14.htm">1 Peter 4:14</a></span><br />If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a></span><br />He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-7.htm">Isaiah 49:7</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: they that would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.</p><p class="hdg">hate</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/15-25.htm">John 15:25</a></b></br> But <i>this cometh to pass</i>, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/2-22.htm">1 Peter 2:22</a></b></br> Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:</p><p class="hdg">more than</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12</a></b></br> For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.</p><p class="hdg">being</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3-5</a></b></br> O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-12.htm">Psalm 35:12,19</a></b></br> They rewarded me evil for good <i>to</i> the spoiling of my soul… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19,20</a></b></br> But mine enemies <i>are</i> lively, <i>and</i> they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied… </p><p class="hdg">then I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4-7</a></b></br> Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a></b></br> For he hath made him <i>to be</i> sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm">1 Peter 2:24</a></b></br> Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/59-4.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/psalms/67-1.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/63-10.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/psalms/40-14.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/psalms/63-9.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/job/33-22.htm">Destroyers</a> <a href="/psalms/63-9.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/68-23.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/psalms/44-17.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">Hairs</a> <a href="/psalms/68-1.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/psalms/68-1.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/psalms/68-21.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/63-11.htm">Lies</a> <a href="/psalms/68-33.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/psalms/29-4.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/psalms/68-9.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/psalms/30-3.htm">Restored</a> <a href="/psalms/63-9.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-3.htm">Steal</a> <a href="/psalms/68-33.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">Want</a> <a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">Wrongfully</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/109-3.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/psalms/69-12.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/71-6.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/psalms/70-2.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/psalms/73-27.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/psalms/106-37.htm">Destroyers</a> <a href="/psalms/69-22.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/69-14.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/psalms/71-18.htm">Hairs</a> <a href="/psalms/69-14.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/psalms/69-14.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/psalms/69-15.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/88-7.htm">Lies</a> <a href="/psalms/71-16.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/psalms/136-12.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/psalms/71-20.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/psalms/85-1.htm">Restored</a> <a href="/psalms/69-6.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/104-22.htm">Steal</a> <a href="/psalms/69-12.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/psalms/71-13.htm">Want</a> <a href="/psalms/106-33.htm">Wrongfully</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 69</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/69-1.htm">David complains of his affliction</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/69-13.htm">He prays for deliverance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/69-22.htm">He devotes his enemies to destruction</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/69-30.htm">He praises God with thanksgiving</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/69.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/69.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Those who hate me without cause</b><br>This phrase reflects the experience of unjust persecution. In biblical context, David often faced hostility from those who were envious or threatened by his anointed position. This sentiment is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus refers to this verse in <a href="/john/15-25.htm">John 15:25</a>, highlighting the fulfillment of this prophecy in His own life. Jesus, like David, was hated without cause, underscoring His role as the suffering servant.<p><b>outnumber the hairs of my head</b><br>This hyperbolic expression emphasizes the overwhelming number of adversaries faced by the psalmist. It conveys a sense of being surrounded and outnumbered, a common theme in David's life, particularly during his flight from Saul and later Absalom. The imagery of countless enemies serves to highlight the intensity of the psalmist's distress and reliance on God for deliverance.<p><b>many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason</b><br>The repetition of the theme of baseless enmity underscores the psalmist's innocence and the unjust nature of the attacks. Historically, David faced numerous threats from those who sought his downfall, despite his loyalty to God and Israel. This also prefigures Christ's experience, as He faced opposition from religious leaders who sought to destroy Him despite His sinlessness and mission of salvation.<p><b>Though I did not steal, I must repay</b><br>This phrase suggests a situation where the psalmist is being held accountable for something he did not do, reflecting a miscarriage of justice. In David's life, this could relate to false accusations or misunderstandings. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who bore the sins of humanity and paid the debt of sin, though He Himself was without sin. This substitutionary atonement is central to Christian doctrine, illustrating the ultimate act of grace and redemption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/69.htm">Psalm 69</a>, David is expressing his distress and persecution by his enemies.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>The unspecified adversaries who hate David without cause and seek to destroy him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate refuge and source of justice for David amidst his trials.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/unjust_persecution.htm">Unjust Persecution</a></b><br>Believers may face hatred and persecution without cause, as David did. This is a reminder to remain steadfast in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ's_fulfillment.htm">Christ's Fulfillment</a></b><br>Jesus' reference to this Psalm highlights His own experience of unjust hatred, encouraging believers to find solace in His understanding and victory over such trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_adversity.htm">Integrity in Adversity</a></b><br>Despite false accusations, maintaining integrity is crucial. David's example of not repaying evil for evil is a model for Christian conduct.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_justice.htm">Trust in Divine Justice</a></b><br>Trusting God to handle injustices allows believers to focus on living righteously without being consumed by the desire for personal vengeance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restitution.htm">Repentance and Restitution</a></b><br>The mention of repaying what was not stolen can symbolize the importance of making amends and seeking peace, even when wronged.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_69.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 69</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_a_christian_be_removed_from_the_book_of_life.htm">Can a Christian's name be removed from the Book of Life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_psalm_69_originally_about_jesus.htm">Psalm 69 is frequently seen as messianic—what evidence exists that the text was originally about Jesus rather than solely about the psalmist’s circumstances?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'lions'_in_psalm_57_4_poetic_or_literal.htm">Is the reference to enemies being like 'lions' in Psalm 57:4 simply poetic imagery, or does it exaggerate any verifiable historical threat David faced?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_david_mourn_and_curse_foes.htm">Psalm 35:13-14 - How can David both mourn for his foes and call down curses on them without contradiction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/69.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">They that would destroy me . . .</span>--Properly, <span class= "ital">my exterminators. </span>It seems a piece of hypercriticism to object to this as too strong a word. It is a very allowable prolepsis. At the same time the parallelism would be improved by adopting, as Ewald suggests, the Syriac reading "my enemies without are more numerous than my bones," and the construction would be the same as in <a href="/psalms/40-12.htm" title="For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart fails me.">Psalm 40:12</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Wrongfully.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">without cause. </span>Comp. <a href="/psalms/35-19.htm" title="Let not them that are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.">Psalm 35:19</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Then I restored.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">what I did not steal I must then restore, </span>possibly a proverbial saying to express harsh and unjust treatment. Comp. Ps. Xxxv. 11; <a href="/jeremiah/15-10.htm" title="Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them does curse me.">Jeremiah 15:10</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/69.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14</a>; and for the simile. comp. <a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12</a>; both of them Davidical compositions). <span class="cmt_word">They that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty.</span> Joab and Abiathar, who supported the rebellion of Adonijah (<a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">1 Kings 1:7</a>), and were "mighty" men, certainly were David's enemies "wrongfully." And the same may be said of Absalom and Ahithophel. <span class="cmt_word">Then I restored that which I took not away.</span> Dr. Kay supposes David's quasi-abdication of a crown which he had not placed on his own head (<a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14-17</a>) to be alluded to. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/69-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Those who hate</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׂנְאַ֪י</span> <span class="translit">(śō·nə·’ay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me without cause</span><br /><span class="heb">חִ֫נָּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥin·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2600.htm">Strong's 2600: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gratis, devoid of cost, reason, advantage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">outnumber</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבּ֤וּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7231.htm">Strong's 7231: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cast together, increase, in number, to multiply by the myriad</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the hairs</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשַּׂעֲר֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(miś·śa·‘ă·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8185.htm">Strong's 8185: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hairiness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my head;</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאשִׁי֮</span> <span class="translit">(rō·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">many are</span><br /><span class="heb">עָצְמ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ṣə·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6105.htm">Strong's 6105: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind fast, close, powerful, numerous, to crunch the bones</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who would destroy me—</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֭צְמִיתַי</span> <span class="translit">(maṣ·mî·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6789.htm">Strong's 6789: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put an end to, exterminate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my enemies</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹיְבַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·yə·ḇay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hating, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without cause.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֑קֶר</span> <span class="translit">(še·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8267.htm">Strong's 8267: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deception, disappointment, falsehood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Though I did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">steal,</span><br /><span class="heb">גָ֝זַ֗לְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(ḡā·zal·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1497.htm">Strong's 1497: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I must repay.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָשִֽׁיב׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·šîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 69:4 Those who hate me without a cause (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/69-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 69:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 69:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/69-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 69:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 69:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>