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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 35:14 I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/35-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_035_014.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 35:14 - Contend with My Opponents" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/35-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/35-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/35.htm">Chapter 35</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/35-13.htm" title="Psalm 35:13">◄</a> Psalm 35:14 <a href="/psalms/35-15.htm" title="Psalm 35:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/35.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I was sad, as though they were my friends or family, as if I were grieving for my own mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I behaved myself as though <i>he had been</i> my friend <i>or</i> brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth <i>for his</i> mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I paced about as though <i>he were</i> my friend <i>or</i> brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns <i>for his</i> mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I went about as though it were my friend or brother; I bowed down in mourning, like one who mourns for a mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I went about as though it were my friend or brother; I bowed down mourning, as one who sorrows for a mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I went about as though it were my friend or brother; I bowed down mourning, as one who sorrows for a mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I walked about as though it were my friend or brother; I bowed down mourning, as one who sorrows for a mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I behaved as if grieving for my friend or my brother; I bowed down in mourning, as one who sorrows for his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I went about mourning as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for a mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I went about grieving as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning a mother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother: I bowed down mourning, as one that bewaileth his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />as I would for a friend or a relative. I was in sorrow and mourned, as I would for my mother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother: I bowed down mourning, as one that bewaileth his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I walked around as if I were mourning for my friend or my brother. I was bent over as if I were mourning for my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />as I would pray for a friend or a brother. I went around bent over in mourning, as one who mourns for his mother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I paced about as for my friend or my brother, and fell down mourning as one weeps for one's mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I mourned for them as I would for a friend or my brother. I bowed down in sorrow as if I were mourning for my mother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother. I bowed down mourning, as one who mourns his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother. I bowed down mourning, as one who mourns his mother. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As [if] a friend, as [if] my brother, "" I habitually walked, "" As a mourner for a mother, "" I have bowed down mourning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As if a friend, as if my brother, I walked habitually, As a mourner for a mother, Mourning I have bowed down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As a friend, as a brother to me: I went about as mourning a mother: being darkened, I bowed down.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As a neighbour and as an own brother, so did I please : as one mourning and sorrowful so was I humbled. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 34:14>Like a neighbor, and like our brother, so did I please; like one mourning and contrite, so was I humbled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I went about in grief as for my brother, bent in mourning as for my mother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />as though I grieved for a friend or a brother; I went about as one who laments for a mother, bowed down and in mourning.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I behaved myself as though they had been my friends and brothers; I bowed down heavily, as one miserable in deep mourning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have walked as a friend and a brother, and as he who sits in mourning, I was saddened.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I went about as though it had been my friend or my brother; I bowed down mournful, as one that mourneth for his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I behaved agreeably towards them as <i>if it had been</i> our neighbour <i>or</i> brother: I humbled myself as one mourning and sad of countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/35-14.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=3877" 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/35.htm">Contend with My Opponents</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hiṯ·hal·lā·ḵə·tî (V-Hitpael-Perf-1cs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">I paced about</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: kə·rê·a‘- (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">as for my friend</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: kə·’āḥ (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">or brother;</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7817.htm" title="7817: ša·ḥō·w·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To bow, be bowed down, crouch. A primitive root; to sink or depress.">I was bowed down</a> <a href="/hebrew/6937.htm" title="6937: qō·ḏêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be dark. A primitive root; to be ashy, i.e. Dark-colored; by implication, to mourn.">with grief,</a> <a href="/hebrew/57.htm" title="57: ka·’ă·ḇel- (Prep-k:: Adj-msc) -- Mourning. From 'abal; lamenting.">like one mourning</a> <a href="/hebrew/517.htm" title="517: ’êm (N-fs) -- A mother. A primitive word; a mother; in a wide sense (like 'ab).">for his mother.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.…<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="/job/30-25.htm">Job 30:25</a></span><br />Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a></span><br />Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-26.htm">1 Corinthians 12:26</a></span><br />If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Luke 6:28</a></span><br />bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11-12</a></span><br />Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">2 Samuel 3:31-32</a></span><br />Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier. / When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-1.htm">Jeremiah 9:1</a></span><br />Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-48.htm">Lamentations 3:48</a></span><br />Streams of tears flow from my eyes over the destruction of the daughter of my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-33.htm">John 11:33-35</a></span><br />When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a></span><br />And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a></span><br />Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-4.htm">Philippians 2:4</a></span><br />Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8</a></span><br />Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a></span><br />A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourns for his mother.</p><p class="hdg">I behaved [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11,12,17</a></b></br> Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that <i>were</i> with him: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41,42</a></b></br> And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, … </p><p class="hdg">as one.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a></b></br> And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's <i>death</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/36-9.htm">Behaved</a> <a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/psalms/31-12.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/job/30-25.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/psalms/26-3.htm">Habitually</a> <a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Head</a> <a href="/job/33-7.htm">Heavily</a> <a href="/psalms/27-10.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/job/14-22.htm">Mourneth</a> <a href="/psalms/30-11.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/job/14-22.htm">Mourns</a> <a href="/psalms/32-10.htm">Sorrows</a> <a href="/psalms/26-3.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Weeping</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/74-5.htm">Behaved</a> <a href="/psalms/38-6.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/psalms/41-5.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/psalms/41-3.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/psalms/38-18.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Habitually</a> <a href="/psalms/38-4.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/88-7.htm">Heavily</a> <a href="/psalms/50-20.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/psalms/88-9.htm">Mourneth</a> <a href="/psalms/38-6.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-4.htm">Mourns</a> <a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Sorrows</a> <a href="/psalms/55-14.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/psalms/38-6.htm">Weeping</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 35</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/35-1.htm">David prays for his own safety, and his enemies' confusion</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">He complains of their wrongful dealing</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/35-22.htm">Thereby he incites God against them</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/35.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/35.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I paced about as for my friend or brother;</b><br>This phrase reflects the deep emotional turmoil and empathy the psalmist feels. In ancient Near Eastern culture, mourning was a communal activity, often involving physical expressions of grief such as pacing or walking in circles. The psalmist's comparison to a "friend or brother" indicates a close, familial bond, emphasizing the depth of his sorrow. This mirrors the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>) and the New Testament call to bear one another's burdens (<a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a>). The psalmist's actions can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as a friend and brother to believers (<a href="/john/15-15.htm">John 15:15</a>, <a href="/hebrews/2-11.htm">Hebrews 2:11</a>).<p><b>I was bowed down with grief,</b><br>The act of being "bowed down" signifies a posture of humility and submission, often associated with intense sorrow or supplication. In biblical times, bowing down was a common expression of mourning, as seen in Job's response to his suffering (<a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a>). This phrase highlights the psalmist's vulnerability and the weight of his emotional burden. It also foreshadows the suffering servant motif found in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>, where the Messiah is described as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. This connection underscores the psalmist's experience as a precursor to the suffering of Christ.<p><b>like one mourning for his mother.</b><br>Mourning for a mother would have been one of the most profound expressions of grief in ancient Israelite society, as the mother-child relationship was deeply cherished. This comparison underscores the intensity of the psalmist's lament. The cultural context of mourning included wearing sackcloth, fasting, and weeping, as seen in the story of David mourning for his son (<a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">2 Samuel 12:16-17</a>). This phrase also connects to the New Testament, where Jesus shows compassion for the grieving, such as when He comforts the widow of Nain (<a href="/luke/7-13.htm">Luke 7:13</a>). The psalmist's lament can be seen as a type of Christ's empathy and compassion for humanity's suffering.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm">Psalm 35</a>, David is expressing his deep emotional turmoil and sense of betrayal by those he once considered close.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Though not named specifically in this verse, the context of the psalm indicates that David is lamenting the betrayal and attacks from those who were once his allies or friends.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Implicit in the psalm as the one to whom David cries out for justice and deliverance from his adversaries.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/empathy_in_relationships.htm">Empathy in Relationships</a></b><br>David's grief for his friends shows the depth of empathy we are called to have for others, even when they wrong us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dealing_with_betrayal.htm">Dealing with Betrayal</a></b><br>The psalm teaches us to bring our feelings of betrayal and hurt to God, trusting Him for justice and healing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pain_of_broken_relationships.htm">The Pain of Broken Relationships</a></b><br>Like David, we may experience deep sorrow when relationships are broken, reminding us of the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_response.htm">Prayer as a Response</a></b><br>In times of emotional turmoil, turning to prayer and seeking God's presence can provide comfort and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ-like_love.htm">Christ-like Love</a></b><br>Reflecting on how Jesus responded to betrayal can inspire us to love and forgive those who hurt us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_35.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 35</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_deut._13_clash_with_free_will.htm">Does the harsh response prescribed in Deuteronomy 13 conflict with the concept of free will versus strict divine command?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_themes_of_bible's_books.htm">What are the main themes of the Bible's books?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'pharmakeia'_mean_biblically.htm">How to handle abusive behavior from adult children?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/35.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">I bowed down heavily.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">I went squalid, and bowed down, </span>alluding to the neglected beard and person, and to the dust and ashes of Oriental mourning.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother.</span> In every such case I sympathized with the sufferer to such an extent, that my conduct was like that of an intimate friend or a brother. <span class="cmt_word">I bowed down heavily, as one that mournsth for his mother.</span> Nay, I went further; I took on all those outward signs of grief which are usual when a man has lost his mother. I "bowed down heavily," as though I could scarcely stand. The Orientals are extreme and exaggerated in their manifestations both of joy and grief (see Herod., 8:99). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/35-14.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">I paced about</span><br /><span class="heb">הִתְהַלָּ֑כְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(hiṯ·hal·lā·ḵə·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as for my friend</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּרֵֽעַ־</span> <span class="translit">(kə·rê·a‘-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or brother;</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאָ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’āḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I was bowed down</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁחֽוֹתִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ša·ḥō·w·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7817.htm">Strong's 7817: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bow, be bowed down, crouch</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with grief,</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹדֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(qō·ḏêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6937.htm">Strong's 6937: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be ashy, darkcolored, to mourn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like one mourning</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲבֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·ḇel-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_57.htm">Strong's 57: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lamenting</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[for his] mother.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֝֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(’êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_517.htm">Strong's 517: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mother, )</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/35-14.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 35:14 I behaved myself as though it had (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/35-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 35:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 35:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/35-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 35:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 35:15" /></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>