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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 38:19 Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/38-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/19_Psa_038_019.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 38:19 - Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason." /><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'; 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those who hate me without reason are numerous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I have many aggressive enemies; they hate me without reason.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But mine enemies <i>are</i> lively, <i>and</i> they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But my enemies <i>are</i> vigorous, <i>and</i> they are strong; And those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But my enemies are vigorous <i>and</i> strong, And those who wrongfully hate me are many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But my enemies are vigorous and strong, And many are those who hate me wrongfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But my enemies are vigorous <i>and</i> strong; And many are those who hate me wrongfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But my enemies are vigorous <i>and</i> strong, And those who wrongfully hate me abound.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But my [numerous] enemies are vigorous and strong, And those who hate me without cause are many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But my enemies are vigorous and powerful; many hate me for no reason.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But my enemies are vigorous and powerful; many hate me for no reason. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But mine enemies are lively, and are strong; And they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Many deadly and powerful enemies hate me, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But mine enemies are lively, and are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />My mortal enemies are growing stronger. Many hate me for no reason.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My enemies are healthy and strong; there are many who hate me for no reason. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But my enemies are alive and well; those who hate me for no reason are numerous. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But those who are my enemies for no reason are numerous; those who hate me without cause outnumber me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But my enemies, for no reason, are many. Those who hate me wrongfully are numerous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But my enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And my enemies [are] lively, "" They have been strong, and those hating me without cause, "" Have been multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And mine enemies are lively, They have been strong, and those hating me without cause, Have been multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I will announce mine iniquity: I shall be afraid for my sin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But my enemies live, and are stronger that I : and they hate me wrongfully are multiplied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 37:20>But my enemies live, and they have been stronger than me. And those who have wrongfully hated me have been multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My enemies live and grow strong, those who hate me grow numerous fraudulently, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who are my foes without cause are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But mine enemies are strong and alert; and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My enemies have been strengthened and have seen and my lying haters have increased.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But mine enemies are strong in health; And they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But mine enemies live, and are mightier than I: and they that hate me unjustly are multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/38-19.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=4521" 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/38.htm">Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">18</span>Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: wə·’ō·yə·ḇay (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">Many are my enemies</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">without cause,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6105.htm" title="6105: ‘ā·ṣê·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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7231.htm" title="7231: wə·rab·bū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to cast together, i.e. Increase, especially in number; also to multiply by the myriad.">and many</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: śō·nə·’ay (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">hate me</a> <a href="/hebrew/8267.htm" title="8267: šā·qer (N-ms) -- Deception, disappointment, falsehood. From shaqar; an untruth; by implication, a sham.">without reason.</a> </span><span class="reftext">20</span>Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.…<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="/psalms/35-19.htm">Psalm 35:19</a></span><br />Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a></span><br />Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Psalm 55:12-14</a></span><br />For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</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="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-3.htm">Psalm 109:3-5</a></span><br />They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. / They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17-18</a></span><br />Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, / or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-6.htm">Micah 7:6</a></span><br />For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/19-19.htm">Job 19:19</a></span><br />All my best friends despise me, and those I love have turned against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a></span><br />Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-52.htm">Lamentations 3:52</a></span><br />Without cause my enemies hunted me like a bird.<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="/matthew/10-36.htm">Matthew 10:36</a></span><br />A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-60</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-56</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But my enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.</p><p class="hdg">But</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Psalm 3:1</a></b></br> A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many <i>are</i> they that rise up against me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/25-19.htm">Psalm 25:19</a></b></br> Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1,2</a></b></br> To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me… </p><p class="hdg">are lively [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-19.htm">Psalm 35:19</a></b></br> Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: <i>neither</i> let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/79-5.htm">Psalm 79:5</a></b></br> How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?</p><p class="hdg">they that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-19.htm">Psalm 35:19</a></b></br> Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: <i>neither</i> let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a></b></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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Matthew 10:22</a></b></br> And ye shall be hated of all <i>men</i> for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/psalms/26-10.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/psalms/35-19.htm">Foes</a> <a href="/psalms/36-2.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/psalms/38-7.htm">Health</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/exodus/1-19.htm">Lively</a> <a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/psalms/25-17.htm">Multiplied</a> <a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/psalms/35-18.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/psalms/38-8.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/psalms/37-39.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/job/22-2.htm">Vigorous</a> <a href="/psalms/35-19.htm">Wrongfully</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/41-2.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/psalms/41-6.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/psalms/41-2.htm">Foes</a> <a href="/psalms/41-7.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/psalms/41-3.htm">Health</a> <a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/acts/7-38.htm">Lively</a> <a href="/psalms/45-3.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Multiplied</a> <a href="/psalms/40-3.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/psalms/40-15.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/psalms/45-3.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/psalms/92-14.htm">Vigorous</a> <a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Wrongfully</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 38</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">David moves God to take compassion on his pitiful case</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/38.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/38.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Many are my enemies without cause</b><br>This phrase reflects the psalmist's experience of being unjustly opposed, a theme common in the Psalms. The idea of having enemies "without cause" suggests a situation where the psalmist is innocent of any wrongdoing that would justify such hostility. This can be seen as a reflection of the righteous sufferer motif, where the faithful endure persecution despite their innocence. In biblical history, figures like David often faced opposition from those who were envious or threatened by their God-given favor. This phrase can also be connected to the life of Jesus Christ, who was hated and persecuted despite His sinlessness, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>. The concept of unjust enmity is also echoed in the New Testament, where believers are warned that they may face persecution for righteousness' sake (<a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a>).<p><b>and many hate me without reason</b><br>The repetition of the idea of being hated "without reason" emphasizes the irrational and baseless nature of the psalmist's adversaries' hostility. This reflects a deep sense of betrayal and injustice, as the psalmist is targeted not for any legitimate fault but due to the malice or envy of others. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, such enmity could arise from political, social, or religious tensions. The phrase resonates with the experiences of biblical figures like Joseph, who was hated by his brothers out of jealousy (Genesis 37), and Daniel, who faced opposition due to his faithfulness to God (Daniel 6). In the New Testament, Jesus refers to this kind of hatred in <a href="/john/15-25.htm">John 15:25</a>, citing that the world hated Him "without reason," fulfilling the words of the Psalms. This connection underscores the continuity of the theme of unjust suffering from the Old Testament to the New Testament, highlighting the call for believers to endure such trials with faith and integrity.<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/38.htm">Psalm 38</a>, David is expressing his distress and seeking God's help amidst his suffering and the unjust hatred from his enemies.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>These are the individuals or groups who oppose David without just cause, representing the broader theme of unjust persecution faced by the righteous.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate source of refuge and justice for David, to whom he turns in his time of need.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_unjust_persecution.htm">Understanding Unjust Persecution</a></b><br>Recognize that being hated without cause is a common experience for those who follow God, as seen in the lives of David and Jesus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/turning_to_god_in_distress.htm">Turning to God in Distress</a></b><br>Like David, believers should turn to God as their refuge and strength when facing unjust opposition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_hatred_with_faith.htm">Responding to Hatred with Faith</a></b><br>Instead of retaliating, respond to hatred with faith and trust in God's justice and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identifying_with_christ.htm">Identifying with Christ</a></b><br>Understand that experiencing unjust hatred can deepen our identification with Christ, who was also hated without cause.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_trials.htm">Encouragement in Trials</a></b><br>Find encouragement in knowing that trials and opposition can strengthen our faith and reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_38.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 38</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_blessing_vs._cursing.htm">Does winking lead to problems?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_christians_endure_suffering.htm">How should Christians live amidst suffering and persecution?</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/does_psalm_15_4_clash_with_matthew_5_44.htm">Psalm 15:4 endorses despising the vile while honoring the godly; does this clash with New Testament commands to love enemies (e.g., Matthew 5:44)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/38.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) <span class= "bld">But mine enemies are lively.</span>--See margin. But the parallelism and a comparison with <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> lead to the suspicion that the true reading is "without cause."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong</span>. The psalmist goes back to the thought of his enemies, to whom he has made no answer, and whom he has not ventured to rebuke (vers. 13, 14). He remembers that they are full of life and strength; he calls to mind the fact that they are many in number; he puts on record the cause of their enmity, which is not his sin, but his earnest endeavour to forsake his sin and follow after righteousness (ver. 20); and then, in conclusion, he makes a direct appeal to God for aid against them - first negatively (ver. 21), and then positively in the final outburst, "Make haste to help me, O Lord my Salvation" (ver. 22). <span class="cmt_word">And they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.</span> This suits well the time of Absalom's conspiracy, when day by day more and more of the people forsook David and joined the party of his son. (<a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">2 Samuel 15:12, 13</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/38-19.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">Many are my enemies</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽ֭אֹיְבַי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ō·yə·ḇay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">חַיִּ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and many</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרַבּ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rab·bū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive 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">hate me</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׂנְאַ֣י</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">without reason.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָֽׁקֶר׃</span> <span class="translit">(šā·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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 38:19 But my enemies are vigorous and many (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/38-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 38:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 38:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/38-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 38:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 38:20" /></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>