CINXE.COM

<!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 35:13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/35-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/19_Psa_035_013.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 35:13 - Contend with My Opponents" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered." /><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/35-13.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/35-13.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 13</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="/ad13.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/35-12.htm" title="Psalm 35:12">◄</a> Psalm 35:13 <a href="/psalms/35-14.htm" title="Psalm 35:14">►</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 />Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them. I denied myself by fasting for them, but my prayers returned unanswered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing <i>was</i> sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing <i>was</i> sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting, But my prayer kept returning to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting, And my prayer kept returning to my bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting; And my prayer kept returning to my bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting, And my prayer kept returning to my bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth (mourning garment); I humbled my soul with fasting, And I prayed with my head bowed on my chest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer was genuine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer was genuine. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I afflicted my soul with fasting; And my prayer returned into mine own bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When they were sick, I wore sackcloth and went without food. I truly prayed for them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I afflicted my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But when they were sick, I wore sackcloth. I humbled myself with fasting. When my prayer returned unanswered,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But when they were sick, I dressed in mourning; I deprived myself of food; I prayed with my head bowed low, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But when they were sick, I wore sackcloth, humbled myself with fasting, and prayed from my heart repeatedly for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When they were sick, I wore sackcloth, and refrained from eating food. (If I am lying, may my prayers go unanswered!) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting. My prayer returned into my own bosom. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I—in their sickness my clothing [is] sackcloth, "" I have humbled my soul with fastings, "" And my prayer returns to my bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I -- in their sickness my clothing is sackcloth, I have humbled with fastings my soul, And my prayer unto my bosom returneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I, in their being sick, my clothing sackcloth: I humbled my soul in fasting, and my prayer shall be turned back upon my bosom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were troublesome to me, I was clothed with haircloth. I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer shall be turned into my bosom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 34:13>But as for me, when they were harassing me, I was clothed with haircloth. I humbled my soul with fasting, and my prayer will become my sinews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Yet I, when they were ill, put on sackcloth, afflicted myself with fasting, sobbed my prayers upon my bosom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting. I prayed with head bowed on my bosom,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, I wore sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting, and my prayer returned into my own bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I wore sackcloth in their sicknesses, and my soul was humbled by fasting and my prayer returned to my bosom.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth, I afflicted my soul with fasting; And my prayer, may it return into mine own bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But I, when they troubled me, put on sackcloth, and humbled my soul with fasting: and my prayer shall return to my <i>own</i> bosom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/35-13.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=3867" 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">12</span>They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">Yet</a> <a href="/hebrew/2470.htm" title="2470: ba·ḥă·lō·w·ṯām (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence to be weak, sick, afflicted; or to grieve, make sick; also to stroke, entreat.">when they were ill,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3830.htm" title="3830: lə·ḇū·šî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A garment, clothing, raiment. Or lbush; from labash; a garment; by implication A wife.">I put on</a> <a href="/hebrew/8242.htm" title="8242: śāq (N-ms) -- Sack, sackcloth. From shaqaq; properly, a mesh, i.e. Coarse loose cloth or sacking; hence, a bag.">sackcloth;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: ‘in·nê·ṯî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">I humbled</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">myself</a> <a href="/hebrew/6685.htm" title="6685: ḇaṣ·ṣō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Fasting, a fast. Or tsom; from from tsuwm; a fast.">with fasting,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8605.htm" title="8605: ū·ṯə·p̄il·lā·ṯî (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Prayer. From palal; intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn.">but my prayers</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: ṯā·šūḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">unanswered.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2436.htm" title="2436: ḥê·qî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Bosom. Or cheq; and chowq; from an unused root, apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom."></a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.…<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="/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="/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/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a></span><br />Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-7.htm">1 Samuel 1:7-8</a></span><br />And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. / “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”<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="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3-5</a></span><br />“Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. / You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. / Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12-13</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">2 Samuel 12:16</a></span><br />David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Acts 7:60</a></span><br />Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a></span><br />So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a></span><br />“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-19.htm">Philippians 1:19</a></span><br />because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom.</p><p class="hdg">when</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-10.htm">Psalm 69:10,11</a></b></br> When I wept, <i>and chastened</i> my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-25.htm">Job 30:25</a></b></br> Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was <i>not</i> my soul grieved for the poor?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></b></br> But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;</p><p class="hdg">humbled.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">Leviticus 16:29,31</a></b></br> And <i>this</i> shall be a statute for ever unto you: <i>that</i> in the seventh month, on the tenth <i>day</i> of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, <i>whether it be</i> one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14,15</a></b></br> Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? … </p><p class="hdg">my prayer</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-13.htm">Matthew 10:13</a></b></br> And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/10-6.htm">Luke 10:6</a></b></br> And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/35-10.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/job/31-33.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/psalms/20-8.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/job/33-19.htm">Chastened</a> <a href="/psalms/30-11.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/esther/9-31.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/esther/9-31.htm">Fastings</a> <a href="/psalms/34-10.htm">Food</a> <a href="/psalms/31-11.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/job/30-11.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/job/20-26.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/psalms/32-3.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/job/42-10.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/psalms/32-6.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/job/41-3.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/job/34-15.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-13.htm">Returning</a> <a href="/psalms/30-11.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/job/30-25.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/psalms/35-12.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/32-3.htm">Wore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/psalms/35-14.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/psalms/69-10.htm">Chastened</a> <a href="/psalms/45-13.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/psalms/69-10.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Fastings</a> <a href="/psalms/37-19.htm">Food</a> <a href="/psalms/35-14.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/35-25.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/44-9.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/psalms/106-32.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-15.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/61-5.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/psalms/78-39.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Returning</a> <a href="/psalms/69-11.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/psalms/71-20.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/psalms/69-20.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/psalms/38-9.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/psalms/35-17.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/109-18.htm">Wore</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>Yet when they were ill,</b><br>This phrase reflects the psalmist's compassion and empathy towards others, even those who may have been adversaries. In ancient Israel, illness was often seen as a time of vulnerability and need, and the psalmist's response indicates a commitment to intercessory prayer and support. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>) and echoes the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where He emphasizes love for enemies (<a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>).<p><b>I put on sackcloth;</b><br>Wearing sackcloth was a traditional expression of mourning, repentance, or humility in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel. It was typically made from coarse goat's hair and was uncomfortable to wear, symbolizing the wearer's distress or penitence. This act signifies the psalmist's deep sorrow and earnestness in prayer, a practice seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the story of Jonah and the repentance of Nineveh (<a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-6</a>).<p><b>I humbled myself with fasting,</b><br>Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food to focus on prayer and seeking God's will. In the context of the psalm, fasting represents the psalmist's sincere dedication to interceding for those who were ill. This practice is seen throughout Scripture as a means of humbling oneself before God, seeking His intervention, and demonstrating earnestness in prayer (<a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ezra 8:21</a>, <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a>).<p><b>but my prayers returned unanswered.</b><br>The psalmist's experience of unanswered prayer highlights a common biblical theme of waiting on God's timing and sovereignty. This phrase reflects the tension between human expectation and divine will, a theme explored in other parts of Scripture, such as in the lamentations of Jeremiah (<a href="/lamentations/3-8.htm">Lamentations 3:8</a>) and the cries of Job (<a href="/job/30-20.htm">Job 30:20</a>). It also points to the mystery of God's purposes, reminding believers of the need for faith and trust, even when immediate answers are not evident.<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 lament and frustration over the betrayal and hostility he faces from those he once cared for.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>The individuals who have turned against David, despite his previous acts of kindness and intercession on their behalf.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sackcloth_and_fasting.htm">Sackcloth and Fasting</a></b><br>Traditional expressions of mourning and humility in ancient Israel, often used in times of personal or communal repentance and supplication.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_adversity.htm">Humility in Adversity</a></b><br>David's response to his enemies' illness with fasting and prayer demonstrates humility and compassion, even when faced with betrayal.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fasting.htm">The Role of Fasting</a></b><br>Fasting is a spiritual discipline that reflects a heart seeking God earnestly. It is not merely a ritual but a means to humble oneself before God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unanswered_prayers.htm">Unanswered Prayers</a></b><br>David's experience of unanswered prayers reminds us that God's timing and purposes are beyond our understanding. Persistence in prayer is crucial, even when immediate results are not visible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loving_your_enemies.htm">Loving Your Enemies</a></b><br>David's actions prefigure Christ's teaching on loving and praying for one's enemies, challenging us to respond with grace and compassion in the face of hostility.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Despite the lack of immediate answers, David's psalm ultimately reflects a trust in God's justice and timing, encouraging believers to maintain faith in God's righteous plans.<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/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/can_i_skip_church_if_i'm_sick.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer on mourning?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fasting.htm">What does the Bible say about fasting?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jesus_perform_miracles.htm">What does the Bible teach about learning to pray?</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>(13)<span class= "bld">And my prayer returned into mine own bosom.</span>--This has been most variously explained. The context evidently implies something done for the benefit of the whilome friends for whom, in their sickness, the poet had worn sackcloth, and had fasted and adopted all the other signs of mourning. We must therefore set aside (1) the idea of <span class= "ital">fruitless </span>prayer, in spite of the analogy of <a href="/matthew/10-13.htm" title="And if the house be worthy, let your peace come on it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.">Matthew 10:13</a>, <a href="/luke/10-6.htm" title="And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest on it: if not, it shall turn to you again.">Luke 10:6</a>. (2) The notion that the answer to the prayer came back to the psalmist himself, instead of to those for whom it was offered, must also be set aside. And (3) we must reject the notion of secret, <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>silent prayer, in spite of <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm" title="A wicked man takes a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.">Proverbs 17:23</a>; <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm" title="A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.">Proverbs 21:14</a>, since all the "outward and visible" signs of mourning are indicated, and the very object was to show sympathy and interest.<p>There remains (1) the literal, <span class= "ital">and my prayer turned upon my bosom, </span>referring to the posture described in <a href="/psalms/35-14.htm" title="I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourns for his mother.">Psalm 35:14</a>. (Comp. <a href="/1_kings/18-42.htm" title="So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down on the earth, and put his face between his knees,">1Kings 18:42</a>, where, however, there is no express mention of prayer.) The words were, as it were, muttered into his bosom. This is the view of Ewald and Delitzsch, but seems prosaic. (2)The far more probable meaning, <span class= "ital">my prayer came back again and again to my bosom, i.e., </span>was repeated over and over again; just as we say, "the thought recurred to my mind." (Comp. the common phrase for thoughts coming upon the heart, <a href="/jeremiah/3-16.htm" title="And it shall come to pass, when you be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, said the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.">Jeremiah 3:16</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/7-31.htm" title="And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.">Jeremiah 7:31</a>, etc.) The Hebrew verb has this frequentative sense in one of its conjugations. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But as</span> <span class="cmt_word">for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth</span>. It is suggested that David had acted thus, especially in the case of Saul, when he was first afflicted with his terrible malady (<a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14-23</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10</a>); but he appears to speak of his habitual practice, whenever any of his friends were sick. (On the putting on of sackcloth as a sign of grief, see <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">2 Samuel 3:31</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/21-10.htm">2 Samuel 21:10</a>; <a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27</a>; <a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">2 Kings 6:30</a>; <a href="/2_kings/19-1.htm">2 Kings 19:1</a>; <a href="/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1</a>; <a href="/job/16-15.htm">Job 16:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/69-11.htm">Psalm 69:11</a>; <a href="/psalms/69-11.htm">Psalm 69:11</a>, etc.) <span class="cmt_word">I humbled my soul with fasting.</span> Another customary indication of grief (see <a href="/psalms/69-10.htm">Psalm 69:10</a>; <a href="/psalms/109-24.htm">Psalm 109:24</a>; <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Judges 20:26</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">1 Samuel 31:13</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/22-16.htm">2 Samuel 22:16</a>; <a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a>, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">And my prayer returned into mine own bosom</span> (comp. <a href="/matthew/10-13.htm">Matthew 10:13</a>). Prayers for others, if prevented by their unworthiness from benefiting them, are yet not altogether void and vain. They bring a blessing to the man that offers them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/35-13.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">Yet</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲנִ֤י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">during their illness,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחֲלוֹתָ֡ם</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥă·lō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2470.htm">Strong's 2470: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be weak or sick</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I put on</span><br /><span class="heb">לְב֬וּשִׁי</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇū·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3830.htm">Strong's 3830: </a> </span><span class="str2">A garment, clothing, raiment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sackcloth;</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂ֗ק</span> <span class="translit">(śāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8242.htm">Strong's 8242: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bag</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I humbled</span><br /><span class="heb">עִנֵּ֣יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(‘in·nê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bowed down or afflicted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">myself</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשִׁ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">with fasting,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַצּ֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(ḇaṣ·ṣō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6685.htm">Strong's 6685: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fasting, a fast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but my prayers</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝תְפִלָּתִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·p̄il·lā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8605.htm">Strong's 8605: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intercession, supplication, a hymn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">returned unanswered.</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 35:13 But as for me when they were (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/35-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 35:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 35:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/35-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 35:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 35:14" /></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>