Psalms 35:1
Psalms 35:1 in Multiple Translations
Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.
Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
Strive thou, O Jehovah, with them that strive with me: Fight thou against them that fight against me.
O Lord, be on my side against those who are judging me; be at war with those who make war against me.
Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who are fighting against me.
A Psalme of Dauid. Pleade thou my cause, O Lord, with them that striue with me: fight thou against them, that fight against me.
By David. Strive, Jehovah, with my strivers, fight with my fighters,
Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me.
A Psalm of David. Plead my cause , O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself.
Yahweh, fight against those who fight against me! Fight against my enemies when they fight me!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 35:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 35:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/דָוִ֨ד
רִיבָ֣/ה
יְ֭הוָה
אֶת
יְרִיבַ֑/י
לְ֝חַ֗ם
אֶת
לֹֽחֲמָֽ/י
לְ/דָוִ֨ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
רִיבָ֣/ה
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְרִיבַ֑/י
yârîyb
H3401
opponent
N-mp | Suff
לְ֝חַ֗ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לֹֽחֲמָֽ/י
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 35:1
לְ/דָוִ֨ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
רִיבָ֣/ה
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְרִיבַ֑/י
yârîyb
H3401
"opponent"
N-mp | Suff
This word describes someone who is contentious or an opponent, often used to describe a person who strives or contends with others. It appears in the Bible to describe conflict and adversity. The KJV translates it as that contenteth or that strive.
Definition: contender, opponent, adversary
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: that content(-eth), that strive. See also: Psalms 35:1; Isaiah 49:25; Jeremiah 18:19.
לְ֝חַ֗ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לֹֽחֲמָֽ/י
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Qal | Suff
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
Study Notes — Psalms 35:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 35:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
- Sermons on Psalms 35:1
Context — Contend with My Opponents, O LORD
1Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.
2Take up Your shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. 3Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 43:1 | Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:154 | Defend my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 51:36 | Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry. |
| 4 | Isaiah 49:25 | Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children. |
| 5 | Proverbs 22:23 | for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
| 6 | Proverbs 23:11 | for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you. |
| 7 | Lamentations 3:58 | You defend my cause, O Lord; You redeem my life. |
| 8 | Acts 5:39 | But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 24:15 | May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.” |
| 10 | Exodus 14:25 | He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” |
Psalms 35:1 Summary
This verse is a prayer where David asks God to defend him against his enemies. It means that David is trusting God to fight for what is right and to protect him from harm. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting God to defend us against spiritual attacks and to fight for what is right, just like it says in Psalms 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10. By trusting in God's power and love, we can have confidence that He will take care of us, no matter what challenges we face.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to contend with someone in the Bible?
In the Bible, contending with someone means to stand up for what is right and just, as seen in Isaiah 1:17, and to trust God to fight on our behalf, as in Deuteronomy 1:30.
Is it okay to ask God to fight against our enemies?
Yes, it is okay to ask God to fight against those who seek to harm us, as David does in Psalms 35:1, but we must also remember to trust in God's sovereignty and love, as in Romans 8:28 and 1 John 4:8.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on loving our enemies?
While Jesus teaches us to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44, this verse shows that it is also okay to ask God to defend us against those who seek to harm us, and to trust in His justice and protection, as in Psalms 37:3-7.
Can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
Yes, you can apply this verse to your everyday life by trusting God to defend you against spiritual attacks and to fight for what is right, as in Ephesians 6:10-18, and by remembering that God is our salvation, as in Psalms 27:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust God to contend with my opponents and fight against those who seek to harm me?
- How can I balance asking God to defend me with loving my enemies and trusting in His sovereignty?
- What are some spiritual attacks that I am facing right now, and how can I trust God to fight for me?
- How can I remember that God is my salvation, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:1
Plead [my cause], O Lord, with them that strive with me,.... Meaning Saul and his courtiers; concerning whom he elsewhere desires that the Lord would judge between them, plead his cause, and deliver
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:1
Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
Psalms 35 THE This Psalm was penned by David when he was slandered and persecuted by Saul and his stewards, as is manifest from the whole body of it. David prayeth for his own safety, ,2, and his enemies’ destruction, ; showeth their falsehood, and unthankfulness, and malice, . He prayeth for their confussion, ; but for the preservation and joy of the godly, ,28. Seeing I am unable to right myself and the magistrates refuse to do me justice, be thou my Patron and Protector.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
Psalms 35:1 « [A Psalm] of David. » Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.Ver. 1. Plead my cause, O Lord] We may safely pray the same, when oppressed with calumnies and false accusations, as now David was by Saul’ s sycophants, or, as others think, when he was in great heaviness, and even heart sick; after that Amnon had defiled Tamar, and Absalom had slain Amnon; his disaffected subjects, such as Shimei, insulted over him, and said, it was just upon him for the matter of Uriah, and other miscarriages; which they wrongfully charged him with. See a promise in this case, Isaiah 49:21. Fight against them, &c.] Or, devour them that devour me; for in Niphal only it signifieth to fight.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
(1) Plead my cause.—Better, Strive, O Jehovah, with them that strive with me. The construction requires this, and the parallelism suggests recourse to arms rather than to the law. Fight.—Literally, devour. (Comp. Numbers 24:8. “He shall eat up the nations.” So a Latin author— “Qua medius pugnæ vorat agmina vortex.” SILIUS: Punic, 4:230. Comp. Shakespeare— “If the wars eat us not up.’—Coriolanus, Acts 1, sc. 1)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
PSALM XXXV The psalmist, in great straits, prays for his personal safety, 1-3; and for the confusion of his enemies, 4-8; expresses has confidence in God, 9, 10; mentions his kindness to those who had rewarded him evil for his good, 11-16; appeals to God against them, 17-26; prays for those who befriended him; and praises God for his goodness, 27, 28. NOTES ON PSALM XXXV There is nothing in the title worthy of remark. The Psalm is simply attributed to David, and was most probably of his composing; and refers to the time of his persecution by Saul and his courtiers. The Syriac says it was composed when the Idumeans attacked David. The Arabic says it is a prophecy concerning the incarnation, and concerning the things practised against Jeremiah by the people. Some think that our Lord's sufferings are particularly pointed out here; and Bishop Horsley thinks that verses 11 to 16 apply more literally and exactly to Christ than to any other whomsoever. Verse 1. Plead my cause, O Lord] Literally, Contend, Lord, with then that contend with me. The word is often used in a forensic or law sense.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:1
1–3. Appeal to Jehovah to arm himself as the Psalmist’s champion.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:1
Plead my cause, O Lord - The word “plead” means, properly, to argue in support of a claim, or against the claim of another; to urge reasons for or against; to attempt to persuade one by argument or
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:1
1. Plead my cause—Hebrew, simply plead. The term is properly forensic, as Job 13:6, but here it means forcible coercion.
Sermons on Psalms 35:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Life of David) 03 Friends and Foes in David's Life by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spending time in fellowship with God in order to overcome the giants in our lives. He uses the example of David, who spent |
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Great Faith Over Great Fear - Psalm 46 by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and victory found in the word of God. They highlight the importance of understanding the prophetic message of Jesus and the impact |
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The Lord, Avenger of His People by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the theme of God as the avenger of His people in his sermon based on Psalms 35, addressing the current societal challenges and moral decline. He highlights |
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The End Time by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the urgency of prayer in the end times, highlighting that as the return of the Son of Man approaches, faith and prayer will be in short supply among believe |
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Exposition on Psalm 36 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the dangers of ungodliness, emphasizing how the lack of fear of God leads to a willful ignorance of His commandments, resulting in a love for sin. He d |
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Psalm 35 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the power of prayer and seeking God's help in times of need, drawing inspiration from the Psalms where David's cries for deliverance mirror Jesus' own pray |
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Epistle 141 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about gathering together the sufferings of those who have been unjustly treated by authorities, urging them to document their experiences and the names of those |