Psalms 35:5

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

May they be like chaff in the wind, as the angel of the LORD drives them away.

American Standard Version (1901)

Let them be as chaff before the wind, And the angel of Jehovah driving them on.

Bible in Basic English

Let them be like dust from the grain before the wind; let the angel of the Lord send them in flight.

Free Bible Version

Let them be like chaff blown by the wind; let the angel of the Lord drive them away.

Geneva Bible 1599

Let them be as chaffe before the winde, and let the Angel of the Lord scatter them.

King James (Authorized) Version

Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.

One Unity Resource Bible

Let them be as chaff before the wind, Ha mal'ak Yahweh [The Angel of He sustains breathing] driving them on.

Translation for Translators

Send your angel to pursue them, and as a result cause them to disappear like chaff/straw blown away by the wind!

Unlocked Literal Bible

May they be as chaff before the wind, as the angel of Yahweh drives them away.

Noah Webster Bible

Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them .

World English Bible

Let them be as chaff before the wind, Yahweh’s angel driving them on.

Young's Literal Translation

They are as chaff before wind, And a messenger of Jehovah driving away.

Context

Contend with My Opponents, O LORD

⁴May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plan to harm me be driven back and confounded. ⁵May they be like chaff in the wind, as the angel of the LORD drives them away. ⁶May their path be dark and slick, as the angel of the LORD pursues.

Summary

In this verse, David cries out to God for deliverance from his enemies, asking the Lord to let them be like chaff before the wind. The imagery of chaff being blown away symbolizes the destruction and defeat of the wicked who seek to harm the righteous. David's plea reflects his trust in God's justice and power to protect him, showing his reliance on divine intervention rather than his own strength. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and protection over His people, offering hope and assurance in times of trouble and persecution.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

(Compare Psa 1:4) --a terrible fate; driven by wind on a slippery path in darkness, and hotly pursued by supernatural violence (Sa2 24:16; Act 12:23).