Menu

Psalms 35:7

Psalms 35:7 in Multiple Translations

For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul.

For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.

For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit; Without cause have they digged a pit for my soul.

For without cause they have put a net ready for me secretly, in which to take my soul.

For no reason they set a net to catch me; for no reason they dug a pit to trap me.

For without cause they haue hid the pit and their net for me: without cause haue they digged a pit for my soule.

For without cause they hid for me their netpit, Without cause they digged for my soul.

For without cause they have hidden their net in a pit for me. Without cause they have dug a pit for my soul.

For without cause they have hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.

Thy justice is as the mountains of God, thy judgments are a great deep. Men and beasts thou wilt preserve, O Lord:

Although I did not do anything wrong to them, they concealed a deep pit for me to fall into; they hid a net in which they would catch me.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 35:7

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 35:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי חִנָּ֣ם טָֽמְנוּ לִ֭/י שַׁ֣חַת רִשְׁתָּ֑/ם חִ֝נָּ֗ם חָפְר֥וּ לְ/נַפְשִֽׁ/י
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
חִנָּ֣ם chinnâm H2600 for nothing Adv
טָֽמְנוּ ṭâman H2934 to hide V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ֭/י Prep | Suff
שַׁ֣חַת shachath H7845 pit N-fs
רִשְׁתָּ֑/ם resheth H7568 net N-fs | Suff
חִ֝נָּ֗ם chinnâm H2600 for nothing Adv
חָפְר֥וּ châphar H2658 to search V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/נַפְשִֽׁ/י nephesh H5315 soul Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 35:7

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חִנָּ֣ם chinnâm H2600 "for nothing" Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
טָֽמְנוּ ṭâman H2934 "to hide" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this word means to hide or conceal something, often secretly, as in Joshua. It can also mean to bury or lay something aside, out of sight or knowledge.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, bury 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hide 1a2) hiding, concealing, secretly laying (participle) 1a3) darkness (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to hide
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: hide, lay privily, in secret. See also: Genesis 35:4; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 9:16.
לִ֭/י "" Prep | Suff
שַׁ֣חַת shachath H7845 "pit" N-fs
This noun refers to a pit or grave, and it is often used figuratively to describe destruction or corruption, as seen in Proverbs and other books.
Definition: 1) pit, destruction, grave 1a) pit (for catching lions)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: corruption, destruction, ditch, grave, pit. See also: Job 9:31; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 7:16.
רִשְׁתָּ֑/ם resheth H7568 "net" N-fs | Suff
A net used for catching animals, but also a symbol of judgment or a trap. In the book of Ecclesiastes, it describes a net that can snare people. The tabernacle even had a network of bronze for its altar.
Definition: 1) net 1a) net 1a1) for catching 1a2) of judgment (fig) 1a3) of leaders leading people to sin 1a4) as a trap for man 1b) network (brazen-for altar of tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: net(-work). See also: Exodus 27:4; Psalms 57:7; Psalms 9:16.
חִ֝נָּ֗ם chinnâm H2600 "for nothing" Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
חָפְר֥וּ châphar H2658 "to search" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word châphar means to search or dig, often used to describe seeking something deeply. In Psalm 139:1, David asks God to search him, knowing God already knows everything. It implies a thorough examination.
Definition: 1) to dig, search for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dig 1a2) to search, search out, explore
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dig, paw, search out, seek. See also: Genesis 21:30; Deuteronomy 23:14; Psalms 7:16.
לְ/נַפְשִֽׁ/י nephesh H5315 "soul" Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

Study Notes — Psalms 35:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 John 15:25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’
2 Psalms 140:5 The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah
3 Psalms 9:15 The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
4 Psalms 25:3 Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced.
5 Job 18:8 For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh.
6 Psalms 69:4 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.
7 Psalms 119:85 The arrogant have dug pits for me in violation of Your law.
8 Psalms 7:3–5 O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah
9 Psalms 64:4 ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.

Psalms 35:7 Summary

[This verse, Psalms 35:7, is saying that someone has tried to hurt the writer on purpose, without any good reason, which is a very painful and hard experience. It's like someone set a trap for them, hoping to catch them and hurt them, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 18:20. The writer is asking God to help them and protect them from these people, as seen in Psalm 138:8, where David says that God will fulfill His purpose for him. We can trust God to take care of us when we feel like we're being treated unfairly, just like the writer of this verse did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to lay a net for someone without cause?

This phrase, found in Psalms 35:7, means to set a trap or plan harm for someone without any justification or reason, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 18:20, where the prophet laments that he was trapped by those who sought to do him harm without cause.

How does this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?

This verse, Psalms 35:7, highlights the pain of being wronged without reason, but Jesus teaches us to forgive those who wrong us, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15, where He says that if we forgive those who sin against us, our heavenly Father will forgive us.

Can I apply this verse to my own life when I feel unfairly treated?

Yes, this verse, Psalms 35:7, can be a comfort when you feel like you're being treated unfairly, as it acknowledges the pain of being wronged without cause, and reminds you that God sees and knows what's happening, as promised in Psalm 138:8, where David says that God will fulfill His purpose for him.

How does God respond to those who lay nets for others without cause?

According to Psalms 35:8, God will bring ruin upon those who lay nets for others without cause, and they will fall into the very traps they set for others, as also seen in Proverbs 26:27, where it says that whoever digs a pit will fall into it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have I felt when someone has wronged me without cause, and how did I respond to that situation?
  2. What are some ways that I can trust God to take care of me when I feel like I'm being treated unfairly, like David did in Psalm 35?
  3. How can I apply Jesus' teachings on forgiveness to my life, especially when I feel like someone has wronged me without cause?
  4. What are some 'nets' or traps that I might be laying for others, perhaps unintentionally, and how can I avoid doing so in the future?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit,.... This is said in allusion to the custom of digging pits, and putting nets into them, for the catching of wild beasts; and covering them

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul. They hid for me their net in a pit.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:7

Out of mere malice, without any injury or provocation on my part, and without any necessity on their parts. They are no common, but the worst of enemies; and therefore I may justly pray against them, as I do. These expressions aggravate their sins, and signify that their persecution of him was not the effect of a midden passion, but of a deep and habitual hatred and malice, and of an evil design, carried on in a constant and continued course with deliberation, and cunning, and deceit, and that against his soul or life; for nothing less would satisfy them.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:7

Psalms 35:7 For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.Ver. 7. For without cause have they hid for me, &c.] The wicked are so acted and agitated by the devil, their task master, that, though they have no cause to work mischief to the saints, yet they must do it; the old enmity, Genesis 3:15, still worketh; but this rendereth their destruction certiorem et celeriorem, more sure and more swift.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:7

(7) Have they hid . . .—Literally, they have hid for me the pit of their net, which, as it stands, can mean nothing but a “pit with a net in it,” such as was used to entrap lions and other wild beasts. But it is better to remove the word “pit” to the second clause, thus doing away with the necessity of supplying a relative, and improving the rhythm. “ For unprovoked they hid a net for me, Unprovoked they digged a pit for my soul.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:7

Verse 7. For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit] The word שחת shachath, a pit, belongs to the second member of this verse, and the whole should be read thus: For without a cause they have hidden for me their net, without a cause they have digged a pit for my life. They have used every degree and species of cunning and deceit to ruin me.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:7

7, 8. The causelessness of their insidious enmity is the ground for such a prayer. May their schemes recoil on their own heads.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit - See Psalms 7:15, note; Psalms 9:15, note. This figure is derived from hunting.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:7

7. Without cause—Hence the magnitude of their crime. Net in a pit— The figure changes from warlike description to the well known method of catching lions.

Sermons on Psalms 35:7

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 37:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher draws a comparison between the biblical story of Joseph and the Lord Jesus. He highlights the miraculous births of both Joseph and Jesus, as well as th
Warren Wiersbe Seven Words From the Cross - Obedience by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the last words of Jesus on the cross, specifically focusing on the statement "I thirst." He emphasizes that even though it may seem like a
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 2:25 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's love and grace are the reasons for our salvation. He explains that God didn't save us because of our attractiveness or goodness,
Paris Reidhead Christ in You by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the witness of the Spirit in the lives of believers. He references several scriptures, including Romans 8:15-17, Galatians
Paris Reidhead Christ in You, the Hope of Glory by Paris Reidhead Paris Reidhead emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory,' as revealed in Colossians 1:27. He explains that this mystery, once hidden, signifies that both
Ian Paisley Christ’s Ministry: His Two Hard Hitting Church Protests by Ian Paisley Ian Paisley preaches on the great first miracle of our Lord, emphasizing the significance of Christ's actions in purging the Temple, revealing His righteous zeal and the importance
John Nelson Darby Fruit-Bearing, or the Vine and Its Branches John 15 by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of abiding in Christ as the true Vine, illustrating that our relationship with Him is foundational for bearing fruit in our lives. He

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate