Psalms 38:19
Psalms 38:19 in Multiple Translations
Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.
But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
But mine enemies are lively, and are strong; And they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
But they are strong who have hate for me without cause: those who are against me falsely are increased in numbers.
I have many powerful enemies—they are very active, hating me for no reason.
Then mine enemies are aliue and are mightie, and they that hate me wrongfully are many.
And mine enemies [are] lively, They have been strong, and those hating me without cause, Have been multiplied.
But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous.
But my enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
My enemies are healthy and strong; there are many people who hate me for no reason.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:19
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 38:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
עֲוֺנִ֥/י
אַגִּ֑יד
אֶ֝דְאַ֗ג
מֵֽ/חַטָּאתִֽ/י
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֲוֺנִ֥/י
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs | Suff
אַגִּ֑יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶ֝דְאַ֗ג
dâʼag
H1672
be anxious
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מֵֽ/חַטָּאתִֽ/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 38:19
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.
עֲוֺנִ֥/י
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
אַגִּ֑יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
אֶ֝דְאַ֗ג
dâʼag
H1672
"be anxious"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to be anxious or afraid, like worrying about something. It is used in the Bible to describe fear or concern. The KJV translates it as be afraid or sorrow.
Definition: 1) to fear, be anxious, be concerned, be afraid, be careful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be anxious, be concerned 1a2) to fear, dread
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: be afraid (careful, sorry), sorrow, take thought. See also: 1 Samuel 9:5; Isaiah 57:11; Psalms 38:19.
מֵֽ/חַטָּאתִֽ/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:19
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
- Sermons on Psalms 38:19
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
17For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
18Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.
20Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. 21Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:19 | Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice. |
| 2 | John 15:18–25 | If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’ |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Matthew 10:22 | You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. |
| 5 | Psalms 25:19 | Consider my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with vicious hatred. |
| 6 | Acts 4:25–28 | You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. |
| 7 | Psalms 56:1–2 | Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. |
| 8 | Psalms 59:1–3 | Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 3:1 | O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! |
| 10 | Psalms 18:17 | He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me. |
Psalms 38:19 Summary
This verse means that the psalmist is feeling hurt and persecuted by people who don't have a good reason to hate him. He's saying that many people are against him, even though he hasn't done anything to deserve it (as seen in John 15:25). This can be a really tough and painful experience, but the Bible teaches us to trust in God's love and care for us, even when we face hardship (as seen in Psalm 23:4). We can learn to respond to persecution with love and kindness, and to trust in God's goodness, just like the psalmist does in this passage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist say he has enemies without cause?
The psalmist is expressing the pain of being persecuted and hated without any justification, much like Jesus experienced, as described in John 15:25, where it says 'They hated me without reason.'
Is it common for believers to face hatred and persecution?
Yes, the Bible teaches that believers will face persecution, as seen in Matthew 5:10-12 and 2 Timothy 3:12, where it says that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
How can we respond to those who hate us without reason?
The Bible teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28, where Jesus commands us to love and pray for our enemies.
What can we learn from the psalmist's experience of facing enemies without cause?
We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of persecution and hardship, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it says that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I face persecution or hatred from others, and what can I learn from the psalmist's experience?
- In what ways can I show love and kindness to those who may hate or persecute me, and how can I pray for them?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when facing difficult circumstances?
- How can I confess my sins and troubles to God, as the psalmist does in this passage, and what can I expect from Him in response?
- What does it mean to 'pursue the good' in the face of persecution, and how can I do this in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:19
But mine enemies [are] lively,.... Or "living" (q) or "live"; not in a spiritual sense; for they had no lively hope, nor living faith, but were dead in trespasses and sins; nor merely in a natural
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:19
But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
Lively, Heb. living, i.e. thriving, or flourishing, or prosperous, as life is used, 34:12, and elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
Psalms 38:19 But mine enemies [are] lively, [and] they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.Ver. 19. Mine enemies are lively, &c.] q.d. It is nuts to them, and they soon compose comedies out of my tragedies, growing more insolent by mine afflictions, and upbraiding me with my sins.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
(19) But mine enemies are lively.—See margin. But the parallelism and a comparison with Psalms 35:19 lead to the suspicion that the true reading is “without cause.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
Verse 19. But mine enemies are lively] Instead of חיים chaiyim, lively, I would read חינם chinam, without cause; a change made by the half of one letter, נ nun for a י yod. See the parallel places, Psalms 35:19; Psalms 79:5. See also the Preliminary Dissertation to Dr. Lowth's Isaiah, p. 40: "But without cause my enemies have strengthened themselves; and they who wrongfully hate me are multiplied." Here the one member of the verse answers to the other.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:19
19. mine enemies are lively] He contrasts their vigour with his own weakness. But the expression is somewhat strange; and a comparison of Psa 35:19 suggests that we should read without cause, corresponding to wrongfully in the next line, in place of are lively. The Hebrew words are very similar (ηιιν—ηπν). wrongfully] Lit. falsely. Their hatred is based on misconception and misrepresentation.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:19
But mine enemies are lively ... - DeWette renders this, “My enemies live and are strong.” The word translated “lively” - חיים chayiym - means properly “living, being alive.” The literal translation
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:19
19. Mine enemies are lively… strong— “Lively” seems to be used in the sense of full of life, as opposed to David’s condition of exhaustion and infirmity. “Strong” may refer to their public influence, or to their numbers, or both.
Sermons on Psalms 38:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Uncompromising Holiness (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding wickedness and sin in our lives. He criticizes the entertainment industry, particularly television, for promoting |
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Christian Persecution by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the inevitable persecution and hatred that Christians face when fulfilling the true mission of Christ in a lost world. It delves into the challenging aspects |
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Why the World Hates Christians by David Wilkerson | This sermon delves into the reasons why Christians are hated by the world, emphasizing the inevitability of persecution as Jesus foretold. The speaker urges believers to understand |
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"The World, the Disciples and the Holy spirit." Ch. 15:18-16:33 (Keswick Convention 1973) by Eric J. Alexander | Eric J. Alexander emphasizes the relationships between the world, the disciples, and the Holy Spirit, explaining how Christians are chosen out of the world yet sent back into it as |
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(1 Corinthians) Flee Sexual Immorality by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the severity of sin and the consequences it has on one's inheritance of the kingdom of God. He highlights the power of Christ to deliver and |
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Studies in 1 Peter-01 1 Peter Intro by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience in order for believers to be found unto honor and glory and praise at the coming of Christ. The provision of sal |
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A Bridal Relationship - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the invitation of Jesus for those who are thirsty and longing for a deep relationship with Him. It highlights the promise of peace amidst tribulations for tr |