Psalms 35:1 — Word Study
WLCרִיבָ֣ה יְ֭הוָה אֶת־ יְרִיבַ֑י לְ֝חַ֗ם אֶת־ לֹֽחֲמָֽי׃
BSAOf DavidDâvid Contendrîyb [strive, plead my cause] with my opponentsyârîyb [those who strive with me, enemies] O LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the Lord God] fight against thoselâcham [strive, wage war] who fight against melâcham [strive, make war]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| רִיבָ֣ה | contend ! | Verb qal imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
| יְ֭הוָה | O Yahweh | Noun proper |
| אֶת־ | with | Preposition |
| יְרִיבַ֑י | opponents my | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| לְ֝חַ֗ם | fight | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine singular |
| אֶת־ | with | Preposition |
| לֹֽחֲמָֽי׃ | [those who] fight with me | Verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me. |
| KJV | Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. |
| ASV | Strive thou, O Jehovah, with them that strive with me: Fight thou against them that fight against me. |
| YLT | By David. Strive, Jehovah, with my strivers, fight with my fighters, |
| WEB | Contend, Yahweh, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me. |
| BBE | O Lord, be on my side against those who are judging me; be at war with those who make war against me. |
Translations agree on the meaning of the verse, emphasizing David's plea for God's intervention.
The sentence is structured around a main plea to God, with a clear call to action following it.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbיָרִיב
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 35:1
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Plea for Divine Justicegenerated
Psalm 35:1 expresses a deep need for God's intervention in the face of opposition. David, the psalmist, is surrounded by adversaries and seeks the Lord's help in battling those who contend against him. This theme of divine assistance against enemies is common in the Psalms, reflecting a reliance on God during times of distress. The following verses continue this plea for support and protection, emphasizing the urgency of David's situation.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 43:1 | Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men. |
| 2 | Psalm 119:154 | Defend my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word. |
| 3 | 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.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 22:23 | for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
| 5 | Proverbs 23:11 | for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — רִיבָ֣ה, ri.Vahgenerated
The verb רִיבָ֣ה (ri.Vah) is a qal imperative, indicating a command directed at God to engage in a legal or combative dispute. It conveys a sense of urgency and a call for action, as the psalmist pleads for God to take his side in a conflict.
This word encompasses a range of meanings, including physical fighting and verbal disputes, suggesting that David is not only seeking justice but also protection from those who seek to harm him. The context shows a deep trust in God's ability to contend on his behalf.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as 'Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.' Translations like the KJV and ASV use similar wording, maintaining the imperative call to God for assistance.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse contains a finite verb, רִיבָ֣ה (ri.Vah), which governs the entire plea. The structure is straightforward, with a main clause followed by two imperative phrases that express the psalmist's requests to God.
The Hebrew word order emphasizes the direct address to God, placing the action of contending and fighting at the forefront of the plea, highlighting the urgency of David's situation.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, רִיבָ֣ה is rendered as δίκασον (dikasōn), meaning 'judge' or 'contend.' This choice suggests a focus on divine judgment, aligning with the legal connotation of the Hebrew term.
The use of δίκασον indicates an interpretation that emphasizes God's role as a judge in the conflict, rather than just a warrior, which broadens the understanding of the divine action sought by David.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 35:1 is a direct appeal from David to God, asking Him to contend with his opponents and fight against those who are fighting him. This reflects David's reliance on God's power in times of trouble.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
David is seeking divine intervention in his conflicts, asking God to take action against those who are opposing him.
This verse shows David's trust in God as a protector and judge, highlighting his belief that God will fight on his behalf.
David's plea teaches us the importance of turning to God in times of conflict and trusting Him to handle our adversaries.
David emphasizes this to express the seriousness of his situation and his need for God's help in overcoming those who threaten him.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek God's help against my adversaries?
- How can I trust God more fully to contend on my behalf in difficult situations?
- What does it mean to me to know that God fights for His people?
- How can I apply David's example of seeking divine intervention in my own life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, interpreting it in the context of divine justice and the struggle against evil.
He who conquers in war reduces the enemies to slavery: Christ has overcome the world. Hence, … all become his servants.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 35 →
"Judge Thou, O Lord" (says he), "them that hurt me, and fight Thou against them that fight against me" [Psalms 35:1].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 35 →
This statement, as has been noted, refers to the devil and his followers.… For when he gives the command, “pray for your enemies,” this statement does not apply to people.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 35 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 35:1 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BiblePlead [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
Read John Gill on Psalms 35 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryPlead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 35 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BiblePsalms 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.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 35 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 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…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 35 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 35 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BiblePSALM 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…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 35 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1–3. Appeal to Jehovah to arm himself as the Psalmist’s champion.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 35 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BiblePlead 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
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 35 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.
Contend, Yahweh, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me.
Of David. Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.
O Lord, fight those who fight with me! Attack those who attack me!
Tyndale line
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.
Strive thou, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight thou against them that 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.
A Psalme of Dauid. Pleade thou my cause, O Lord, with them that striue with me: fight thou against them, that fight against me.
Strictly literal
Strive, O Jehovah, with them that strive with me; fight against them that fight against me:
By David. Strive, Jehovah, with my strivers, fight with my fighters,
BY DAVID. Strive, YHWH, with my strivers, fight with my fighters,
“Of David.” Contend, O Lord, with those that contend with me: fight against those that fight against me.
Yahweh, work against those who work against me; fight against those who fight against me.
From the Latin
Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself.
Simplified
Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who are fighting against me.
O Lord, be on my side against those who are judging me; be at war with those who make war against me.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text presents the verse as רִיבָ֣ה יְ֭הוָה אֶת־ יְרִיבַ֑י לְ֝חַ֗ם אֶת־ לֹֽחֲמָֽי׃, while the Septuagint matches five of the seven words, indicating a close correspondence in meaning. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration by an editor, but the essential plea remains intact.
רִיבָ֣ה יְ֭הוָה אֶת־ יְרִיבַ֑י לְ֝חַ֗ם אֶת־ לֹֽחֲמָֽי׃
5 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[לדוד] [ריב׳ה] [יהוה] [את] [יריב׳י] [לחם] [את] [לחמ׳י]
nothing on the leather here — 8 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 35:1
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רִיב (riyb) means to strive or contend, often in a figurative sense of grappling or wrangling. It can refer to physical struggle, verbal disputes, legal cases, or complaints. The entries indicate that it encompasses a range of meanings from quarreling to defending one's position. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
רִיב vb. strive, contend
Qal strive
Hiph. (those) displaying contention against him
base
H7378 רִיב strive, contend
7378 riyb reeb
or ruwb {roob}; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e.
grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. hold a
controversy; (by implication) to defend:--adversary, chide,
complain, contend, debate, X ever, X lay wait, plead, rebuke,
strive, X thoroughly.
רִיב (riv) — to contend.
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
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb qal imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHVqv2ms/Sh
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
The Hebrew word אֵת (eth) is a preposition indicating nearness or proximity, often translated as 'with' or 'near.' It conveys a sense of companionship or association, distinguishing itself from similar terms by expressing closer relationships. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including possession and memory, but do not provide specific verse references.
אֵת, prep. with—prep. denoting proximity
Of companionship, together with
Of localities
אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially
in one's possession or keeping
in one's knowledge or memory
מֵאֵת from proximity with
Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.
base
H854 אֵת with—prep. denoting proximity . Of companionship, together with
. Of localities
. אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially . in one's possession or keeping
. in one's knowledge or memory
. מֵאֵת from proximity with
Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.
854 'eth ayth
probably from 579; properly, nearness (used only as a
preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by,
at, among, etc.:--against, among, before, by, for, from,
in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional
prefix.
see HEBREW for 0579
אֵת (et) — with.
1) with, near, together with
1a) with, together with
1b) with (of relationship)
1c) near (of place)
1d) with (poss.)
1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
HR — PrepositionHR
יָרִיב (yariyb) refers to an opponent or adversary. It is derived from a root meaning 'to contend' and can describe someone who is contentious or strives against another. The term is used as a noun in this context, highlighting its role in conflict.
[יָרִיב] n.[m.] opponent, adversary
base
H3401 [יָרִיב] opponent, adversary
3401 yariyb yaw-rebe'
from 7378; literally, he will contend; properly, adjective,
contentious; used as noun, an adversary:--that content(-eth),
that strive.
see HEBREW for 07378
יָרִיב (ya.riv) — opponent.
contender, opponent, adversary
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word לָחַם (lacham) has two primary meanings: to fight or do battle, and to eat or use as food. It is a primitive root that conveys both the act of engaging in combat and the act of consuming food. The entries indicate that the word can imply destruction in the context of battle.
[לָחַם] 171 vb. fight, do battle
Qal fight, do battle
Niph. engage in battle (recipr.), sometimes wage war
base
[לָחַם] vb. use as food, eat
base
H3898a לָחַם fight, do battle .fight, do battle
. engage in battle (recipr.), sometimes wage war
H3898b לָחַם use as food, eat
3898 lacham law-kham'
a primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by
implication, to battle (as destruction):--devour, eat, X ever,
fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring).
לָחַם (la.cham) — to fight.
1) to fight, do battle, make war
1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle
1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
לָחַם (la.cham) — to feed on.
(Qal) to eat, use as food
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singularHVqv2ms
See WAR; GAMES.
The Hebrew word אֵת (eth) is a preposition indicating nearness or proximity, often translated as 'with' or 'near.' It conveys a sense of companionship or association, distinguishing itself from similar terms by expressing closer relationships. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including possession and memory, but do not provide specific verse references.
אֵת, prep. with—prep. denoting proximity
Of companionship, together with
Of localities
אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially
in one's possession or keeping
in one's knowledge or memory
מֵאֵת from proximity with
Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.
base
H854 אֵת with—prep. denoting proximity . Of companionship, together with
. Of localities
. אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially . in one's possession or keeping
. in one's knowledge or memory
. מֵאֵת from proximity with
Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.
854 'eth ayth
probably from 579; properly, nearness (used only as a
preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by,
at, among, etc.:--against, among, before, by, for, from,
in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional
prefix.
see HEBREW for 0579
אֵת (et) — with.
1) with, near, together with
1a) with, together with
1b) with (of relationship)
1c) near (of place)
1d) with (poss.)
1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
HR — PrepositionHR
The Hebrew word לָחַם (lacham) has two primary meanings: to fight or do battle, and to eat or use as food. It is a primitive root that conveys both the act of engaging in combat and the act of consuming food. The entries indicate that the word can imply destruction in the context of battle.
[לָחַם] 171 vb. fight, do battle
Qal fight, do battle
Niph. engage in battle (recipr.), sometimes wage war
base
[לָחַם] vb. use as food, eat
base
H3898a לָחַם fight, do battle .fight, do battle
. engage in battle (recipr.), sometimes wage war
H3898b לָחַם use as food, eat
3898 lacham law-kham'
a primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by
implication, to battle (as destruction):--devour, eat, X ever,
fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring).
לָחַם (la.cham) — to fight.
1) to fight, do battle, make war
1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle
1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
לָחַם (la.cham) — to feed on.
(Qal) to eat, use as food
V-Qal | Suff — Verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common · suffixHVqrmpc/Sp1bs
