Psalms 109:3
Psalms 109:3 in Multiple Translations
They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause.
They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.
They have compassed me about also with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause.
Words of hate are round about me; they have made war against me without cause.
They surround me with words of hate, fighting against me for no reason.
They compassed me about also with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.
They have compassed me about, And they fight me without cause.
They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.
They encompassed me also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.
With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength: in the brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day star I begot thee.
They are constantly saying that they hate me, and they say evil things about me for no reason.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 109:3
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 109:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/דִבְרֵ֣י
שִׂנְאָ֣ה
סְבָב֑וּ/נִי
וַ/יִּֽלָּחֲמ֥וּ/נִי
חִנָּֽם
וְ/דִבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-mp
שִׂנְאָ֣ה
sinʼâh
H8135
hating
N-fs
סְבָב֑וּ/נִי
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
וַ/יִּֽלָּחֲמ֥וּ/נִי
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
חִנָּֽם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
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 109:3
וְ/דִבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
שִׂנְאָ֣ה
sinʼâh
H8135
"hating"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means to hate or have hatred towards someone or something. It can describe the hatred people have towards God or towards each other, and it appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) hating, hatred, hate 1a) hatred 1a1) of man, God
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] exceedingly, hate(-ful, -red). See also: Numbers 35:20; Proverbs 10:12; Psalms 25:19.
סְבָב֑וּ/נִי
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
וַ/יִּֽלָּחֲמ֥וּ/נִי
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp | 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.
חִנָּֽם
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 109:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 109:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 109:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:3
- Sermons on Psalms 109:3
Context — The Song of the Slandered
1O God of my praise, be not silent.
2For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues.
3They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause.
4In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. 5They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 35:7 | For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul. |
| 3 | Psalms 35:20 | For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land. |
| 4 | John 15:24–25 | 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.’ |
| 5 | Psalms 88:17 | All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 16:7–8 | And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!” |
| 7 | Psalms 22:12 | Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. |
| 8 | Psalms 59:3–4 | See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice. |
| 9 | Hosea 11:12 | Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 19:4–5 | Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” |
Psalms 109:3 Summary
This verse talks about how the psalmist feels when people say mean things about him without any good reason. It's like being surrounded by a cloud of hurtful words, which can be very painful. But even in the midst of such difficulties, we can trust in God's care and sovereignty, just like the psalmist did, as seen in Psalms 55:22. We are also called to respond in love, even when others do not return our love, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'hateful words' in Psalms 109:3?
The phrase 'hateful words' refers to the harsh and hurtful language used by the enemies of the psalmist, which is reminiscent of the type of speech condemned in Proverbs 12:18 and Ephesians 4:29. Such language can be particularly damaging when it is used without cause, as noted in this verse.
How does the attack 'without cause' relate to the broader biblical theme of persecution?
The attack 'without cause' in Psalms 109:3 echoes the experience of other biblical figures, such as Jesus Christ, who was persecuted and slandered without justification, as seen in Matthew 26:59-60 and Mark 14:56-57. This theme is also seen in the lives of the apostles, who suffered for their faith, as recorded in Acts 4:1-22 and 1 Peter 2:20.
What can we learn from the psalmist's response to being surrounded by hateful words?
The psalmist's response to the hateful words and unwarranted attack is to turn to God in prayer, as seen in Psalms 109:4, which demonstrates trust in God's sovereignty and care, much like the examples found in Psalms 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7. This response encourages believers to do the same when faced with similar situations.
How does this verse relate to the command to love our enemies?
Psalms 109:3 provides a backdrop for the command to love our enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28, by highlighting the reality of being surrounded by those who do not return love, but rather attack without cause. This contrast underscores the radical nature of God's command to love and pray for those who persecute us, as Jesus demonstrated in Luke 23:34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which you have experienced being surrounded by 'hateful words' or felt attacked 'without cause', and how did you respond?
- How can you apply the psalmist's response of prayer and trust in God to your own life when faced with similar challenges?
- In what ways can you demonstrate love and kindness to those who may not deserve it, just as the psalmist had shown love to his enemies, only to be repaid with evil?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of guarding your words and the impact they can have on others, in light of Ephesians 4:29-32?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 109:3
They compassed me about also with words of hatred,.... They surrounded him as he hung on the cross, and expressed their malice and hatred against him; then was he enclosed with these spiteful
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 109:3
They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. They compassed me about also with words of hatred - with malicious charges.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 109:3
Words of hatred; which, though covered with specious pretences, proceeded from deep malice and hatred, and were designed to work my destruction. Without a cause; without any just provocation given them by me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 109:3
Psalms 109:3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.Ver. 3. They compassed me about also, &c.] So that I could not find out any way to clear myself, though never so innocent. And fought against me] So they smote Jeremiah with the tongue, and our Saviour suffered the opposition of sinners, Hebrews 12:3
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 109:3
3. Yea, with words of hatred have they surrounded me, And fought against me without cause. Cp. Psalms 35:7; Psalms 35:19-20; Psalms 69:4; Proverbs 1:11. “Come and let us smite him with the tongue” was the cry of Jeremiah’s opponents (Jeremiah 18:18). “Denounce, yea, let us denounce him” (Jeremiah 20:10).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 109:3
They compassed me about also with words of hatred - They attacked me on every side; they assailed me, not merely in one form and direction, but in every form, and in every direction.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 109:3
3. Compassed… fought—Military terms; enemies surrounded and fought him with the words of falsehood and hatred. These were their weapons and their policy of war.
Sermons on Psalms 109:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
The Father's Love and God's by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the profound love of the Father, the right given by the Son, and the witness of the Holy Spirit, which assure believers of their identity as children of God. |
|
Behold the Lamb by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the testimony of Jesus and his experience on the cross. Jesus expresses his feelings of abandonment by God and questions why he has been for |
|
The Suffering of Christ by John Musser | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being born again and having a genuine experience of salvation. He quotes from the Bible, stating that without holiness and |
|
The Spirit Commited to God by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound significance of committing our spirits to God, drawing parallels between Christ's final words on the cross and the believer's journey |