Psalms 35:11
Psalms 35:11 in Multiple Translations
Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.
False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
Unrighteous witnesses rise up; They ask me of things that I know not.
False witnesses got up: they put questions to me about crimes of which I had no knowledge.
Hostile witnesses stand up to testify against me, accusing me of crimes I don't know anything about.
Cruell witnesses did rise vp: they asked of me things that I knewe not.
Violent witnesses rise up, That which I have not known they ask me.
Unrighteous witnesses rise up. They ask me about things that I don’t know about.
False witnesses arose; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, and thy justice to them that are right in heart.
People who tell lies stand in court and falsely accuse me of doing things that I do not know anything about.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 35:11
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 35:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְ֭קוּמוּ/ן
עֵדֵ֣י
חָמָ֑ס
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹא
יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי
יִשְׁאָלֽוּ/נִי
יְ֭קוּמוּ/ן
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
עֵדֵ֣י
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-mp
חָמָ֑ס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
יִשְׁאָלֽוּ/נִי
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 35:11
יְ֭קוּמוּ/ן
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
עֵדֵ֣י
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
חָמָ֑ס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
יִשְׁאָלֽוּ/נִי
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 35:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 35:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:11
- Sermons on Psalms 35:11
Context — Contend with My Opponents, O LORD
9Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and exult in His salvation.
10All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?”
11Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.
12They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. 13Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 27:12 | Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. |
| 2 | Matthew 26:59–60 | Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward |
| 3 | Acts 24:5–6 | We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 24:9 | and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? |
| 5 | Acts 24:12–13 | Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me. |
| 6 | Acts 6:13 | where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 25:10 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. |
Psalms 35:11 Summary
This verse is talking about a situation where people are making false accusations against the psalmist, and he doesn't even know what they're talking about. It's like when someone lies about you or says something bad about you that isn't true. The psalmist is trusting in God to deliver him from these false accusations, just like God delivers us from our troubles (Psalms 34:19). We can trust in God's goodness and salvation, even when people are being mean or unfair to us, and remember that God is our defender and helper (Psalms 121:1-2).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for hostile witnesses to come forward against the psalmist?
The psalmist is describing a situation where false accusations are being made against him, similar to what happened to Jesus in Matthew 26:59-60, where false witnesses came forward to accuse Him.
Why do the hostile witnesses make charges the psalmist knows nothing about?
The charges are likely false and unfounded, much like the accusations made against Joseph in Genesis 39:11-20, where Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of wrongdoing.
How does this verse relate to the concept of persecution?
This verse highlights the reality of persecution and false accusations that believers may face, as seen in Matthew 5:11-12, where Jesus teaches that believers will be persecuted for their faith.
What can we learn from the psalmist's experience in this verse?
We can learn that even in the face of false accusations and persecution, we can trust in God's deliverance and salvation, as seen in Psalms 34:19, where it says that the LORD will deliver the righteous out of all their troubles.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced false accusations or persecution in my own life, and how can I trust in God's deliverance during those times?
- How can I, like the psalmist, maintain my integrity and trust in God even when faced with false accusations or difficult circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can support and encourage others who are facing persecution or false accusations, and how can I be a source of comfort and strength to them?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's deliverance, as seen in this verse, to my everyday life and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:11
False witnesses did rise up,.... Against David, saying he sought the hurt of Saul, 1 Samuel 24:9, as did against David's antitype, the Lord Jesus Christ, Matthew 26:59; and against his apostles, Acts
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:11
False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:11
They accused me to Saul of treachery and designs against his crown and life, and other crimes whereof I was wholly innocent and ignorant.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:11
Psalms 35:11 False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.Ver. 11. False witnesses did rise up] So they did afterward against the Lord Christ and sundry of his faithful servants, as St Paul, Athanasius, Eustathius, bishop of Antioch (falsely accused of adultery, and deposed, about the end of Constantine the Great’ s reign), Cranmer, charged with adultery, heresy, and treason; Philpot, with parricide; Latimer, with sedition; whereof he was so innocent, that he feared not to say in a sermon before the king, As for sedition, for aught that I know, methinks I should not need Christ, if I may so say. They laid to my charge things that I knew not] Such as whereof I was not only innocent, but ignorant also. The Hebrew is, They asked me, and so would have, by cunningly contrived questions, made me mine own accuser.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:11
Verse 11. False witnesses did rise up] There is no doubt that several of this kind were found to depose against the life of David; and we know that the wicked Jews employed such against the life of Christ. See Matthew 26:59-60. They laid to my charge things that I knew not.] They produced the most unfounded charges; things of which I had never before heard.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:11
11–18. The causelessness of the Psalmist’s persecution and the ingratitude of his persecutors are urged as reasons for God’s interference on his behalf.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:11
False witnesses did rise up - Margin, “witnesses of wrong.” The Hebrew is, “witnesses of “violence,”” חמס châmâs. That is, they were persons who, in what they said of me, were guilty of injustice and wrong.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:11
11. The second division of the psalm opens with unalleviated complaint, in a comparison of his own conduct with that of his enemies. False witnesses—Violent witnesses. They vehemently accuse him.
Sermons on Psalms 35:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hatching Snake Eggs by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of putting off seeking deliverance from sin and turning back to God. He calls on those who have been injured or run away from God t |
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The Lord’s Perfect Provision for His Own Masterpiece by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going through trials and testing in order to truly know and experience Jesus. He shares a personal story of being surrounde |
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Grace & Peace by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He highlights how Jesus was betrayed by a close friend for 30 pieces of silver, |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Jewish Trial by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and the trial that took place. He references Mark 14:63, where the high priest and council sought |
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Easter (1988) - the Silence of Christ by Mariano Di Gangi | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus experienced intense physical and emotional pain, showing that he was a |
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Hospital Experience by Bud Robinson | The video is a summary of the life and ministry of Bud Robinson, a preacher in the early 20th century. Despite his lack of formal education, Robinson had a profound impact on thous |
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(Through the Bible) Acts 7-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the pattern of Moses' life divided into three forty-year periods. The first period was spent in the schools of Egypt, where Moses became somet |