Psalms 35:12
Psalms 35:12 in Multiple Translations
They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul.
They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
They reward me evil for good, To the bereaving of my soul.
They gave me back evil for good, troubling my soul.
They pay me back with evil instead of good. I feel like giving up.
They rewarded me euill for good, to haue spoyled my soule.
They pay me evil for good, bereaving my soul,
They reward me evil for good, to the bereaving of my soul.
They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
Let not the foot of pride come to me, and let not the hand of the sinner move me.
In return for my doing good things for them, they do evil things to me, with the result that I feel that I am alone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 35:12
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 35:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְשַׁלְּמ֣וּ/נִי
רָ֭עָה
תַּ֥חַת
טוֹבָ֗ה
שְׁכ֣וֹל
לְ/נַפְשִֽׁ/י
יְשַׁלְּמ֣וּ/נִי
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
רָ֭עָה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
טוֹבָ֗ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
שְׁכ֣וֹל
shᵉkôwl
H7908
bereavement
N-ms
לְ/נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 35:12
יְשַׁלְּמ֣וּ/נִי
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
רָ֭עָה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
טוֹבָ֗ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
שְׁכ֣וֹל
shᵉkôwl
H7908
"bereavement"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means bereavement or loss, particularly the loss of children. It describes a state of sorrow or mourning. The KJV translates it as 'loss of children' or 'spoiling'.
Definition: bereavement, loss of children
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: loss of children, spoiling. See also: Psalms 35:12; Isaiah 47:8; Isaiah 47:9.
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 35:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 35:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
- Sermons on Psalms 35:12
Context — Contend with My Opponents, O LORD
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. 14I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 10:32 | But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 18:20 | Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them. |
| 3 | Psalms 38:20 | Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. |
| 4 | Luke 23:21–23 | but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.” But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor prevailed. |
| 5 | Proverbs 17:13 | If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house. |
| 6 | Psalms 109:3–5 | They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 20:31–33 | For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingship shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” “Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 19:15 | But Saul sent the messengers back to see David and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed so I can kill him.” |
| 9 | 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?” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 22:13–14 | And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.” Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house? |
Psalms 35:12 Summary
Psalms 35:12 says that the speaker's enemies are repaying them with evil for the good they have done, which is causing them deep emotional pain. This verse reminds us that we may face similar situations where others mistreat us, even when we have done good to them. However, as seen in Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and trust that God will ultimately bring justice and vindication, just as He did for the psalmist in Psalms 37:5-6. By trusting in God's sovereignty and love, we can find comfort and hope in the midst of adversity, knowing that He will reward our faithfulness, as promised in 1 Peter 2:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to repay evil for good?
This phrase suggests that instead of receiving kindness or gratitude in return for good deeds, the speaker is met with hostility or harm, as seen in Psalms 35:12, which is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalms 69:4, where the Messiah is hated without a cause.
Why does the Bible say the soul is bereaved?
The bereavement of the soul, as mentioned in Psalms 35:12, refers to the deep emotional pain and sorrow that comes from being mistreated or wronged by others, which is also evident in Psalms 42:1-2, where the psalmist expresses his deep longing for God in the midst of distress.
How can I respond when others repay me evil for good?
According to Romans 12:14, we are called to bless those who persecute us, and as seen in Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us, trusting that God will ultimately bring justice and vindication, as promised in Psalms 37:5-6.
What can I learn from the speaker's experience in Psalms 35:12?
The speaker's experience serves as a reminder that we are not immune to suffering or mistreatment, even when we have done good to others, but as seen in 1 Peter 2:20, we can trust that God is aware of our situation and will reward us for our faithfulness, just as He did for the prophet Job in Job 42:10-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced evil for good in my own life, and how did I respond?
- How can I cultivate a heart of forgiveness and love towards those who have wronged me, just as Jesus demonstrated on the cross in Luke 23:34?
- What are some practical ways I can bless those who persecute me, as instructed in Romans 12:14, and how can I trust God to bring justice and vindication in my life?
- How does the promise of God's justice and vindication in Psalms 37:5-6 give me hope and comfort in the face of adversity, and what are some ways I can apply this promise to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:12
They rewarded me evil for good,.... For the good David did in killing Goliath, and slaying his ten thousands of the Philistines, and thereby saving his king and country, Saul and his courtiers envied
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:12
They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. They ... the spoiling of my soul - literally, '(to) the bereavement of my soul;' they bereaved me of all the consolations and necessaries
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
For good; for the good offices which did to divers of them when I had favour and power in Saul’ s court and camp. To the spoiling of my soul, i.e. to the stripping of my person of all my comforts and hopes, and of my life itself.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
Psalms 35:12 They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.Ver. 12. They rewarded me evil for good] To render good for evil is divine, good for good is human, evil for evil is brutish; but evil for good is devilish. To the spoiling of my soul] i.e. To the depriving me of that life which I have so often hazarded to save theirs. Intentant caedem (Kimchi). Or, this their devilish dealing with me, erat mihi quasi mors amarum, was as bitter as death to me.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
(12) To the spoiling of my soul.—Literally, desolation to my soul. We may paraphrase, “They rewarded me evil for good, Which to me was desolation.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
Verse 12. To the spoiling of my soul] To destroy my life; so נפש nephesh should be translated in a multitude of places, where our translators have used the word soul.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:12
12. They rewarded &c.] Better, as R.V., they reward. As in the preceding verse he speaks of what is still going on. His enemies are guilty of the basest ingratitude. Cp. Psalms 38:20; Psalms 109:5; Proverbs 17:13. Saul confessed that he had treated David thus (1 Samuel 24:17 ff.). to the spoiling of my soul] Render as R.V., to the bereaving of my soul: or perhaps, it is bereavement to my soul. Such conduct makes him feel as desolate as the childless mother.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:12
They rewarded me evil for good - They recompensed, or returned evil instead of good. The manner in which they did it he states in the following verses.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:12
12. Spoiling of my soul—Bereaving “my soul.” The word is used only of the bereavement of a mother of her children, or a wild beast of her young.
Sermons on Psalms 35:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Glory of God - Part 2 by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difficulty of fully understanding and describing the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the miraculous works of Jesus |
|
The Nature of Love to God and Christ, Opened and Enforced by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the essential nature of divine love to God, emphasizing that without it, all religious acts are in vain. He challenges the common assumption of sincere |
|
Exposition on Psalm 47 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms of David, focusing on the significance of the sons of Korah in the titles, symbolizing a great Sacrament and urging listeners to understand the |
|
Peccatum Est Deicidium by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deceitfulness of sin, tracing its origins to the serpent and highlighting its role as the root of all deceit in the world. He explains how sin degrades |