Psalms 35:6
Psalms 35:6 in Multiple Translations
May their path be dark and slick, as the angel of the LORD pursues.
Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
Let their way be dark and slippery, And the angel of Jehovah pursuing them.
Let their way be dark and full of danger; let them be troubled by the angel of the Lord.
May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord chasing them down.
Let their way be darke and slipperie: and let the Angel of the Lord persecute them.
Their way is darkness and slipperiness, And a messenger of Jehovah their pursuer.
Let their way be dark and slippery, the LORD’s angel pursuing them.
Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, and thy truth reacheth, even to the clouds.
Cause the path on which they run to be dark and slippery as your angel pursues them!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 35:6
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 35:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְֽהִי
דַרְכָּ֗/ם
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
וַ/חֲלַקְלַקּ֑וֹת
וּ/מַלְאַ֥ךְ
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
רֹדְפָֽ/ם
יְֽהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
דַרְכָּ֗/ם
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
וַ/חֲלַקְלַקּ֑וֹת
chălaqlaqqâh
H2519
smoothness
Conj | N-fp
וּ/מַלְאַ֥ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
Conj | N-ms
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
רֹדְפָֽ/ם
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 35:6
יְֽהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
דַרְכָּ֗/ם
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
וַ/חֲלַקְלַקּ֑וֹת
chălaqlaqqâh
H2519
"smoothness"
Conj | N-fp
This Hebrew word describes something smooth, like flattery or slippery ground. It warns against fine promises that can lead to trouble, as seen in its translation to flattery or slippery in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flattery, slipperiness, fine promises, smoothness 1a) slipperiness 1b) fine promises
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: flattery, slippery. See also: Psalms 35:6; Daniel 11:21; Jeremiah 23:12.
וּ/מַלְאַ֥ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
Conj | N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
רֹדְפָֽ/ם
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal | Suff
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 35:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 35:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
- Sermons on Psalms 35:6
Context — Contend with My Opponents, O LORD
4May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plan to harm me be driven back and confounded.
5May they be like chaff in the wind, as the angel of the LORD drives them away.
6May their path be dark and slick, as the angel of the LORD pursues.
7For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul. 8May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 23:12 | “Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 73:18 | Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 13:16 | Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
Psalms 35:6 Summary
In Psalms 35:6, the psalmist is asking God to make the path of his enemies dark and slippery, so they will stumble and fall. This is not a prayer for personal revenge, but rather a desire for God's justice to be upheld. Just like a parent wants to protect their child from harm, God wants to protect His people from those who would seek to harm them (as seen in Psalms 91:4). By trusting in God's justice and protection, we can have peace, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger (Philippians 4:7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the path to be 'dark and slick' in Psalms 35:6?
This phrase is a metaphor for the slippery and uncertain path that the wicked will tread, much like the darkness and uncertainty described in Proverbs 4:19, where the way of the wicked is like deep darkness, and they do not know what makes them stumble.
Why does the psalmist ask for the angel of the LORD to pursue his enemies?
The psalmist is asking for God's justice to be poured out on those who seek to harm him, as seen in Psalms 35:4-5, where he asks for those who seek his life to be disgraced and put to shame.
Is it right for Christians to pray for the downfall of their enemies?
While it may seem counterintuitive, the psalmist's prayer is not rooted in personal vengeance, but rather in a desire for God's justice to be upheld, as seen in Romans 12:19, where it is written that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's protection and care for His people?
This verse highlights God's active pursuit of justice on behalf of His people, as seen in Psalms 23:4, where David writes that even in the darkest valley, God is with him, and His rod and staff comfort him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being pursued by enemies, and how can I trust in God's justice and protection?
- How can I distinguish between my own desire for revenge and a desire for God's justice to be upheld in a situation?
- In what ways can I pray for my enemies, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:44, while still trusting in God's justice and protection?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's sovereignty, even when the path ahead seems dark and uncertain, like the one described in Psalms 35:6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:6
Let their way be dark and slippery,.... In which they run before the angel, chasing and pursuing them; so that they know not where they are, at what they stumble, whither to flee, nor how to stand;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:6
Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. Way be dark and slippery. image from one upon a dark and slippery path, which retards his flight, and makes his destruction inevitable.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
Their way, by which they flee, being chased, as was now said. Dark and slippery; so as they can neither discern the right path, nor be able to stand in it, and much less to run away, especially from so swift a persecutor as an angel, whereby they must unavoidably fall into their enemies’ hands, and be destroyed.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
Psalms 35:6 Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.Ver. 6. Let their way be dark and slippery] Heb. Darkness and slipperiness. If a man have neither light nor firm footing, and a fierce enemy at his heels, what shift can he make for himself? The word rendered slippery is of a double form (like that libbi secharchar, my heart panteth or beateth about, throbbeth, Psalms 38:10), to increase the signfication. See Jeremiah 23:12. The soul of a wicked man is in a sling, 1 Samuel 25:29, violently tossed about.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
(6) Dark and slippery.—See margin. Delitzsch supposes an allusion to the passage of the Red Sea, but the picture suggests rather the passage of some dangerous mountain pass in a raging storm. “The tracks in the limestone hills of Palestine are often worn as smooth as marble; comp. Psalms 73:18” (quoted from Kay, in the Speaker’s Commentary).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
Verse 6. Let their way be dark] Let them lose their way, be entangled in morasses and thickets, and be confounded in all their attempts to injure me. All these phrases are military; and relate to ambushes, hidden snares, forced marches in order to surprise, and stratagems of different kinds.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:6
4–6. Prayer for the repulse and rout of his enemies. No doubt the language might be entirely figurative, but it is more naturally explained if a literal fulfilment was at least a possibility.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:6
Let their way be dark - Margin, as in Hebrew: “darkness.” That is, let them not be able to see where they go; what danger they incur; what is before them.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:6
5, 6. Chaff—Emblem of worthlessness. See on Psalms 83:13. Angel of the Lord—The title occurs twice in this verse, and nowhere else in the psalms except Psalms 34:7, where see note.
Sermons on Psalms 35:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Standing in Slippery Places by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead's sermon 'Standing in Slippery Places' emphasizes the precarious state of the wicked who seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. He draws from Psalm 73, illustra |
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 71-80 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the power and majesty of God, highlighting His control over nature and His guidance of His people. The speaker then shifts to addre |
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A Tour of Hell by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting the Gospel and turning to Christ. He warns that sudden death can take people away without warning, just as the Bibl |
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This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
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Someone to Watch Over Me by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the struggles of Asaph, who felt his righteous efforts were in vain as he compared his suffering to the ease of the wicked. In his despair, Asaph questio |
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Deuteronomy 32:35 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the imminent danger of destruction for the wicked, illustrating that they are always at risk of sudden downfall, akin to walking on thin ice. He explains tha |