Psalms 69:4
Psalms 69:4 in Multiple Translations
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.
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: They that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: That which I took not away I have to restore.
Those who have hate for me without cause are greater in number than the hairs of my head; those who are against me, falsely desiring my destruction, are very strong; I gave back what I had not taken away.
Those who hate me for no reason are more than the number of hairs on my head. Many enemies try to destroy me by telling lies. How can I give back what I didn't steal?
They that hate mee without a cause, are moe then the heares of mine heade: they that would destroy mee, and are mine enemies falsly, are mightie, so that I restored that which I tooke not.
Those hating me without cause Have been more than the hairs of my head, Mighty have been my destroyers, My lying enemies, That which I took not away — I bring back.
Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head. Those who want to cut me off, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty. I have to restore what I didn’t take away.
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: they that would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
Let them be turned backward, and blush for shame that desire evils to me: Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame that say to me: Tis well, tis well.
Those who hate me when there is no reason to hate me are more than the number of hairs on my head [HYP]! Those who want to get rid of me are strong, and they tell lies about me. They demand that I return to them things that I did not steal!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 69:4
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 69:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָגַ֣עְתִּי
בְ/קָרְאִ/י֮
נִחַ֪ר
גְּר֫וֹנִ֥/י
כָּל֥וּ
עֵינַ֑/י
מְ֝יַחֵ֗ל
לֵ/אלֹהָֽ/י
יָגַ֣עְתִּי
yâgaʻ
H3021
be weary/toil
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בְ/קָרְאִ/י֮
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
נִחַ֪ר
chârar
H2787
to scorch
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
גְּר֫וֹנִ֥/י
gârôwn
H1627
throat
N-ms | Suff
כָּל֥וּ
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינַ֑/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
מְ֝יַחֵ֗ל
yâchal
H3176
to wait
V-Piel
לֵ/אלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 69:4
יָגַ֣עְתִּי
yâgaʻ
H3021
"be weary/toil"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be weary or toil, like in Exodus where the Israelites were exhausted from their labor, and is often translated as faint or labor in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to toil, labour, grow weary, be weary 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to toil, labour 1a2) to grow weary, be weary 1b) (Piel) to weary, make weary, cause to go toilsomely 1c) (Hiphil) to make to toil, make weary, cause to be weary
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: faint, (make to) labour, (be) weary. See also: Joshua 7:3; Isaiah 43:23; Psalms 6:7.
בְ/קָרְאִ/י֮
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
נִחַ֪ר
chârar
H2787
"to scorch"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To scorch means to burn or dry up something, like a plant in the desert. In the Bible, this word can also mean to be angry or passionate, like in Psalm 69:9 where it describes a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to burn, be hot, be scorched, be charred 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hot, be scorched 1a2) to burn, be burned 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scorched, be burned 1b2) to burn 1b3) to be dry, be angry 1c) (Pilpel) to cause to burn Aramaic equivalent: cha.rakh (חֲרַךְ "to singe" H2761)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, dry, kindle. See also: Job 30:30; Isaiah 24:6; Psalms 69:4.
גְּר֫וֹנִ֥/י
gârôwn
H1627
"throat"
N-ms | Suff
The throat refers to the neck or throat area, as in Ezekiel 38:21 where God says the open sepulchre will be stopped. It can also mean to speak aloud or mouth something.
Definition: 1) neck, throat 1a) neck 1b) throat 1b1) of open sepulchre (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] aloud, mouth, neck, throat. See also: Psalms 5:10; Isaiah 3:16; Psalms 69:4.
כָּל֥וּ
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
עֵינַ֑/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מְ֝יַחֵ֗ל
yâchal
H3176
"to wait"
V-Piel
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.
לֵ/אלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 69:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 69:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 69:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 69:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 69:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 69:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
- Sermons on Psalms 69:4
Context — The Waters Are up to My Neck
2I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.
3I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.
4Those 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.
5You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You. 6May those who hope in You not be ashamed through me, O Lord GOD of Hosts; may those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 15:25 | But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’ |
| 2 | Psalms 35:19 | Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Psalms 35:11–12 | Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. |
| 5 | Isaiah 53:4–7 | Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 5:21 | God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. |
| 7 | Psalms 7:3–5 | O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah |
| 8 | Psalms 40:12 | For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me. |
| 9 | Psalms 38:19–20 | Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason. Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 3:18 | For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, |
Psalms 69:4 Summary
[This verse talks about the psalmist's experience of being hated and persecuted by many people without any reason, which is a difficult and painful thing to go through. The psalmist says that even though they did not do anything wrong, they still have to suffer the consequences, which is similar to what Jesus went through, as seen in Isaiah 53:5. The psalmist's story reminds us that when we face hard times, we are not alone, and God is always with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5. By trusting in God's love and care, we can find strength and comfort in the midst of suffering.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people hate the psalmist without cause?
The psalmist's experience of being hated without cause is a reflection of the world's sinfulness and rebellion against God, as seen in John 15:25, where it is written that the world hates Jesus without a cause.
What does it mean to repay what was not stolen?
The psalmist's statement about repaying what was not stolen suggests a sense of unjust suffering, where the innocent are punished for something they did not do, similar to the experience of Jesus Christ, who suffered for the sins of the world, as stated in Isaiah 53:5.
How can I apply this verse to my own life when facing persecution?
This verse can be applied to our lives by remembering that we are not alone in our suffering, and that God is aware of our struggles, as seen in Psalms 38:9, where it is written that God knows our sighs and is familiar with our struggles.
What is the significance of the number of enemies being compared to the hairs of the head?
The comparison of the number of enemies to the hairs of the head emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the psalmist's persecution, highlighting the vastness and intensity of the opposition they face, similar to the description of the multitude of God's thoughts towards us in Psalms 139:17-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced hatred or persecution without cause, and how can I respond to it in a way that honors God?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness when faced with unjust suffering, just like the psalmist?
- In what ways can I identify with the psalmist's feelings of weariness and desperation, and how can I apply the truths of this verse to my own life?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of God, and how can I deepen my understanding of His nature and love for me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 69:4
They that hate me without a cause,.... As the Jews did; see John 15:18; for he did no injury to the persons or properties of men; but went about continually doing good, both to their souls and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 69:4
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
Without a cause; without any injury or occasion given them by me. Restored that which I took not away; either because they unjustly and violently forced me to it, or because I was willing to do it to my own wrong for peace sake. By this one kind of wrong he understands all those injuries and violences which they practised against him.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
Psalms 69:4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored [that] which I took not away.Ver. 4. They that hate me without a cause, &c.] Christ, besides his inward fears and griefs caused by the sense of his Father’ s wrath for our sins, was set against and assaulted both by men and devils (in that three hours’ darkness especially) with utmost might and malice. Then I restored that which I took not away.] Quod non rapui reddebam. David was dealt with as a felon or false dealer. Christ also was crucified for saying that he was the Son of God, John 19:7, though he held it no robbery to be equal with God, Philippians 2:6. The martyrs likewise were loaden with many calumnies and false criminations, that they might seem to suffer not as martyrs, but as malefactors.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
(4) They that would destroy me . . .—Properly, my exterminators. It seems a piece of hypercriticism to object to this as too strong a word. It is a very allowable prolepsis. At the same time the parallelism would be improved by adopting, as Ewald suggests, the Syriac reading “my enemies without are more numerous than my bones,” and the construction would be the same as in Psalms 40:12. Wrongfully.—Better, without cause. Comp. Psalms 35:19. Then I restored.—Rather, what I did not steal I must then restore, possibly a proverbial saying to express harsh and unjust treatment. Comp. Ps.
Xxxv. 11; Jeremiah 15:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
Verse 4. Then I restored that which I took not away.] I think, with Calmet, that this is a sort of proverbial expression, like such as these, "Those who suffered the wrong, pay the costs." Delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi. "Kings sin, and the people are punished." "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." Our fathers have grievously sinned against the Lord, and we their posterity suffer for it. See on Psalms 69:12. Some have applied it to our Lord. I restored, by my suffering and death, that image of God and the Divine favour, which I took not away. That is, In my human nature I expiated the crime that human beings had committed against God. But such applications are very gratuitous.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 69:4
4. The number and the virulence of his foes, and the groundlessness of their hostility. For the language comp. Psalms 40:12; Psalms 35:19; Psalms 38:19. The quotation in John 15:25 agrees with the LXX. moe] This archaism for ‘more,’ which has disappeared from modern Bibles, is restored by Scrivener in accordance with the original edition of 1611. they that would destroy me] R.V., they that would cut me off. Ewald and others follow the Syr. in reading this line, ‘More numerous than my bones are they that are mine enemies falsely.’ The parallelism of the first two lines of the verse is improved by the change, which involves only a slight alteration of the consonants; but the comparison is not a natural one, and the reading of the text is supported by the use of the same verb in Lamentations 3:53, in a closely similar context (note Lamentations 3:52; Lamentations 3:54). wrongfully] Lit. falsely. Their hostility is based upon misconception and misrepresentation. then I restored] Or, as R.V. marg., I had to restore. ‘Then’ may refer to some signal instance prominent in the Psalmist’s recollection. that which I took not away] That which I had not plundered. Perhaps a proverbial expression for the extreme of injured innocence. He was accused of being an extortioner and oppressor of the poor who must be made to disgorge his ill-gotten gains (Ezekiel 33:15). Cp.
Eliphaz’ charges against Job (Job 22:6 ff.), and Zophar’s picture of the wicked man compelled to make restitution (Job 20:18 ff.).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 69:4
They that hate me without a cause - Without any just reason; without any provocation on my part.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 69:4
4. They that hate me—These bear a threefold distinction. 1. They are more than the hairs of mine head. Psalms 39:12. 2. They are mighty, 3. They hate without cause—wrongfully.
Sermons on Psalms 69:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher draws a comparison between the biblical story of Joseph and the Lord Jesus. He highlights the miraculous births of both Joseph and Jesus, as well as th |
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Seven Words From the Cross - Obedience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the last words of Jesus on the cross, specifically focusing on the statement "I thirst." He emphasizes that even though it may seem like a |
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(Exodus) Exodus 2:25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's love and grace are the reasons for our salvation. He explains that God didn't save us because of our attractiveness or goodness, |
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Christ in You by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the witness of the Spirit in the lives of believers. He references several scriptures, including Romans 8:15-17, Galatians |
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Christ in You, the Hope of Glory by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory,' as revealed in Colossians 1:27. He explains that this mystery, once hidden, signifies that both |
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Fruit-Bearing, or the Vine and Its Branches John 15 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of abiding in Christ as the true Vine, illustrating that our relationship with Him is foundational for bearing fruit in our lives. He |