Psalms 35:23 — Word Study
WLCהָעִ֣ירָה וְ֭הָקִיצָה לְמִשְׁפָּטִ֑י אֱלֹהַ֖י וַֽאדֹנָ֣י לְרִיבִֽי׃
BSAAwakeʻûwr [stir up, rouse to action] and riseqûwts to my defensemishpâṭ [judgment, justice due to me] to my causerîyb [strife, dispute, my plea] my Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the supreme God] and my LordʼĂdônây [Adonay, my sovereign Master]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הָעִ֣ירָה | wake up ! | Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
| וְ֭הָקִיצָה | and awake ! | Conjunction, verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
| לְמִשְׁפָּטִ֑י | for judgment my | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אֱלֹהַ֖י | O God my | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וַֽאדֹנָ֣י | and O Lord | Conjunction, noun proper |
| לְרִיבִֽי׃ | for cause my | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord! |
| KJV | Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord. |
| ASV | Stir up thyself, and awake to the justice due unto me, Even unto my cause, my God and my Lord. |
| YLT | Stir up, and wake to my judgment, My God, and my Lord, to my plea. |
| WEB | Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Lord, contend for me! |
| BBE | Be awake, O Lord, be moved to take up my cause, my God and my Lord. |
The translations agree on the imperative call for God to awaken and rise to defend the psalmist.
The verse consists of a main plea followed by clarifying phrases that specify the purpose and the addressee.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 35:23
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Plea for Divine Justicegenerated
Psalms 35:23 is a heartfelt cry from the psalmist, asking God to awaken and rise to defend him against his adversaries. This verse is situated within a larger context of seeking vindication and justice from God, as seen in the surrounding verses. The psalmist expresses urgency and a deep reliance on God's intervention, reflecting a common theme found throughout the Psalms where the faithful seek God's help in times of distress.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 7:6 | Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment. |
| 2 | Psalm 44:23 | Wake up, O Lord! Why are You sleeping? Arise! Do not reject us forever. |
| 3 | Psalm 80:2 | before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally Your mighty power and come to save us. |
| 4 | Isaiah 51:9 | Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? |
| 5 | Psalm 89:26 | He will call to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock of my salvation.’ |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הָעִ֣ירָה, ha.'I.rahgenerated
The verb הָעִ֣ירָה (ha.'I.rah) is a hiphil imperative form, meaning 'wake up' or 'rouse to action.' It indicates a call for God to stir Himself and act on behalf of the psalmist. This word carries the connotation of awakening not just from sleep, but from inaction, emphasizing the need for divine intervention.
The root of this word, עוּר (uwr), suggests a range of meanings from literal awakening to inciting emotions or actions. The imperative form denotes urgency and a direct appeal, indicating the psalmist's desperation for God's attention and action.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse begins with two imperative verbs: הָעִ֣ירָה (ha.'I.rah) and וְ֭הָקִיצָה (Ve.ha.ki.tzah), both calling for action. The structure emphasizes the urgency of the psalmist's plea, with the two commands leading into the purpose of the request for divine judgment and defense.
Following the imperatives, the phrases לְמִשְׁפָּטִ֑י (le.mish.pa.Ti) and לְרִיבִֽי (le.ri.Vi) clarify the reasons for the call to action: for judgment and for cause. This structure highlights the psalmist's reliance on God for justice.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew הָעִ֣ירָה is rendered as ἐχεγέρθητι (echegertheti), which conveys a similar call to awaken. This choice indicates a direct appeal for God to rouse Himself and take action.
The use of πρόσξες (prosxes) for the second imperative also reinforces the urgency of the psalmist's request, aligning closely with the Hebrew intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 35:23 is a plea from the psalmist asking God to wake up and defend him. The psalmist is in distress and seeks God's judgment and justice against his enemies. This verse highlights the deep reliance on God for help in times of trouble.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist is urging God to take action in his defense, implying that he feels God has been silent or distant.
These titles express a personal relationship and reverence, acknowledging God's sovereignty and authority.
Judgment signifies the psalmist's plea for justice and vindication against his adversaries.
This verse reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful cry out for God's intervention and justice in times of trouble.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek God's intervention and justice?
- How can I strengthen my relationship with God, acknowledging Him as my Lord?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's timing when I feel He is silent?
- How can I apply the psalmist's plea for help to my own struggles?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Christian writers reference this verse to emphasize God's attentiveness and justice. Quotations from Augustine, Diodorus, and Cassiodorus are included.
"Arise, Lord, and attend to My judgment" [Psalms 35:23]. To what judgment? That You are in tribulation;Early Church Fathers on Psalms 35 →
Since by his long-suffering he gives the impression of sleeping, as it were, he urges him to arise and deliver a verdict in his favor.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 35 →
According to our human custom, one often says “arise” to one who is always awake and always attentive. Since he constantly reviews all things, he is regarded as having paid attention when he punishes.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 35 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 35:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleStir up thyself and awake,.... Who seemed to be asleep in the apprehensions of the psalmist, and to take no notice of his distresses, and the insults of his enemies; see Psalms 44:23; he adds, to my
Read John Gill on Psalms 35 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryStir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord. Awake ... - awake to vindicate my right and plead my cause (Psalms 9:4; Psalms 18:2).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 35 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAt last undertake to plead my cause against mine adversaries.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 35 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 35:23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, [even] unto my cause, my God and my Lord.Ver. 23. Stir up thyself and awake] This is the same in effect with the beginning of the psalm; to show his ardour and intention of affection.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 35 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment] I have delivered my cause into thy hand, and appeal to thee as my Judge; and by thy decision I am most willing to abide.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 35 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges23. Arouse and awake for my judgement, O my God and my Lord, for my cause.Interpose to do me justice, and defend my cause. Cp. Psalms 35:1, and see note on Psalms 7:6.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 35 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleStir up thyself - Arouse thyself as if from sleep. See Psalms 44:23. And awake to my judgment - To execute judgment for me, or to render me justice. A similar petition (almost in the same words) occurs in Psalms 7:6.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 35 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord!
Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Lord, contend for me!
Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord!
Rouse yourself, wake up and vindicate me! My God and Lord, defend my just cause!
Tyndale line
Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
Stir up thyself, and awake to the justice due unto me, Even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even to my cause, my God and my LORD.
Arise and wake to my iudgement, euen to my cause, my God, and my Lord.
Strictly literal
Stir up thyself, and awake for my right, for my cause, my God and Lord!
Stir up, and wake to my judgment, My God, and my Lord, to my plea.
Stir up, and wake to my judgment, || My God, and my Lord, to my plea.
Arouse thyself, and awake to do me justice, my God and my Lord, unto my cause.
Arouse yourself and awake to my defense; My God and my Lord, defend my cause.
Simplified
Wake up! Get up and defend me, my Lord and my God! Take up my case and make sure justice is done!
Be awake, O Lord, be moved to take up my cause, my God and my Lord.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of הָעִ֣ירָה וְ֭הָקִיצָה לְמִשְׁפָּטִ֑י אֱלֹהַ֖י וַֽאדֹנָ֣י לְרִיבִֽי׃, with no significant variations in meaning or intent.
הָעִ֣ירָה וְ֭הָקִיצָה לְמִשְׁפָּטִ֑י אֱלֹהַ֖י וַֽאדֹנָ֣י לְרִיבִֽי׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 35:23
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
עוּר (uwr) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rouse or awaken. It encompasses various forms, including to rouse oneself, be incited, or act in an excited manner. The entries suggest a range of uses from literal waking to figurative stirring up of emotions or actions, with different grammatical forms indicating nuances in meaning.
[עוּר] vb. rouse oneself, awake
Qal rouse oneself to activity
Niph. be roused; be incited to activity
Pō‛l. rouse, incite to activity
Pilp. rouse (i.e. raise ?) a cry of destruction
Hithpō‛l. and I was (joyfully) excited, triumphant
Hiph.
rouse
declarative or exhibitive sense, act in an aroused manner, awake
base
H5782 [עוּר] rouse oneself, awake
5782 `uwr oor
a primitive root (rather identical with 5783 through the idea
of opening the eyes); to wake (literally or
figuratively):--(a- )wake(-n, up), lift up (self), X master,
raise (up), stir up (self).
see HEBREW for 05783
עוּר (ur) — to rouse.
1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite
1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake
1b) (Niphal) to be roused
1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite
1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to rouse, stir up
1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHVhv2ms/Sh
קִיץ (quts) is a Hebrew verb meaning to awake or wake up, primarily in the Hiphil form, which indicates causing to awaken. The entries emphasize its literal and figurative use, relating to the abruptness of waking, and suggest a connection to similar roots. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
[קִיץ] vb. Hiph. awake
base
H6974 [קִיץ] Hiph. awake
6974 quwts koots
a primitive root (identical with 6972 through the idea of
abruptness in starting up from sleep (compare 3364)); to awake
(literally or figuratively):--arise, (be) (a-)wake, watch.
see HEBREW for 06972
see HEBREW for 03364
קִיץ (quts) — to awake.
1) to awake, wake up
1a) (Hiphil) to awaken, arouse, show signs of waking, awake
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff — Conjunction · verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHC/Vhv2ms/Sh
a-wak' yaqats, ("to waken"; `ur, "to rouse up" from sleep; egeiro, "to arouse from sleep"): The ordinary terms for awaking from natural slumber: as of Jacob at Bethel (Ge 28:16); of Solomon at Gibeon (1Ki 3:15); of Jesus in the storm-tossed boat (Lu 8:24).
Used figure with striking effect of awaking from mental, moral and spiritual sleep: as when Deborah calls upon herself to awake to the fervor and eloquence of poetry (Jud 5:12); of Zion's awaking to moral vigor and beauty (Isa 52:1); of waking from spiritual death (Eph 5:14); from the grave in resurrection (
The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) primarily means judgment or justice and encompasses various aspects such as legal rights, ordinances, and decisions. It is derived from a root meaning to pronounce a verdict, covering both human and divine law. The entries highlight its application in legal contexts, including the act of deciding cases and the attributes of justice and rectitude.
מִשְׁפָּט 422 n.m. judgment
judgment
justice, right, rectitude
ordinance
decision
one's (legal) right, privilege, due
proper, fitting, measure
custom, manner
what manner of
plan
base
H4941 מִשְׁפָּט judgment . judgment
. justice, right, rectitude
. ordinance
. decision
. one's (legal) right, privilege, due
. . proper, fitting, measure
. custom, manner
. what manner of
. plan
4941 mishpat mish-pawt'
from 8199; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable)
pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree
(human or (participant's) divine law, individual or
collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the
crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a
participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or
even a style:--+ adversary, ceremony, charge, X crime,
custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due,
fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly),
(manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order,
ordinance, right, sentence, usest, X worthy, + wrong.
see HEBREW for 08199
מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat) — justice: judgement.
: judgement/punishment
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
1a) judgment
1a1) act of deciding a case
1a2) place, court, seat of judgment
1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
1a6) execution (of judgment)
1a7) time (of judgment)
1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man)
1c) ordinance
1d) decision (in law)
1e) right, privilege, due (legal)
1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat) — justice.
: justice/right/righteousness
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
1a) judgment
1a1) act of deciding a case
1a2) place, court, seat of judgment
1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
1a6) execution (of judgment)
1a7) time (of judgment)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bs
אֲדֹנָי (Adonay) means 'Lord' and is an emphatic form of another Hebrew word for lord. It is used specifically as a title for God, often in place of Yahweh to show reverence. Variations include אֲדֹנִי and אֲדֹנַי, which help distinguish divine from human references.
אָדוֹן n.m. lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
base
H136 אָדוֹן lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
136 'Adonay ad-o-noy'
am emphatic form of 113; the Lord (used as a proper name of
God only):--(my) Lord.
see HEBREW for 0113
אֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) — Lord.
Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun properHC/Npt
Lord
There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.
(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form “Jehovah” is retained only in Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2; 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.
(2.) Heb. ‘adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen. 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (18:12).
The old plural form of this Hebrew word is ’adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name “Jehovah,” the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name…
[GOD]
This name belongs to God by preeminence; and in this sense ought never to be given to any creature. Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, the Son of God, and equal with the Father, is often called Lord in Scripture, especially in the writing of Paul. The word LORD, in the English Bible, when printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew. See JEHOVAH.
רִיב (riyb) refers to strife or dispute, encompassing personal or legal contests. It can denote adversarial situations, chiding, or legal cases. The entries consistently highlight its meanings related to conflict, such as quarrels and controversies, without significant disagreement among the lexicons.
רִיב 62 n.m. strife, dispute
base
H7379 רִיב strife, dispute
7379 riyb reeb
or rib {reeb}; from 7378; a contest (personal or legal):--+
adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy,
multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing),
suit.
see HEBREW for 07378
רִיב (riv) — strife.
1) strife, controversy, dispute
1a) strife, quarrel
1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Prep | N-cs | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs