Bible Strands
Psalms 35:19
Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God in a petition for deliverance, placed between a vow to praise publicly (Psalm 35:18) and a description of his opponents’ deceitful hostility (Psalm 35:20).
The words — The text centers on חִנָּם (chi.Nam), meaning "without cause," and the phrase יִקְרְצוּ עַיִן (yik.re.tzu 'A.yin), literally "let them wink an eye," which describes a gesture of malicious pleasure.
The thread — The theme of unprovoked hatred appears in Psalm 69:4 and John 15:25, while the specific gesture of malicious winking is recorded in Proverbs 6:13.
Why it lands — The verse states that the speaker’s suffering is unprovoked and directly asks God to prevent his adversaries from taking joy in that injustice.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
Cross-references
- Psalms 69:4 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.
- John 15:25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’
- Proverbs 6:13 winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers.
- Psalms 13:4 lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall.
- Psalms 38:19 Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.
- Proverbs 10:10 He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.
- Psalms 38:16 For I said, “Let them not gloat over me—those who taunt me when my foot slips.”
- Psalms 109:3 They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause.
- John 16:20 Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
- 1 Samuel 24:11 See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.