They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist emphasizes that his attackers surround him with "words of hatred," highlighting that their assault isn't just physical or overt but also a relentless barrage of malicious speech. This verbal onslaught is described as "fighting," underscoring how deeply damaging and aggressive hateful words can be, especially when aimed "without cause."
They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a raw cry from someone deeply suffering, feeling completely surrounded by enemies who use hateful words and attack unjustly. It's the heart of the psalm opening up, revealing the painful reality of unprovoked opposition before delving into more intense imprecations against those who have wronged the psalmist.
Have you ever felt surrounded, attacked not with fists, but with words that sting and wound? This verse paints a vivid picture of that experience.
The psalmist describes being "encircled with words of hate." This isn't just casual criticism; it's a deliberate, surrounding attack using language as a weapon.
The Power of the Tongue
This shows us that words have immense power to wound and to isolate. When directed by hatred, they can feel like a physical attack, leaving us feeling defenseless and overwhelmed.
It’s one thing to be attacked when you've done something wrong, but what about when the attack is completely unprovoked?
The phrase 'without cause' is critical here. It reveals the injustice and cruelty of the psalmist's suffering.
Malice Unprovoked
Ask a follow-up
This aspect speaks to the pain of being targeted simply for who you are, or for upholding what is right, when your accusers have no legitimate grounds for their hostility. It’s a suffering born not of just deserts, but of pure, unprovoked malice.
Understand the original words
sin'ah · Hebrew Noun
A strong, active, and persistent feeling of deep hostility, animosity, or malice toward another person. In the biblical context, it is condemned as the antithesis of the command to love one's neighbor.
This psalm reflects a time of intense personal suffering and opposition, likely during David's reign, where the psalmist felt surrounded by enemies who attacked him with malicious words and false accusations without any valid reason. The historical context shows a recurring pattern in Israel's story of facing unwarranted hatred and conflict, both individually and collectively.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Troubled Reign
The Psalmist, often identified as David, faced numerous enemies and internal strife throughout his kingship, including betrayals and constant threats.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divided
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel split into two, leading to ongoing conflict and political instability between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting its inhabitants and scattering them, a profound trauma in Israel's history.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population of Judah, a devastating event that shaped Israel's theology and identity.
c. 5th-4th century BC
Post-Exilic Reconstruction
Following the return from Babylonian exile, the Jewish community faced challenges rebuilding Jerusalem and its religious life, often encountering opposition from surrounding peoples.
This verse directly echoes Psalm 109:3, stating 'For they hid their net without cause; they dug a pit without cause.' This highlights the theme of unwarranted animosity and persecution.
John 15:25Jesus quotes this verse (referring to Himself) when speaking to His disciples, stating, 'But this happened that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their Law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’’ This shows the fulfillment of this psalm's lament in the life of Christ.
Jeremiah 18:18The commentary mentions Jeremiah's opponents saying, 'Come, let us devise plots against him!' This passage illustrates the same concept of enemies plotting and speaking with hateful intent, as described in Psalm 109:3.
Romans 12:14This passage calls believers to 'Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.' It provides a stark contrast to the imprecatory nature of Psalm 109, urging a response of blessing even when facing hatred without cause.
cambridgePsalms 109:3: "They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause."
3 . Yea, with words of hatred have they surrounded me, And fought against me without cause. Cp. Psalm 35:7 ; Psalm 35:19-20 ; Psalm 69:4 ; Proverbs 1:11 . “Come and let us smite him with the tongue” was the cry of Jeremiah’s opponents ( Jeremiah 18:18 ). “Denounce, yea, let us denounce him” ( Jeremiah 20:10 ).
pulpitPsalms 109:3: "They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause."
Verse 3. - They compassed me about also with words of hatred. The hatred of the wicked for the good is a plain fact of history, and quite indisputable. "Words of hatred" are less patent, since they are often restrained from prudential considerations. But sometimes free vent is given to them (see 2 Samuel 16:5-8). And fought against me without a cause (comp. Psalm 35:7, 19; Psalm 69:4; Psalm…
The psalmist emphasizes that his attackers surround him with "words of hatred," highlighting that their assault isn't just physical or overt but also a relentless barrage of malicious speech. This verbal onslaught is described as "fighting," underscoring how deeply damaging and aggressive hateful words can be, especially when aimed "without cause."
This psalm is a raw cry from someone deeply suffering, feeling completely surrounded by enemies who use hateful words and attack unjustly. It's the heart of the psalm opening up, revealing the painful reality of unprovoked opposition before delving into more intense imprecations against those who have wronged the psalmist.
This psalm is a raw cry from someone deeply suffering, feeling completely surrounded by enemies who use hateful words and attack unjustly. It's the heart of the psalm opening up, revealing the painful reality of unprovoked opposition before delving into more intense imprecations against those who have wronged the psalmist.
"They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause." — The psalmist emphasizes that his attackers surround him with "words of hatred," highlighting that their assault isn't just physical or overt but also a relentless barrage of malicious speech. This ve…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026