In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Instead of simply reacting to their hostility, the psalmist highlights a profound spiritual practice: in response to being accused and treated as an enemy, he becomes "prayer." This doesn't just mean he prays; it signifies that prayer becomes his very nature, his consuming occupation, and his ultimate refuge. It points to a deep reliance on God as the immediate and only answer to injustice.
In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is describing the bitter opposition he faces, not for any wrong he's done, but precisely because of his kindness and love towards his enemies. This unfair treatment, where good is met with hostility and accusation, leads him to his only recourse: prayer. He turns to God with his entire being, not to retaliate, but as his ultimate refuge and source of strength.
Have you ever done something good for someone, only to be met with anger or accusation? The Psalmist shares this all too familiar experience.
The Bitter Fruit of Kindness
David, the author of this psalm, finds himself in a painful situation: his acts of love and kindness are being twisted into reasons for his enemies to attack him. It's a stark reminder that doing good doesn't always guarantee a good response.
When faced with accusation and ill-will, where do you turn? David's response is profound and instructive.
Becoming 'All Prayer'
The phrase 'but I give myself to prayer' is incredibly powerful. It's not just about offering a quick prayer; it signifies a complete orientation of one's life towards God, especially in the face of adversity.
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Understand the original words
satan · Hebrew Verb
The act of formally charging someone with wrongdoing; often refers to legal or moral denunciation. It can denote the activity of an adversary or the devil.
tephillah · Hebrew Noun
A spiritual discipline involving direct communication with God, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. It is the primary means by which believers align their hearts with God’s will.
This passage echoes the psalmist's response by commanding believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, mirroring the call to a prayerful response in the face of hostility.
Romans 12:14Paul's instruction to 'bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse' directly relates to the psalmist's choice to pray even when repaid with enmity for his love.
John 15:24-25Jesus highlights that hatred for Him, and by extension His followers, is without cause, just as the psalmist experienced inexplicable opposition despite his love.
Matthew 5:44Jesus' teaching to love enemies and pray for persecutors provides the ultimate example of the attitude described in Psalm 109:4, showing that active love and prayer are the divine response to unjustified hatred.
wesleyPsalms 109:4: "For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer."
109:4 Adversaries - They requite my love with enmity, as it is explained ver.5.
ellicottPsalms 109:4: "For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer."
(4) For my love . . . — i.e., in return for my love I give myself unto prayer. For a concise expression of the same kind as “I prayer,” see Psalm 120:7 , “I peace.” Of course the psalmist means, that in the face of all the taunts and reproaches of his maligners, he simply and naturally has recourse to prayer, and, as the context seems to indicate, prayer for them.
Instead of simply reacting to their hostility, the psalmist highlights a profound spiritual practice: in response to being accused and treated as an enemy, he becomes "prayer." This doesn't just mean he prays; it signifies that prayer becomes his very nature, his consuming occupation, and his ultimate refuge. It points to a deep reliance on God as the immediate and only answer to injustice.
The psalmist is describing the bitter opposition he faces, not for any wrong he's done, but precisely because of his kindness and love towards his enemies. This unfair treatment, where good is met with hostility and accusation, leads him to his only recourse: prayer. He turns to God with his entire being, not to retaliate, but as his ultimate refuge and source of strength.
The psalmist is describing the bitter opposition he faces, not for any wrong he's done, but precisely because of his kindness and love towards his enemies. This unfair treatment, where good is met with hostility and accusation, leads him to his only recourse: prayer. He turns to God with his entire being, not to retaliate, but as his ultimate refuge and source of strength.
"In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer." — Instead of simply reacting to their hostility, the psalmist highlights a profound spiritual practice: in response to being accused and treated as an enemy, he becomes "prayer." This doesn't just mean…
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Last reviewed October 2026