Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is the active interrogation implied here. These aren't just people spreading rumors; they are "asking me of things that I do not know," as if they're trying to draw out a confession or trap him with questions about actions and intentions he's entirely unaware of. This highlights the sheer absurdity and injustice of the accusations, showing how the attackers sought to fabricate guilt where none existed.
Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is crying out because he's being attacked by false accusations, feeling utterly betrayed by those he's helped. Malicious people have appeared, not only speaking lies about him but also questioning him about things he's completely unaware of, as if he's being put on trial for unknown crimes. This is a continuation of the unjust persecution he's facing, where his good deeds are met with hatred and glee at his misfortune.
Ever felt unfairly judged? The Bible shows us that even godly people like David faced relentless attacks designed to destroy their reputation and peace.
In Psalms 35:11, David cries out against "malicious witnesses." The original language paints a picture of people who are not just mistaken, but actively cruel and unjust. These accusers didn't just get things wrong; they intentionally twisted reality to harm David.
Why would people fabricate such lies? Discover the devastating aim behind malicious accusations and how they seek to break a person's spirit.
The accusations in Psalms 35:11 weren't just about making David look bad; they had a deeper, more destructive purpose. The enemies' goal was to utterly crush him.
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Understand the original words
ʿēḏ · Hebrew Noun
An individual who provides testimony regarding facts or events. In a biblical legal context, those who bear false witness are strictly condemned by God's law.
This Psalm reflects David's desperate situation while on the run from King Saul, who falsely accused him of treason and conspiracy.
c. 1025-1015 BC
Saul's Growing Suspicion of David
As David's military successes and popularity grew, King Saul became increasingly paranoid and suspicious of him, fearing David would usurp his throne.
c. 1015 BC
David Flees Saul's Court
David is forced to flee from Saul's court and live as a fugitive, hiding in various wilderness locations.
c. 1015-1012 BC— this verse
David as a Fugitive
During his time as a fugitive, David is pursued relentlessly by Saul, who is convinced of David's treachery despite David's repeated acts of mercy and innocence.
c. 1012 BC
David Spares Saul's Life (Twice)
David has two opportunities to kill Saul in the wilderness of Ziph and En Gedi but spares him, even cutting off a piece of Saul's robe on one occasion and taking his spear on another, proving his innocence and loyalty.
c. 1010 BC
Death of Saul
Saul and his son Jonathan are killed in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, ending Saul's pursuit of David.
This verse speaks of false witnesses speaking lies and rising up against the Psalmist, echoing the experience described in Psalm 35:11.
Matthew 26:59-60This passage describes false witnesses being brought forward to accuse Jesus, highlighting the ancient and persistent nature of malicious accusations against the righteous, similar to David's plight.
Acts 24:5Here, Paul is accused of being a 'pestilent fellow' and a 'ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,' demonstrating how followers of God can be falsely charged with disrupting society.
Luke 6:27-28Jesus' teaching to 'love your enemies' and 'pray for those who abuse you' provides the divine perspective on how to respond to the kind of malicious attacks described in Psalm 35:11.
1 Samuel 24:9This verse shows Saul accusing David of seeking his hurt, an example of the 'things that I knew not' that David faced from those in authority.
calvinPsalms 35:11-15: "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."
- Violent witnesses rise up, they charge me with things which I know not. 12. They render me evil for good, to the bereaving [708] of my soul. 13. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I afflicted my soul with fasting; and have poured my prayer into my own bosom. 14. I behaved myself towards him as if he had been my friend and brother: I humbled myself as one that mourneth h…
cambridgePsalms 35:11: "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."
11 . False witnesses ] Rather, unrighteous, or, malicious, witnesses rise up; lit., witnesses of violence , as in Exodus 23:1 ; Deuteronomy 19:16 . Cp. Psalm 27:12 (A.V. cruelty ). they laid to my charge &c.] R.V. they ask of me things that I know not: calling me to account for crimes, of which I have not even any knowledge. Cp. Psalm 69:4 . The phraseology is that of a court; not that the Psalmist is to…
What's easily missed is the active interrogation implied here. These aren't just people spreading rumors; they are "asking me of things that I do not know," as if they're trying to draw out a confession or trap him with questions about actions and intentions he's entirely unaware of. This highlights the sheer absurdity and injustice of the accusations, showing how the attackers sought to fabricate guilt where none existed.
David is crying out because he's being attacked by false accusations, feeling utterly betrayed by those he's helped. Malicious people have appeared, not only speaking lies about him but also questioning him about things he's completely unaware of, as if he's being put on trial for unknown crimes. This is a continuation of the unjust persecution he's facing, where his good deeds are met with hatred and glee at his misfortune.
David is crying out because he's being attacked by false accusations, feeling utterly betrayed by those he's helped. Malicious people have appeared, not only speaking lies about him but also questioning him about things he's completely unaware of, as if he's being put on trial for unknown crimes. This is a continuation of the unjust persecution he's facing, where his good deeds are met with hatred and glee at his misfortune.
"Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know." — What's easily missed is the active interrogation implied here. These aren't just people spreading rumors; they are "asking me of things that I do not know," as if they're trying to draw out a confess…
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Last reviewed October 2026