Psalms 35:11
Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Psalms 35:11
Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easily missed here is that the accusers aren't just making up lies; they're actively questioning David about things he's completely unfamiliar with, as if he should know why he's being accused. It highlights a disturbing kind of injustice where you're held accountable for actions or intentions you don't even recognize.
The Psalmist, likely David, is describing the intense suffering and persecution he's enduring. Malicious accusers are not only slandering him with fabricated charges he knows nothing about but are also repaying his acts of kindness with outright hatred and rejoicing in his misfortune. This section sets the stage for his desperate plea to God for intervention against these cruel and ungrateful enemies.
Ever felt like people are accusing you of things you'd never do? David knew that feeling all too well.
The phrase 'malicious witnesses' (or 'witnesses of violence' in some translations) describes people who don't just disagree with you, but actively seek to harm you through their words. They don't seek truth; they seek to destroy.
The Goal of False Accusations
Imagine doing good for people, only for them to turn and attack you. That's the sting David felt.
David doesn't just lament the false accusations themselves, but also the source: people he had helped. This adds a deep layer of betrayal to his suffering.
When Good is Met with Evil
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 the deep distress of someone facing false accusations and malicious attacks, strongly echoing David's own experiences as a fugitive pursued by a jealous King Saul. The historical context highlights how political intrigue and personal animosity can lead to slander and injustice, even against those who have acted with integrity.
c. 1025–1015 BC— this verse
David Flees Saul
David, recognized for his military prowess and popular support, becomes the target of King Saul's intense jealousy and fear. He is forced to flee and live as a fugitive, constantly evading Saul's attempts to capture or kill him.
c. 1020 BC
David Spares Saul's Life
While Saul is hunting him, David has two opportunities to kill the king but spares him, cutting off a piece of Saul's robe on one occasion. This demonstrates David's integrity and deep respect for the Lord's anointed, despite Saul's persecution.
c. 1015 BC
David Anointed King of Judah
After Saul and his sons die in battle, David is first anointed king over the tribe of Judah. He continues to face opposition and conflict during this period.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King of All Israel
David is finally recognized as king over all the tribes of Israel, uniting the nation. He establishes Jerusalem as his capital and brings the Ark of the Covenant there.
This passage directly parallels Psalm 35:11, showing false witnesses testifying against Jesus in a manner that he himself declared to be untrue, highlighting a shared experience of unjust accusation.
Acts 24:1-9Here, Tertullus brings 'malicious charges' against Paul before Felix, accusing him of being a 'troublemaker' and a leader of the 'Nazarene sect,' mirroring the experience of being falsely accused of things one does not know.
1 Samuel 24:9This verse shows Saul accusing David of seeking to harm him and usurp his throne, despite David's innocence and prior loyalty, illustrating the 'malicious witnesses' and 'things I knew not' that David faced.
John 10:32-33Jesus confronts the crowd about their false accusations, stating, 'Which of my good works do you stone me for?' This highlights the theme of being condemned for deeds that are not true or known by the accused, echoing the Psalmist's complaint.
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 here is that the accusers aren't just making up lies; they're actively questioning David about things he's completely unfamiliar with, as if he should know why he's being accused. It highlights a disturbing kind of injustice where you're held accountable for actions or intentions you don't even recognize.
The Psalmist, likely David, is describing the intense suffering and persecution he's enduring. Malicious accusers are not only slandering him with fabricated charges he knows nothing about but are also repaying his acts of kindness with outright hatred and rejoicing in his misfortune. This section sets the stage for his desperate plea to God for intervention against these cruel and ungrateful enemies.
The Psalmist, likely David, is describing the intense suffering and persecution he's enduring. Malicious accusers are not only slandering him with fabricated charges he knows nothing about but are also repaying his acts of kindness with outright hatred and rejoicing in his misfortune. This section sets the stage for his desperate plea to God for intervention against these cruel and ungrateful enemies.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 35:11 is available in the Sola app.
"Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know." — What's easily missed here is that the accusers aren't just making up lies; they're actively questioning David about things he's completely unfamiliar with, as if he should know why he's being accused…