Psalm 35:11-12
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This verse highlights the shocking nature of persecution: not only are false accusations made, but they are about things the victim has absolutely no knowledge of, essentially forcing them into a reality that isn't their own. It reveals how malicious intent can completely fabricate an entire case, leaving the innocent bewildered and trapped by lies they don't even understand.
Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is deeply troubled by enemies who not only act with violence and injustice but also accuse him of things he's completely unaware of. This isn't just a general feeling of being misunderstood; these are specific, false charges being leveled against him, turning his good deeds into reasons for hatred. He contrasts his own compassionate response to their troubles with their malicious joy at his suffering.
Ever felt completely blindsided by false accusations? David, the writer of this psalm, knew that pain intimately. He faced people who didn't just disagree with him, but actively fabricated charges against him.
The Weight of 'Violent' Witnesses
The original Hebrew for "malicious witnesses" (or "violent witnesses" in some translations) paints a stark picture. It's not just about someone telling a lie; it's about people who actively and cruelly use their words as weapons. They 'rise up' aggressively, intending to inflict harm.
Fabricated Accusations
David's lament, 'they ask me of things that I do not know,' highlights the utter injustice. These weren't misunderstandings or honest mistakes. His accusers were creating charges out of thin air, things he had no knowledge of or involvement in. This is a deliberate distortion of truth, designed to destroy his reputation and standing.
It's one thing to be attacked by enemies, but what happens when those who were once close turn against you? David experienced this profound betrayal, adding a layer of deep emotional pain to his suffering.
From Kindness to Cruelty
David contrasts the malicious actions of his accusers with his own past behavior towards them. He recounts how he acted as a sympathetic friend, mourning for them in their troubles and praying for their well-being, even humbling himself as if grieving a mother.
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Ungrateful Reciprocity
His enemies, however, repaid his kindness with malice. Instead of reciprocating his compassion, they rejoiced in his 'halting' – his struggles and misfortunes. They gathered together, even including 'abjects' (lowly, disreputable people), to tear him down with their words. This highlights the deep wound of ingratitude from those he had helped, showing how personal betrayal can be as devastating as public accusation.
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.
nep̄eš · Hebrew Noun
The immaterial part of a human being, the seat of emotions, will, and spiritual life. It is often used to refer to the whole person, especially in the context of deep distress or longing for God.
The intense, personal persecution David faced from King Saul and his court, including false accusations and betrayal by former acquaintances, provides a stark backdrop to his cry for justice and vindication in this psalm.
c. 1025–1015 BC— this verse
David Serves in Saul's Court
David's early military successes and popularity made him a target of jealousy, particularly from King Saul, leading to accusations and persecution.
c. 1015–1013 BC
David Flees from Saul
Accused of plotting against Saul, David was forced to flee and lived as a fugitive, constantly pursued by the king and his forces.
c. 1013 BC
David Spares Saul's Life
On two occasions, David had opportunities to kill Saul but instead showed mercy, cutting off a piece of Saul's robe and taking his spear, demonstrating his innocence of murderous intent.
c. 1010 BC
Death of Saul
Saul died in battle against the Philistines, paving the way for David to eventually become king, but the period of intense personal persecution ended.
This passage parallels Psalm 35:11 by showing false witnesses rising up to accuse Jesus of things he did not do, mirroring David's experience of malicious and unfounded charges.
Acts 24:1-2Here, Tertullus acts as a malicious accuser, bringing 'baseless charges' against Paul that Paul himself denies knowing, reflecting the experience described in Psalm 35:11.
1 Samuel 24:9-10This historical account shows Saul accusing David of seeking his hurt, a charge David vehemently denies, illustrating the kind of 'things that I knew not' that were laid against him, as stated in the psalm.
Psalm 27:12This verse speaks of 'false witnesses' rising up and breathing 'violence,' echoing the sentiment and imagery of malicious accusers found in Psalm 35:11.
John 18:30While not a direct accusation, the question posed to Jesus ('If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee') implies a charge for which no evidence was presented, similar to being charged with things one knows nothing about.
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…
This verse highlights the shocking nature of persecution: not only are false accusations made, but they are about things the victim has absolutely no knowledge of, essentially forcing them into a reality that isn't their own. It reveals how malicious intent can completely fabricate an entire case, leaving the innocent bewildered and trapped by lies they don't even understand.
David is deeply troubled by enemies who not only act with violence and injustice but also accuse him of things he's completely unaware of. This isn't just a general feeling of being misunderstood; these are specific, false charges being leveled against him, turning his good deeds into reasons for hatred. He contrasts his own compassionate response to their troubles with their malicious joy at his suffering.
David is deeply troubled by enemies who not only act with violence and injustice but also accuse him of things he's completely unaware of. This isn't just a general feeling of being misunderstood; these are specific, false charges being leveled against him, turning his good deeds into reasons for hatred. He contrasts his own compassionate response to their troubles with their malicious joy at his suffering.
"Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft." — This verse highlights the shocking nature of persecution: not only are false accusations made, but they are about things the victim has absolutely no knowledge of, essentially forcing them into a rea…
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Last reviewed October 2026
