But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" isn't about the prayer being unanswered or for the writer's own benefit. Instead, it signifies a prayer offered with deep, internal sincerity, as if whispered into his own chest, revealing a heartfelt compassion for his enemies, even while they were plotting his downfall. This intimate, hidden prayer underscores the profound contrast between his selfless actions and their malicious ingratitude.
But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist here contrasts his compassionate response to his enemies' suffering with their cruel rejoicing over his own misfortunes. He recounts how, even when his enemies were sick or in distress, he wore sackcloth, fasted, and prayed for them. This heartfelt empathy is then juxtaposed with their malice, as they actively sought his downfall and celebrated his struggles.
What does it look like to truly love your enemies? David describes actions that seem almost unbelievably compassionate, especially given how these people treated him.
Radical Empathy
The Psalmist David, in Psalms 35, details his response to those who wronged him. While they repaid his kindness with hostility, he describes his own actions when they faced distress:
These weren't just outward shows; they were expressions of genuine sorrow for their suffering and fervent prayer for their well-being. This level of empathy, even for adversaries, is a high calling.
David's prayer for his enemies is described as 'returning into my own bosom.' What does this profound image mean for us and our prayers?
The Reciprocity of Prayer
This phrase, 'my prayer returned into mine own bosom,' is rich with meaning and has been interpreted in a few ways:
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It’s a picture of prayer that is honest, deeply felt, and aligned with God's heart for all people, even those who oppose us.
Understand the original words
śaq · Hebrew Noun
A coarse fabric, typically made of goat's hair, worn as a sign of extreme mourning, repentance, or distress before God.
ṣûm · Hebrew Verb
To abstain from food for a period, often as a spiritual discipline of humility, intercession, or seeking God's favor in times of crisis.
pālal · Hebrew Verb
The act of communicating with God, involving adoration, confession, thanksgiving, or supplication; it is an expression of dependence upon the Lord.
This psalm vividly portrays the deep empathy and self-sacrificing love David felt, even for those relentlessly persecuting him. It highlights a profound contrast between his gracious response and the bitter malice of his enemies, offering a powerful example of Christ-like love in the face of adversity.
c. 1025 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet anoints David, the youngest son of Jesse, as king of Israel, setting him on a collision course with King Saul.
c. 1020-1015 BC
David Flees Saul's Persecution
King Saul becomes intensely jealous of David and attempts to kill him. David is forced to flee and lives as a fugitive, hiding in various wilderness locations.
c. 1015-1010 BC— this verse
David Spares Saul's Life
On at least two occasions, David has the opportunity to kill Saul but refuses, showing mercy and respect for God's anointed king, even in the midst of Saul's relentless pursuit.
c. 1010 BC
Death of Saul
Saul and his sons are killed in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. David mourns deeply for Saul and his friend Jonathan.
c. 1010-1002 BC
David Reigns in Hebron
David is crowned king of Judah in Hebron, while a civil war continues with the remaining house of Saul. This period is marked by ongoing conflict and consolidation of power.
c. 1002 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
After unifying the tribes, David is crowned king over all Israel and establishes Jerusalem as his capital, ushering in a golden age for the nation.
This passage shows David fasting and mourning with sackcloth for his infant son, mirroring the deep grief and self-affliction described in Psalm 35:13 when praying for others.
Job 16:15Job also describes wearing sackcloth and sitting in ashes in his deep sorrow and distress, illustrating the ancient practice of outward displays of profound grief and affliction that align with the Psalmist's actions.
Matthew 10:13Jesus instructs his disciples that if a house is worthy, their peace should remain on it, and if not, their peace should return to them, offering a parallel to the idea of a prayer or blessing returning to the sender, though in Psalm 35:13, the return is for the Psalmist's own benefit or fulfillment.
Luke 6:38Jesus' teaching to 'give, and it will be given to you' connects to the principle that acts of compassion and prayer for others, even if not received by them, can result in blessings returning to the giver, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 35:13.
Isaiah 58:3This passage critiques a fasting that is done for show, emphasizing instead a fast that involves afflicting oneself with a sincere heart and genuine compassion for others, which resonates with the Psalmist's deep, heartfelt prayer and fasting for his enemies.
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…
poolePsalms 35:13: "But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom."
Sick; or in any other great misery. Sackcloth; which was the habit of mourners, Genesis 37:34 Matthew 11:21 Revelation 11:3 . I humbled my soul, Heb. I afflicted my soul , (of which phrase see Leviticus 16:29,31 23:27,32 , &c.,) partly with fasting, and partly with compassion and fervent prayers for them. And my prayer returned into mine own…
The phrase "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" isn't about the prayer being unanswered or for the writer's own benefit. Instead, it signifies a prayer offered with deep, internal sincerity, as if whispered into his own chest, revealing a heartfelt compassion for his enemies, even while they were plotting his downfall. This intimate, hidden prayer underscores the profound contrast between his selfless actions and their malicious ingratitude.
The Psalmist here contrasts his compassionate response to his enemies' suffering with their cruel rejoicing over his own misfortunes. He recounts how, even when his enemies were sick or in distress, he wore sackcloth, fasted, and prayed for them. This heartfelt empathy is then juxtaposed with their malice, as they actively sought his downfall and celebrated his struggles.
The Psalmist here contrasts his compassionate response to his enemies' suffering with their cruel rejoicing over his own misfortunes. He recounts how, even when his enemies were sick or in distress, he wore sackcloth, fasted, and prayed for them. This heartfelt empathy is then juxtaposed with their malice, as they actively sought his downfall and celebrated his struggles.
"But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest." — The phrase "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" isn't about the prayer being unanswered or for the writer's own benefit. Instead, it signifies a prayer offered with deep, internal sincerity, as i…
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Last reviewed October 2026