Psalms 35:16
like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 35:16
like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "mockers at a feast" doesn't just mean people who were rude while eating, but points to a specific, lowly type of parasite—those who would jest and mock for a free meal or a mere "cake." This highlights how David's enemies weren't just powerful opponents, but also degraded themselves, finding amusement in his suffering for the cheapest of rewards.
David is crying out to God in deep distress, surrounded by enemies who are not only plotting against him but also mocking him cruelly. He describes these enemies as "profane mockers at a feast," suggesting they are like parasites or insincere flatterers who gather around for entertainment and scorn, their vicious words and hateful expressions directed at him like a rabid animal's snarl. This picture sets the stage for his desperate plea for God's intervention and his vow to praise God in the midst of his suffering.
Imagine a celebratory feast – music, food, laughter. But David describes a sinister scene unfolding amidst the revelry. Who are these 'mockers,' and what were they doing?
The Scene of the Sinister
David uses the vivid image of 'profane mockers at a feast' to describe his enemies. These weren't just random folks; they were likely 'parasites' or 'buffoons' hired for entertainment, often speaking flattering or scurrilous words in exchange for a meal. The original Hebrew word can even suggest someone who mocks for a 'cake of bread,' highlighting their cheap, mercenary nature.
A Calculated Cruelty
These weren't harmless jesters. They were 'profane' or 'impious' individuals, shedding any pretense of decency. Their mockery was rooted in malice, and they used the setting of a feast – a place of fellowship and joy – to spew their hatred. This shows a deep betrayal, as David knew some of these people, perhaps even entertained them himself, only to be met with cruel derision and hidden plots.
The Deep Bite of Betrayal
The phrase 'gnash at me with their teeth' paints a picture of intense anger and rage, like wild animals ready to devour. It’s a physical manifestation of their hatred, expressed not just in words but in raw, aggressive emotion. This imagery emphasizes the personal and vicious nature of their attacks.
The physical act of 'gnashing teeth' is visceral and unsettling. What does this specific gesture reveal about the inner state of David's enemies?
A Physical Outburst of Hatred
David's enemies aren't just whispering insults; they are 'gnashing their teeth.' This isn't a subtle jab; it's a powerful, physical expression of extreme rage and hatred. Think of how an animal bares its teeth when cornered or furious – this is the kind of raw emotion David is conveying.
More Than Words
Understand the original words
chaneph · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A term describing those who act with disregard for sacred things or God's standards; someone who is corrupt, impious, or characterized by godless behavior.
charaq · Hebrew Verb
To crush or grind with the teeth; often used metaphorically to express intense hatred, malice, or the desire to destroy an enemy.
This psalm reflects the intense personal suffering and betrayal David experienced, particularly during periods of intense opposition and even rebellion within his own kingdom. The imagery of mockers at feasts and gnashing teeth highlights the deep treachery and public humiliation he endured from those who should have been allies or subjects.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King of Israel
David, a renowned warrior and psalmist, faced numerous enemies and periods of intense persecution throughout his life and reign, which this psalm likely reflects.
c. 970 BC
David's Later Years and Absalom's Rebellion
Towards the end of his reign, David experienced betrayal and rebellion from his own son Absalom, leading to his flight from Jerusalem and further hardship.
c. 700 BC - 500 BC
Compilation of the Psalter
While David composed many Psalms, the collection, known as the Psalter, was likely compiled over centuries, with this psalm being placed within a broader context of Israel's history and worship.
This proverb speaks of those who give to the poor and gain riches, contrasting them with those who 'hide their eyes' from need, potentially linking to the idea of mocking those less fortunate or in distress.
Matthew 27:29This passage describes Roman soldiers mocking Jesus, weaving a crown of thorns and bowing before him, a vivid parallel to the 'profane mockers' described in Psalms 35, showing how such scorn has been a consistent part of God's people facing opposition.
Acts 7:54Stephen's stoning is accompanied by the accusers gnashing their teeth at him. This shows a direct continuation of the intense, violent hatred and rage expressed by those who persecute God's faithful servants.
Luke 6:22Jesus blesses his followers when people hate them, exclude them, insult them, and denounce their name as evil because of the Son of Man. This directly addresses the experience of being mocked and maligned, offering comfort and perspective.
calvinPsalms 35:16-18: "With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth."
Among perfidious jesters at feasts, they gnash upon me with their teeth. 17. O Lord! [714] how long wilt thou look on? deliver my soul from their tumults, and my only one [715] from the lions. 18. I will magnify thee in the great congregation: [716] I will praise thee before a great people. [717]
Among perfidious jesters. Others translate it, With hypocrites, but in my opinion David simply re…
cambridgePsalms 35:16: "With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth."
16 . Like (less probably, among ) the profanest of mocking parasites they gnash &c.; a gesture of rage, as though they would devour their victim ( Psalm 35:25 ). The obscure phrase in the first line is generally explained to mean mockers for a cake , buffoons who purchase entertainment for themselves by scurrilous jests (Gr. κνισσοκόλακες , ψωμοκόλακες , Lat. buccellarii ). Another explanation is, like (…
The phrase "mockers at a feast" doesn't just mean people who were rude while eating, but points to a specific, lowly type of parasite—those who would jest and mock for a free meal or a mere "cake." This highlights how David's enemies weren't just powerful opponents, but also degraded themselves, finding amusement in his suffering for the cheapest of rewards.
David is crying out to God in deep distress, surrounded by enemies who are not only plotting against him but also mocking him cruelly. He describes these enemies as "profane mockers at a feast," suggesting they are like parasites or insincere flatterers who gather around for entertainment and scorn, their vicious words and hateful expressions directed at him like a rabid animal's snarl. This picture sets the stage for his desperate plea for God's intervention and his vow to praise God in the midst of his suffering.
David is crying out to God in deep distress, surrounded by enemies who are not only plotting against him but also mocking him cruelly. He describes these enemies as "profane mockers at a feast," suggesting they are like parasites or insincere flatterers who gather around for entertainment and scorn, their vicious words and hateful expressions directed at him like a rabid animal's snarl. This picture sets the stage for his desperate plea for God's intervention and his vow to praise God in the midst of his suffering.
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This gesture signifies a deep-seated malice that goes beyond mere mockery. It’s the sound and feeling of thwarted fury, of a desire to destroy. It suggests that their insults and schemes are fueled by an intense, almost animalistic, animosity towards David.
Echoes of Christ's Suffering
This imagery is so potent that it's often seen as prophetic of Christ's own suffering. During Jesus' trial and crucifixion, his enemies also 'gnashed their teeth' in fury and contempt, demonstrating the same kind of violent hatred David faced.
"like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth." — The phrase "mockers at a feast" doesn't just mean people who were rude while eating, but points to a specific, lowly type of parasite—those who would jest and mock for a free meal or a mere "cake." T…