Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist isn't just asking for protection from foes, but specifically from those who hate him without cause. This highlights that true malice isn't always sparked by legitimate grievance, but can stem from a deeply rooted, unjustifiable opposition. The imagery of "winking the eye" reveals these enemies aren't just passively disliking him; they're actively sharing silent, knowing signals of malicious pleasure at his misfortune.
Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is crying out to God in a time of intense persecution, surrounded by enemies who are actively plotting his downfall and mocking his suffering. He declares that these foes hate him without valid reason, fabricating lies and rejoicing over his distress. The verses that follow detail the enemies' deceptive words, their open accusations, and their triumphant cries, prompting David's desperate plea for God to intervene and vindicate him.
Ever feel targeted by people who just don't like you, with no good reason? David pours out his heart about this very pain.
David kicks off this plea by highlighting the nature of his enemies: they are 'wrongfully' his foes and 'hate me without cause.' This isn't about people who disagree with him on policy or who have been genuinely wronged by him. No, this is about pure, unadulterated malice.
Enemies 'Without Cause'
Think about it: people who hate you without a reason are the most dangerous. Their animosity isn't based on your actions, but on their own internal issues. It’s a chilling thought that people could wish you ill simply because of who you are or what you represent, not because of any fault of your own. This unprovoked hatred reveals a deep-seated perversity.
This is exactly the kind of hatred Jesus faced. He was God-made-man, healing the sick, teaching truth, and loving people unconditionally. Yet, the religious leaders and crowds hated Him without cause. Their actions stemmed from their own fear, pride, and misunderstanding, not from anything Jesus did wrong.
The Pain of Their 'Rejoicing'
David’s prayer isn't just about being hated, but about seeing that hatred celebrated. His enemies aren't just hostile; they are rejoicing over his misfortune and winking with satisfaction. This gesture, like a subtle nod or smirk, signifies agreement and shared malicious delight. It's the taunt of 'Aha! We knew it!' It’s a public display of triumph over someone they despise without justification.
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What happens when the world rejoices in your pain, but you feel unseen? David turns his eyes to a God who sees everything.
While David’s enemies are celebrating his downfall with scornful gestures, his ultimate hope isn't in their silence, but in God’s active intervention. He knows that their malicious joy is being observed by a higher authority.
The Contrast: Human Sight vs. Divine Sight
David pleads, 'O Jehovah! thou hast also seen it.' This is a powerful contrast. His enemies see his suffering and rejoice. But God sees it too – not just the suffering, but the malice, the injustice, the groundless hatred behind it.
A Plea for Divine Action
Because God sees, David doesn't despair. Instead, he cries out for God to act. 'Keep not silence... be not far from me. Stir up thyself, and awake for my judgment.' This isn't about God being ignorant; it’s about David’s desperate longing for God to reveal Himself as the just judge.
When we feel the sting of unjust suffering and the mocking celebration of our enemies, we can echo David’s prayer. We can trust that our Heavenly Father isn't passively watching but is intimately aware of every slight, every false accusation, and every bit of unwarranted hatred directed our way. He sees, and He will act.
Understand the original words
oyeb · Hebrew Noun
A state of being in opposition or hostility toward someone; it refers to those who act as enemies or adversaries, often contrary to God's will.
sane · Hebrew Verb
A settled, active dislike or hostility toward God or His people; it is the opposite of the command to love one's neighbor and is often associated with the ways of the wicked.
This Psalm reflects the deep distress of someone facing relentless, unprovoked persecution. The enemies' malice is characterized by false accusations and malicious gestures of triumph, highlighting the injustice and the desperate need for divine intervention.
c. 1025–1015 BC— this verse
David's Early Conflicts
David faces numerous dangers and enmities, notably from King Saul who, fueled by jealousy and paranoia, repeatedly tries to kill him. This period is marked by David living as a fugitive.
c. 1015–1005 BC
David as Outlaw Leader
David leads a band of outlaws in the wilderness, constantly pursued by Saul's forces. His enemies, including Saul and his court, often interpret his misfortunes or perceived transgressions as divine judgment.
c. 1005 BC
David Anointed King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David is first made king over the tribe of Judah. This elevates his status but also intensifies the conflict with those loyal to Saul's lineage or opposed to his rule.
c. 1005–1001 BC
Civil War with Ish-Bosheth
David reigns in Hebron over Judah while a son of Saul, Ish-Bosheth, rules the other tribes. This period is filled with skirmishes and political maneuvering, with David's enemies actively seeking his downfall.
c. 1001 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
David unifies the tribes and becomes king over all Israel. While consolidating his rule, he still faces opposition and the lingering malice of those who previously sought his destruction.
Jesus directly quotes this verse, applying it to Himself and His own unwarranted hatred from His enemies, highlighting the timeless theme of innocent suffering.
Psalms 69:4This psalm expresses a similar lament of being hated without cause, directly referencing the theme of unwarranted enemies and their malicious rejoicing.
Psalms 109:3This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 35, detailing enemies who speak against the psalmist with hateful words and rejoice in his downfall.
Proverbs 6:13This proverb explains the 'winking with the eye' as a gesture of deceit and malicious intent, illuminating the specific action described in Psalms 35:19.
calvinPsalms 35:19-23: "Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause."
- Let not those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; neither let those who hate me without a cause wink with the eye. 20. For they speak not peace; [719] but devise deceitful words upon the clefts of the earth. 21. They have opened their mouth against me: they have said, Aha! aha! our eye hath seen it. [720] 22. O Jehovah! thou hast also…
clarkePsalms 35:19: "Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause."
That are mine enemies - Saul and his courtiers.
The Psalmist isn't just asking for protection from foes, but specifically from those who hate him without cause. This highlights that true malice isn't always sparked by legitimate grievance, but can stem from a deeply rooted, unjustifiable opposition. The imagery of "winking the eye" reveals these enemies aren't just passively disliking him; they're actively sharing silent, knowing signals of malicious pleasure at his misfortune.
David is crying out to God in a time of intense persecution, surrounded by enemies who are actively plotting his downfall and mocking his suffering. He declares that these foes hate him without valid reason, fabricating lies and rejoicing over his distress. The verses that follow detail the enemies' deceptive words, their open accusations, and their triumphant cries, prompting David's desperate plea for God to intervene and vindicate him.
David is crying out to God in a time of intense persecution, surrounded by enemies who are actively plotting his downfall and mocking his suffering. He declares that these foes hate him without valid reason, fabricating lies and rejoicing over his distress. The verses that follow detail the enemies' deceptive words, their open accusations, and their triumphant cries, prompting David's desperate plea for God to intervene and vindicate him.
"Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause." — The Psalmist isn't just asking for protection from foes, but specifically from those who hate him without cause. This highlights that true malice isn't always sparked by legitimate grievance, but c…
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Last reviewed October 2026