More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The seemingly strange phrase, "what I did not steal must I now restore?" highlights an extreme injustice. It's a proverbial expression showing how the Psalmist is being forced to pay for things he never took, revealing the depth of his wrongful persecution.
More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist feels utterly overwhelmed, picturing himself sinking in deep mire and floodwaters, lamenting that his prayers seem to go unanswered. He describes an immense number of enemies who hate him without reason and powerful adversaries who attack him with lies, forcing him to make restitution for things he never even took. This raw expression of distress is set against a backdrop of intense persecution and a feeling of profound injustice.
Ever feel like the odds are stacked against you, with people out to get you for no good reason? David's cry here paints a vivid picture of overwhelming opposition.
The Sheer Number of Enemies
David declares, 'More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause.' This isn't just a poetic exaggeration; it highlights the sheer volume of his adversaries. Imagine David, a king, deeply loved by many, yet facing a relentless tide of opposition that felt uncountable.
The Nature of Their Hate
The key phrase here is 'without cause.' This points to a hatred that is irrational, unjust, and unfounded. It wasn't a consequence of David's wrongdoing but rather a deep-seated animosity. This highlights the painful reality of suffering undeserved persecution.
It's one thing to be hated, but quite another to be targeted by powerful forces armed with lies. David faced both.
The Power of His Destroyers
David doesn't just mention the number of his enemies, but also their strength: 'mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies.' These weren't just petty annoyances; they were powerful individuals or groups with the intent and ability to bring him down. Their might made his situation even more precarious.
The Weapon of Lies
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Crucially, their attack is described as being 'with lies.' This points to slander, false accusations, and misrepresentation as their primary tactic. This is a common strategy against those who stand for righteousness – undermining their character and credibility. The verse culminates in a question reflecting this injustice: 'What I did not steal—must I now restore?' This powerfully expresses the absurdity and pain of being forced to make restitution for wrongs never committed.
Understand the original words
chinnam · Hebrew Adverb
Describes an irrational or unjustified hostility directed against the righteous, often echoing the suffering of the innocent who face persecution for their faith or integrity.
sheqer · Hebrew Noun
Refers to acts of dishonesty, deception, or false witness used as a weapon to persecute or slander the righteous.
This Psalm reflects a period of intense persecution where David felt overwhelmed by enemies, possibly during his time as a fugitive from Saul or even during Absalom's rebellion. The accusation of unjustly taking what was not his highlights the deep personal attacks and slander he endured.
c. 1020 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel anoints David as king, a future event that would cause tension and eventual conflict with Saul, the reigning king.
c. 1010-1000 BC
David Flees Saul
David is relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who fears David's growing popularity and sees him as a threat. This period is marked by David's numerous close escapes and the formation of a band of loyal followers.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David Forms a Band of Outlaws
David gathers a band of men, including those who are discontented and in debt, living as outlaws and often engaging in skirmishes and raiding. This context explains the 'restored that which I took not away' as a potential defense against accusations of theft.
c. 995 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
David's son Absalom leads a rebellion against him, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. This event would have brought David immense grief and betrayal from those close to him.
c. 980 BC
David's Reign as King
Though victorious, David's reign was not without challenges, including internal strife, military conflicts, and personal failings, all of which likely contributed to the deep emotions expressed in the Psalms.
This passage directly references the Psalmist's experience, stating that Jesus' enemies hated Him without cause, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 69:4.
Romans 15:3This verse speaks of Christ, who 'did not please himself,' and connects to the idea in Psalm 69:4 of suffering unjustly, even restoring what was not taken.
2 Samuel 15:14-17This historical account of David fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion reflects a situation where he was forced to yield things he had not taken, mirroring the injustice described in the Psalm.
Matthew 27:24Pilate washing his hands signifies the wrongful accusation and condemnation of Jesus, aligning with the 'hate without cause' and unjust suffering described in Psalm 69:4.
jfbPsalms 69:4: "They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away."
- hate me, &c.—(Compare Joh 15:25). On the number and power of his enemies (compare Ps 40:12).then I restored … away—that is, he suffered wrongfully under the imputation of robbery.
pulpitPsalms 69:4: "They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away."
Verse 4. - They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head (comp. Psalm 35:14; and for the simile. comp. Psalm 40:12; both of them Davidical compositions). They that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty. Joab and Abiathar, who supported the rebellion…
The seemingly strange phrase, "what I did not steal must I now restore?" highlights an extreme injustice. It's a proverbial expression showing how the Psalmist is being forced to pay for things he never took, revealing the depth of his wrongful persecution.
The Psalmist feels utterly overwhelmed, picturing himself sinking in deep mire and floodwaters, lamenting that his prayers seem to go unanswered. He describes an immense number of enemies who hate him without reason and powerful adversaries who attack him with lies, forcing him to make restitution for things he never even took. This raw expression of distress is set against a backdrop of intense persecution and a feeling of profound injustice.
The Psalmist feels utterly overwhelmed, picturing himself sinking in deep mire and floodwaters, lamenting that his prayers seem to go unanswered. He describes an immense number of enemies who hate him without reason and powerful adversaries who attack him with lies, forcing him to make restitution for things he never even took. This raw expression of distress is set against a backdrop of intense persecution and a feeling of profound injustice.
"More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore?" — The seemingly strange phrase, "what I did not steal must I now restore?" highlights an extreme injustice. It's a proverbial expression showing how the Psalmist is being forced to pay for things he ne…
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Last reviewed October 2026