Psalms 35:14

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

כרע כאח לי התהלכתי כאבל אם קדר שחותי:

What Does This Mean?

This verse shows how the speaker treated someone who was against him with deep kindness and grief, as if the person were a close friend or family member. The speaker mourns heavily, comparing the depth of his sorrow to that of mourning a mother. It's a statement of profound empathy and compassion.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your best friend was really mad at you, but you still treated them with love and sadness, like how you would feel if your mom was very sick. That's what this verse is talking about: showing love even when someone is not nice to you.

Historical Background

Psalm 35 was written by David, likely during a time of conflict or persecution. It reflects a context where the speaker is facing enemies but chooses to show them kindness and compassion, even in adversity.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, imagine a coworker who is often unkind to you. Instead of reacting with anger or indifference, you could treat them with kindness and concern, as if they were a dear friend or family member.

Topics

• love
• forgiveness
• empathy
• compassion
• adversity
• friendship

Related Verses

• Job 16:11
• 2 Samuel 1:11-12
• John 13:34-35
• Romans 12:20
• 1 Peter 3:9

Recommended Reading

Commentary Psalms Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the 'he' in Psalms 35:14?

The 'he' refers to someone who was against the speaker, David. Despite the adversity, David treated this person with deep respect and sorrow, showing extraordinary empathy.

Why is mourning for a mother used as a comparison?

Mourning for a mother is often seen as one of the deepest forms of sorrow, and the comparison emphasizes the depth of the speaker's compassion and grief towards someone who was not kind to them.

How does this verse relate to showing love to enemies?

This verse demonstrates the biblical principle of loving one's enemies by treating them with kindness and empathy, even in the face of opposition, reflecting Jesus' teachings on love and forgiveness.

Can you give an example of how to apply this verse in a modern context?

In a modern context, this verse can be applied by showing kindness and empathy towards someone who has wronged you, treating them with the same care and love you would show to a close friend or family member.