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Psalms 35:14

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 35:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother: I bowed down mourning, as one that bewaileth his mother.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother: I bowed down mourning, as one that bewaileth his mother.
Psalms 35:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 35

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11Unrighteous witnesses rise up; They ask me of things that I know not.
12They reward me evil for good, [To] the bereaving of my soul.
13But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I afflicted my soul with fasting; And my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
14I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother: I bowed down mourning, as one that bewaileth his mother.
15But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: The abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not; They did tear me, and ceased not:
16Like the profane mockers in feasts, They gnashed upon me with their teeth.
17Lord, how long wilt thou look on? Rescue my soul from their destructions, My darling from the lions.
← Psalms 35:13Psalms 35:15 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“behaved--literally, "went on"--denoting his habit. heavily--or, "squalidly," his sorrowing occasioning neglect of his person. Altogether, his grief was that of one for a dearly loved relative.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I behaved myself - Margin, as in Hebrew: “I walked.” The word “walk,” in the Scriptures, is often used to denote a course of conduct; the way in which a man lives and acts: Philippians 3:18; Galatians 2:14; 1Th 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:11. It is not improperly rendered here, “I behaved myself.” As though he had been my friend or brother - Margin, as in Hebrew: “as a friend, as a brother to me.” This shows that these persons were not his near “relations,” but that they were his intheate friends, or were supposed to be so. He felt and acted toward them as though they had been his nearest relations. I bowed down heavily - Prof. Alexander renders this, “Squalid I bowed down.” The word rendered “I…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I behaved: etc. Heb. I walked as a friend, as brother to me, I bowed. Sa2 1:11, Sa2 1:12, Sa2 1:17-27; Luk 19:41, Luk 19:42 as one: Or, "as a mourning mother," kaavel aim. Gen 24:67 Psalms 35:15”
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Related study paths

Read Psalms 35 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification