Psalms 35:14 Meaning and Explanation
“I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist treated his enemies with the intimacy and grief of close kinship.
The Context of Psalms 35:14
The psalmist's account of his compassion reaches its emotional climax.
What Does Psalms 35:14 Mean?
The language of friend and brother indicates relationship; the psalmist grieved for those who would later betray him as if they were beloved. Bowing down 'heavily' conveys the weight of that grief. The comparison to mourning one's mother suggests the depth of emotional investment and loss.
This verse intensifies the betrayal: the psalmist gave not just kindness but the respect and love owed to family. The rejection of such intimacy and care cuts deeper than mere animosity; it is the tragedy of love refused.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 35:14
What does Psalms 35:14 mean?
The psalmist treated his enemies with the intimacy and grief of close kinship.
What is the context of Psalms 35:14?
The psalmist's account of his compassion reaches its emotional climax.