📖 Psalms — Chapter 35 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Psalms 35:1 RPlead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
Psalms 35:2 RTake hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
Psalms 35:3 Draw out also the spear, and Rstop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
Psalms 35:4 Let them be Rconfounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
Psalms 35:5 Let them be Ras chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
Psalms 35:6 Let Rtheir way be Tdark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
Psalms 35:7 For without cause have they Rhid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.
Psalms 35:8 RLet destruction come upon him Tat unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
Psalms 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
Psalms 35:10 RAll my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
Psalms 35:11 RTFalse witnesses did rise up; Tthey laid to my charge things that I knew not.
Psalms 35:12 RThey rewarded me evil for good to the Tspoiling of my soul.
Psalms 35:13 But as for me, Rwhen they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I Thumbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Psalms 35:14 I Tbehaved myself Tas though he had been my friend or brother: RI bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
Psalms 35:15 But Rin mine Tadversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:
Psalms 35:16 With Rhypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
Psalms 35:17 Lord, Rhow long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my Tdarling from the lions.
Psalms 35:18 I will Rgive thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among Tmuch people.
Psalms 35:19 Let not them that are mine enemies RTwrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
Psalms 35:20 RFor they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
Psalms 35:21 RYea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.
Psalms 35:22 RThis thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
Psalms 35:23 RStir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
Psalms 35:24 RJudge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.
Psalms 35:25 Let them not say in their hearts, TAh, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
Psalms 35:26 Let them be Rashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
Psalms 35:27 Let them Rshout for joy, and be glad, that favour my Trighteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
Psalms 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 35:1–10 — An appeal for God's defense
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The speaker asks God to plead his cause and defend him against undeserved attacks. Battle and trap imagery express urgent need, while anticipated joy centers on God rescuing the poor from stronger aggressors. These fierce requests belong to prayer for divine justice, not permission for private retaliation.
Key Truth: God is the defender of those overpowered by injustice.
Check What You Remember
1. Whose cause does the speaker ask God to plead? (Psalms 35:1)
Find it in Psalms 35:1 (KJV).
2. What assurance does he ask God to speak? (Psalms 35:3)
Find it in Psalms 35:3 (KJV).
3. What image should the enemies resemble before the wind? (Psalms 35:5)
Find it in Psalms 35:5 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 35:11–18 — Betrayed compassion and persistent prayer
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
False witnesses repay good with evil. The speaker recalls fasting, praying, and mourning during their sickness, while they rejoice in his adversity. He asks how long God will look on and promises public thanks. The lament names betrayal without treating earlier compassion as a mistake.
Key Truth: Betrayal can be brought to God without abandoning compassion.
Check What You Remember
1. What kind of witnesses arose? (Psalms 35:11)
Find it in Psalms 35:11 (KJV).
2. What clothing did he wear when they were sick? (Psalms 35:13)
Find it in Psalms 35:13 (KJV).
3. Where will he give thanks? (Psalms 35:18)
Find it in Psalms 35:18 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 35:19–28 — A request for righteous vindication
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The speaker asks God not to remain silent before deceitful accusations and hateful celebration. He seeks judgment according to divine righteousness and envisions those who support a just cause rejoicing. The ending commits his tongue to God's praise, placing vindication within worship rather than personal boasting.
Key Truth: Entrust your cause to God's righteousness.
Check What You Remember
1. What do the enemies devise against quiet people? (Psalms 35:20)
Find it in Psalms 35:20 (KJV).
2. According to what should God judge him? (Psalms 35:24)
Find it in Psalms 35:24 (KJV).
3. What will his tongue speak of all day? (Psalms 35:28)
Find it in Psalms 35:28 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Romans 12:21 — Believers are called to overcome evil with good.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
How can you seek help and justice after betrayal while refusing to let bitterness determine your conduct?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. Why is the hidden net described as unjust?
2. What reversal does the prayer seek for the trap’s maker?
3. How does the speaker contrast his care with the enemies’ response?
4. How does the plea about hostile speech appeal to God’s knowledge?
5. How does the closing praise differ from the enemies’ rejoicing?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
Loading your notes…
Chapter Navigation