Psalms 35:13 — Meaning and Application

False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge {things} that I knew not. {False...: Heb. Witnesses of wrong} {they...: Heb. they asked me}

They rewarded me evil for good {to} the spoiling of my soul. {spoiling: Heb. depriving}

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing {was} sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. {humbled: or, afflicted}

I behaved myself as though {he had been} my friend {or} brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth {for his} mother. {behaved myself: Heb. walked} {as though...: Heb. as a friend, as a brother to me}

But in mine adversity 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: {adversity: Heb. halting}