Psalms 35:26 - Let them be disappointed and confounded together who rejoice at my calamity. Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me.

Generated Verse: Psalms 35:26

What does "Psalms 35:26" mean?


Psalm 35:26 is a plea for divine justice and retribution against those who are gloating over the psalmist's suffering. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:

"Let them be disappointed and confounded together who rejoice at my calamity."

Disappointed: This means that the plans and hopes of the psalmist's enemies should not succeed. They should be thwarted.
Confounded: This means they should be confused, bewildered, and ultimately defeated.
Together: This emphasizes that the people are unified in their desire to see the psalmist suffer, and the psalmist desires they fail together.
Who rejoice at my calamity: This is the key to understanding the verse. "Calamity" refers to a disaster, misfortune, or hardship that has befallen the psalmist. The enemies mentioned are not merely indifferent to the psalmist's suffering but actively rejoicing in it, taking pleasure in the other's misfortune. This highlights their malevolence and malicious intent.

"Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me."

Clothed with shame and dishonor: This is a figurative expression. The enemies should be covered and overwhelmed with feelings of shame and disgrace as a consequence of their actions. It is a public humiliation.
Who magnify themselves against me: This refers to those who boast, exalt, or elevate themselves at the psalmist's expense. They see themselves as superior and use the psalmist's misfortune to increase their own perceived status or power.

In summary, the verse is a prayer asking God to:

1. Thwart the plans and hopes of those who are happy about the psalmist's misfortune.
2. Publicly humiliate and disgrace those who are arrogant and boastful at the psalmist's expense.

The verse reflects a deep sense of injustice and a desire for divine intervention to right the wrong. It speaks to the human emotion of wanting justice when others revel in our suffering. It is important to note that while this is a common sentiment expressed in the Psalms, views may vary on whether or not vengeance is a good thing or something to be left to God.

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