What is the definition of Psalm 35:14? ๐ ๐
I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend [or] brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth [for his] mother.
Explanation:
Okay, letโs break down this verse from Psalm 35:14. It's a really powerful and poignant passage about suffering and resilience. Hereโs what it means in simpler terms:
The Core Idea:
The verse describes a person who was experiencing deep pain and sadness, but they were trying to ๐minimize๐ that sadness by behaving in a way that seemed like a friend or brother would. It's a moment of intense sorrow.
Letโs unpack it word-by-word:
๐
โI behaved myself as though [he had been] my friendโฆโ
โ This is the key part. It means the person was trying to ๐appear๐ friendly and comforting, even though they were deeply hurting. They were trying to be supportive in a way that felt genuine.
๐
โโฆI bowed down heavilyโฆโ
โ This suggests extreme sadness, despair, or perhaps shame. Itโs not just a little bit sad; it's a monumental display of emotional distress.
๐
โas one that mourneth [for his] mother.โ
- This is the most important part. The person was ๐mourning๐ for their mother. It signifies a profound loss and grief โ a deep, enduring sorrow.
Putting it all together:
The verse paints a picture of someone who was experiencing intense pain and heartbreak. Instead of letting their sadness surface, they actively tried to minimize it by appearing calm and supportive. Itโs a moment where their suffering is being presented as a reflection of the pain they felt for their mother, highlighting the depth of their grief.
Overall Meaning & Context:
This verse speaks to the human experience of dealing with loss and hardship. It acknowledges that sometimes, we can unintentionally try to mask our pain by behaving in a way that might seem like comfort โ even if itโs not truly comforting. It's about acknowledging the reality of suffering while still trying to maintain composure or appear positive.
Why is this verse significant?
Psalm 35:14 is often interpreted as a reflection of David's own experience during a time of great sorrow and loss after the death of his mother. Itโs a testament to his resilience and his ability to find strength even in the face of unimaginable pain.
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Do you want me to:
๐ Explain another verse from Psalm 35?
๐ Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like biblical themes)?