Psalms 38:19 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

But mine enemies are lively ... - DeWette renders this, “My enemies live and are strong.” The word translated “lively” - חיים chayiym - means properly “living, being alive.” The literal translation would be, “My enemies, being alive, are strong.” The idea is, that while he was weak and apparently near to death, they were in the full vigor of life and health. They were able to engage in active efforts to accomplish their purposes. They could take advantage of his weakness; and he could not contend with them, for he was no match for them. In every respect they had the advantage of him; and he prays, therefore, for the divine interposition in his behalf.

And they that hate me wrongfully - Hebrew, “falsely.” See Psalms 35:19.

Are multiplied - They are numerous. They are constantly increasing.

Psalms 38:19

19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.