What does Psalms 35:21 mean?
"Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it." - Psalms 35:21

Psalms 35:21 (KJV) reads: "Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it."
This verse is part of Psalm 35, which is a lament psalm attributed to David. In this specific verse, David is expressing his distress and anguish over the betrayal and false accusations of his enemies. The language used here is vivid and evocative, conveying a sense of the deep pain and persecution that David is experiencing.
The theme of persecution and betrayal is a central theme in Psalm 35, and it reflects the broader theme of suffering and injustice that is often found in the Book of Psalms. Throughout the psalms, the authors express their deep anguish and distress over the actions of their enemies, as well as their pleas for divine intervention and justice. This verse, in particular, captures the sense of helplessness and injustice that David is feeling in the face of his adversaries' malicious words and actions.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its full meaning. In the preceding verses, David has been describing the injustices and false accusations that have been leveled against him. He laments the betrayal of his friends and the attacks of his enemies, who have sought to trap him without cause. In verse 16, he implores God to rise up and defend him against his enemies, who are rejoicing in his suffering. It is within this context of suffering and betrayal that we find verse 21, in which David vividly describes the taunting and mockery of his adversaries.
The language used in this verse is especially powerful. The imagery of his enemies "opening their mouth wide against me" conveys a sense of aggression and contempt, as they gleefully gloat over his misfortunes. The repeated exclamation "Aha, aha" further emphasizes their mocking and derision, as they revel in the sight of David's suffering. The phrase "our eye hath seen it" suggests a sense of satisfaction and vindication on the part of his enemies, as they witness his distress and hardship.
Symbolically, this verse can also be interpreted as a representation of the broader theme of spiritual warfare and the struggle between good and evil. The taunting and mockery of David's enemies can be seen as a metaphor for the forces of darkness and malevolence that seek to undermine and destroy the righteous. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to the spiritual battles that believers face, and the need to stand firm in the face of persecution and opposition. In this context, the taunts and derision of David's enemies can be seen as a representation of the spiritual warfare that all believers must contend with.
Ultimately, Psalm 35:21 (KJV) is a poignant and evocative expression of the suffering and betrayal that David is experiencing at the hands of his enemies. It captures the sense of injustice and distress that he is feeling, as well as his deep desire for vindication and deliverance. It is a powerful reminder of the challenges and tribulations that believers face, and the need to rely on God's strength and protection in the face of adversity.
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Psalms 35:21 Artwork
Psalms 35:21 - "Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it."
"Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it." - Psalms 35:21
Psalms 105:35 - "And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground."
"And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer." - Psalms 78:35
"With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth." - Psalms 35:16
"He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings." - Psalms 107:35
Psalms 104:35 - "Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD."
"Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help." - Psalms 35:2
Psalms 136:21 - "And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
Psalms 78:35 - "And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer."
Psalms 106:35 - "But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works."
"Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them." - Psalms 35:6
Psalms 35:16 - "With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth."
Psalms 35:12 - "They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul."
Psalms 107:35 - "He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings."
Psalms 35:2 - "Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help."
Psalms 35:6 - "Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them."
Psalms 103:21 - "Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure."
"Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them." - Psalms 35:5
Psalms 35:20 - "For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land."
Psalms 35:9 - "And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation."
Psalms 89:35 - "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David."
Psalms 69:35 - "For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession."
Psalms 119:35 - "Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight."
Psalms 35:5 - "Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them."
Psalms 35:28 - "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."
Psalms 35:11 - "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."
Psalms 35:18 - "I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people."
Psalms 35:22 - "This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me."
Psalms 37:35 - "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree."