Psalm 35:16

Psalm 35:16, in plain English

Like cruel entertainers at a party, they mocked David ruthlessly, their faces twisted in malice and contempt as they attacked him.

Why it's here

The image is of mockery done for sport, for entertainment. These weren't even serious enemies with genuine grievances; they were bullies enjoying his suffering the way crowds enjoy a spectacle.

Who's speaking

David, describing the humiliation

Where it sits in the story

Public mockery and shaming are woven through Scripture as particular forms of cruelty. Jesus endured this in his crucifixion—soldiers dividing his clothes, people taunting him. It's a deeply human way to dehumanize someone.

The scholarly reading

The psalmist depicts his enemies mocking him with contemptuous glee, grinding their teeth in hostile malice as though he were an object of ridicule.

Language and setting

The phrase חנפים מלצים (chanufim meletzim, 'godless jesters/mocksters') employs language suggesting those devoid of piety or restraint. The image of gnashing teeth (חִרְקוּ עָלַי שִׁנֵּיהֶם, chirqu alai shineihem) represents unconcealed hostility—a gesture of contempt and aggression. The comparison to revelers at a feast (כְּמוֹ מַלְצֵי עוּגָה, ke-mo maltzei ugah) is somewhat difficult; it may suggest the scorn of those at a celebration, treating the psalmist's suffering as entertainment. This represents the ultimate indignity: his agony becomes the occasion for their merriment.

Voice

The psalmist, describing the contemptuous hostility displayed toward him by his enemies.

Significance

The image of tooth-gnashing appears throughout biblical narratives as a sign of hostile determination (Job 16:9; Luke 8:7 regarding demonic resistance). The conversion of another's suffering into entertainment represents a particularly acute form of dehumanization, evident also in the passion accounts where soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments and spectators mock him.

14I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.

15But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.

16Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me.

17How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

18Then I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.

Read all of Psalm 35 — David asks God to pick up shield and spear against his enemies. When you can't fight for yourself, you ask the Warrior to fight for you.