Definition: 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, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 35:14. It's a really powerful and poignant passage about suffering and resilience. Here’s 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 minimize that sadness by behaving in a way that seemed like a friend or brother would. It's a moment of intense sorrow. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend…” – This is the key part. It means the person was trying to appear friendly and comforting, even though they were deeply hurting. They were trying to be supportive in a way that felt genuine. “…I bowed down heavily…” – This suggests extreme sadness, despair, or perhaps shame. It’s not just a little bit sad; it's a monumental display of emotional distress. “as one that mourneth [for his] mother.” - This is the most important part. The person was mourning for their mother. It signifies a profound loss and grief – 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. It’s 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 – even if it’s 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. It’s a testament to his resilience and his ability to find strength even in the face of unimaginable pain. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 35? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like biblical themes)?