Definition: Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 35:26. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling verse, and it speaks about a complex relationship between God and someone who is experiencing pain or difficulty. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone’s suffering is so intense that they feel utterly humiliated and ashamed in response to your hurt. It suggests a reciprocal, almost parasitic relationship – your pain is fueling their shame. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together…” This means the person experiencing the hurt isn't just feeling sad; they're also deeply troubled and bewildered by your situation. They’re struggling to understand why you’re hurting, and that struggle is intensifying their feelings of shame and disorientation. “…that rejoice at mine hurt:” This is a crucial part. It’s not that they enjoy your pain. Instead, their joy comes because of your suffering. They're experiencing it as a kind of perverse pleasure or validation. Think of it like a moth drawn to a flame – they’re attracted to the heat and intensity of your sadness. “Let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.” This is where it gets really intense. It suggests that their shame and dishonor are growing as a result of your pain. It’s like they're deliberately trying to make things worse – to draw more attention to your suffering and make you feel even more vulnerable. “Magnify” here means to grow, to become larger and more prominent in some way. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a deeply challenging dynamic. It’s suggesting that someone is using your pain as fuel for their own selfish gain – to draw attention to you and make you feel worse. It’s a warning about the potential for manipulation and self-preservation, where someone might intentionally try to provoke your suffering. Important Note: This isn't necessarily about your fault. It speaks more to a pattern of behavior or a potentially harmful dynamic. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of the text within a theological context, but it’s important to remember that different people will interpret this verse differently. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss how this relates to other Bible stories? Answer any specific questions you have about its meaning?