Psalm 31:11
New International Version
Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends— those who see me on the street flee from me.

New Living Translation
I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors— even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way.

English Standard Version
Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.

Berean Standard Bible
Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends—they flee when they see me on the street.

King James Bible
I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

New King James Version
I am a reproach among all my enemies, But especially among my neighbors, And am repulsive to my acquaintances; Those who see me outside flee from me.

New American Standard Bible
Because of all my adversaries, I have become a disgrace, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me.

NASB 1995
Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me.

NASB 1977
Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Among all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me.

Amplified Bible
Because of all my enemies I have become a reproach and disgrace, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me on the street run from me.

Christian Standard Bible
I am ridiculed by all my adversaries and even by my neighbors. I am dreaded by my acquaintances; those who see me in the street run from me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I am ridiculed by all my adversaries and even by my neighbors. I am dreaded by my acquaintances; those who see me in the street run from me.

American Standard Version
Because of all mine adversaries I am become a reproach, Yea, unto my neighbors exceedingly, And a fear to mine acquaintance: They that did see me without fled from me.

Contemporary English Version
My enemies insult me. Neighbors are even worse, and I disgust my friends. People meet me on the street, and they turn and run.

English Revised Version
Because of all mine adversaries I am become a reproach, yea, unto my neighbours exceedingly, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have become a disgrace because of all my opponents. I have become someone dreaded by my friends, even by my neighbors. Those who see me on the street run away from me.

Good News Translation
All my enemies, and especially my neighbors, treat me with contempt. Those who know me are afraid of me; when they see me in the street, they run away.

International Standard Version
I have become an object of reproach to all my enemies, especially to my neighbors. I have become an object of fear to my friends, and whoever sees me outside runs away from me.

Majority Standard Bible
Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends—they flee when they see me on the street.

NET Bible
Because of all my enemies, people disdain me; my neighbors are appalled by my suffering--those who know me are horrified by my condition; those who see me in the street run away from me.

New Heart English Bible
Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, A fear to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.

Webster's Bible Translation
I was a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and a fear to my acquaintance: they that saw me without fled from me.

World English Bible
Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, a horror to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I have been a reproach among all my adversaries, "" And to my neighbors exceedingly, "" And a fear to my acquaintances, "" Those seeing me without—fled from me.

Young's Literal Translation
Among all mine adversaries I have been a reproach, And to my neighbours exceedingly, And a fear to mine acquaintances, Those seeing me without -- fled from me.

Smith's Literal Translation
From all mine enemies I was a reproach, and greatly to my neighbors, and a fear to those knowing me: they seeing me without fled from me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I am become a reproach among all my enemies, and very much to my neighbours; and a fear to my acquaintance. They that saw me without fled from me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I have become a disgrace among all my enemies, and even more so to my neighbors, and a dread to my acquaintances. Those who catch sight of me, flee away from me.

New American Bible
To all my foes I am a thing of scorn, and especially to my neighbors a horror to my friends. When they see me in public, they quickly shy away.

New Revised Standard Version
I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I have become a reproach to my neighbors and a dread to my acquaintances: they that saw me on the street fled from me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I have been the reproach of all my enemies, to my neighbors, and a dread to those who know me, and those who see me in the street have been turning away from me.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Because of all mine adversaries I am become a reproach, Yea, unto my neighbours exceedingly, and a dread to mine acquaintance; They that see me without flee from me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I became a reproach among all mine enemies, but exceedingly so to my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that saw me without fled from me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
10For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away. 11Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street. 12I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.…

Cross References
Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Matthew 26:56
But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

John 15:18-19
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

Mark 14:50
Then everyone deserted Him and fled.

Luke 23:49
But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.

John 1:10-11
He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. / He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

2 Timothy 4:16
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.

John 7:5
For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.

Matthew 27:39-44
And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads / and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” / In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, ...

John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. / When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

1 Peter 2:4
As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight,

Hebrews 13:13
Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore.

Job 19:13-19
He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. / My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me. / My guests and maidservants count me as a stranger; I am a foreigner in their sight. ...

Lamentations 1:2
She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies.

Jeremiah 20:10
For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”


Treasury of Scripture

I was a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and a fear to my acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

I was

Psalm 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

Psalm 69:19,20
Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee…

Psalm 89:50,51
Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people; …

especially

Psalm 38:11
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

Psalm 41:8,9
An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more…

Psalm 88:8,18
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth…

a fear

Psalm 64:8
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

Job 6:21-23
For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid…

Matthew 26:56,74
But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled…

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Psalm 31
1. David, showing his confidence in God, craves his help
7. He rejoices in his mercy
9. He prays in his calamity
19. He praises God for his goodness














Because of all my enemies
This phrase highlights the psalmist's awareness of the multitude of adversaries surrounding him. The Hebrew word for "enemies" here is "אֹיְבַי" (oyebai), which conveys not just personal foes but also those who oppose God's purposes. Historically, David faced numerous enemies, both external and internal, including King Saul and his own son Absalom. This phrase reminds believers that spiritual warfare is a reality, and opposition often comes when one is aligned with God's will.

I am a disgrace
The term "disgrace" in Hebrew is "חֶרְפָּה" (cherpah), which can also mean reproach or shame. This reflects the deep emotional and social impact of being scorned by others. In ancient Israel, honor and shame were significant cultural values, and to be disgraced was to be cut off from community and respect. For Christians, this can be a reminder of Christ's own experience of disgrace on the cross, bearing the shame of humanity to bring redemption.

and among my neighbors
The word "neighbors" (שְׁכֵנַי, shekenai) indicates those who are in close proximity, possibly friends or fellow Israelites. This suggests a betrayal or rejection by those who should be supportive. In a broader scriptural context, it echoes the experience of Jesus, who was rejected by His own people. It serves as a call for believers to remain steadfast even when those close to them turn away.

I am dreaded
The Hebrew root for "dreaded" is "פָּחַד" (pachad), which implies fear or terror. This suggests that the psalmist's situation is so dire that others fear association with him. Historically, this could reflect the fear of being associated with someone out of favor with powerful figures like King Saul. For Christians, it is a reminder that following God's path may lead to isolation or fear from others, yet God remains a steadfast refuge.

by my friends
The term "friends" (מְיֻדָּעַי, meyuddai) refers to intimate companions or those with whom one shares a close bond. The psalmist's lament over being dreaded by friends underscores the pain of relational betrayal. This can be seen in the life of Jesus, who was betrayed by Judas, one of His closest disciples. It encourages believers to find solace in God when human relationships falter, trusting in His unfailing friendship and love.

(11) The adverb rendered especially seems out of place. It is therefore better to take it as a noun, in the sense of burden, a sense etymologically probable.

"Because of all mine oppressors I have become a reproach,

And to my neighbours a burden,

And a fear to my acquaintance."

Fled.--Literally, fluttered away like frightened birds.

Verse 11. - I was a reproach among all mine enemies; rather, I am become a reproach (Kay, Revised Version). The psalmist complains of the loss of his reputation. Absalom's rebellion was preceded by a long course of calumnious accusation of David (2 Samuel 15:1-4), whereby men's hearts were stolen away from him, and his character blackened. His enemies made the most of these ill reports, and turned them to his reproach (camp. Psalm 69:18-20). But especially among my neighbours. Not that they reproached him more than others, but that he felt their reproaches more keenly. And a fear to mine acquaintance. His acquaintances were afraid of being recognized as such, and involved in his ill repute. They that did sea me without; i.e. "out of doors," or "in the street." Fled from me. Avoided my contact, not wishing to be seen with me (comp. Psalm 88:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Among all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

my enemies
צֹרְרַ֨י (ṣō·rə·ray)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6887: To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped

I am
הָיִ֪יתִי (hā·yî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a disgrace
חֶרְפָּ֡ה (ḥer·pāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

and among my neighbors
וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י ׀ (wə·li·šă·ḵê·nay)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7934: A resident, a fellow-citizen

all the more.
מְאֹד֮ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

I am dreaded
וּפַ֪חַד (ū·p̄a·ḥaḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

by my friends—
לִֽמְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥י (lim·yud·dā·‘āy)
Preposition-l | Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

they flee
נָדְד֥וּ (nā·ḏə·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5074: To wave to and fro, to rove, flee, to drive away

when they see
רֹאַ֥י (rō·’ay)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

me
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

on the street.
בַּח֑וּץ (ba·ḥūṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2351: Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors


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OT Poetry: Psalm 31:11 Because of all my adversaries I have (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 31:10
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