Psalms 69:4

The number and the virulence of his foes, and the groundlessness of their hostility. For the language comp. Psalms 40:12; Psalms 35:19; Psalms 38:19. The quotation in John 15:25 agrees with the LXX.

moe This archaism for -more," which has disappeared from modern Bibles, is restored by Scrivener in accordance with the original edition of 1611.

they that would destroy me R.V., they that would cut me off. Ewald and others follow the Syr. in reading this line, -More numerous than my bonesare they that are mine enemies falsely." The parallelism of the first two lines of the verse is improved by the change, which involves only a slight alteration of the consonants; but the comparison is not a natural one, and the reading of the text is supported by the use of the same verb in Lamentations 3:53, in a closely similar context (note Lamentations 3:52; Lamentations 3:54).

wrongfully Lit. falsely. Their hostility is based upon misconception and misrepresentation.

then I restored Or, as R.V. marg., I had to restore. -Then" may refer to some signal instance prominent in the Psalmist's recollection.

that which I took not away That which I had not plundered. Perhaps a proverbial expression for the extreme of injured innocence. He was accused of being an extortioner and oppressor of the poor who must be made to disgorge his ill-gotten gains (Ezekiel 33:15). Cp. Eliphaz" charges against Job (Job 22:6 ff.), and Zophar's picture of the wicked man compelled to make restitution (Job 20:18 ff.).