Psalm 31:11

11 Es geht mir so übel, daß ich bin eine große Schmach geworden meinen Nachbarn und eine Scheu meinen Verwandten; die mich sehen auf der Gasse, fliehen vor mir.

Psalm 31:11 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 31:11

I was a reproach among all mine enemies
This is a common case of the people of God; and though it may be the least of their afflictions, yet it is not grateful to the flesh; and it is as it is made: under divine supports saints rejoice, and take pleasure in reproaches, that they are counted worthy to bear them, and esteem them as great riches; at other times they seize and feed upon their spirits, and are ready to break their hearts;

but especially among my neighbours;
who knew him, and knew he did not deserve to be so treated; and who ought, as neighbours, to have loved him, and done all good offices to him; so that this is an aggravation both of their sin and his distress;

and a fear to mine acquaintance;
not that they were afraid that he should do them any mischief; but they were afraid to own him, and to do him any service; unless the sense is, that they were afraid that evil would befall him, that he should not escape with his life; which, though it may express the affectionate concern of his friends, yet shows the danger he was exposed to;

they that did see me without fled from me;
as if he had something very pestilential and infectious about him.

Psalm 31:11 In-Context

9 HERR, sei mir gnädig, denn mir ist angst; meine Gestalt ist verfallen vor Trauern, dazu meine Seele und mein Leib.

10 Denn mein Leben hat abgenommen vor Betrübnis und meine Zeit vor Seufzen; meine Kraft ist verfallen vor meiner Missetat, und meine Gebeine sind verschmachtet.

11 Es geht mir so übel, daß ich bin eine große Schmach geworden meinen Nachbarn und eine Scheu meinen Verwandten; die mich sehen auf der Gasse, fliehen vor mir.

12 Mein ist vergessen im Herzen wie eines Toten; ich bin geworden wie ein zerbrochenes Gefäß.

13 Denn ich höre, wie mich viele schelten, Schrecken ist um und um; sie ratschlagen miteinander über mich und denken, mir das Leben zu nehmen.