Psalms – Chapter 35

Old Testament13 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 35 opens with the words: "Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: repentance and conversion and justice and care for the poor. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself.

2The unjust hath said within himself, that he would sin: there is no fear of God before his eyes.

3For in his sight he hath done deceitfully, that his iniquity may be found unto hatred.

4The words of his mouth are iniquity and guile: he would not understand that he might do well.

5He hath devised iniquity on his bed, he hath set himself on every way that is not good: but evil he hath not hated.

6O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, and thy truth reacheth even to the clouds.

7Thy justice is as the mountains of God, thy judgments are a great deep. Men and beasts thou wilt preserve, O Lord:

8O how hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God! But the children of men shall put their trust under the cover of thy wings.

9They shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure.

10For with thee is the fountain of life; and in thy light we shall see light.

11Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, and thy justice to them that are right in heart.

12Let not the foot of pride come to me, and let not the hand of the sinner move me.

13There the workers of iniquity are fallen, they are cast out, and could not stand.

Important Verses in Psalms 35

Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself.

Psalms 35:1

O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, and thy truth reacheth even to the clouds.

Psalms 35:6

Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, and thy justice to them that are right in heart.

Psalms 35:11

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 35 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself." The chapter ends with: "There the workers of iniquity are fallen, they are cast out, and could not stand. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself." The passage repeatedly touches on repentance and conversion.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 35 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Gregory the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 265).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Psalms Chapter 35 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The passage calls believers to grasp that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 436) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 35 about?

Psalms 35 contains 13 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself." and closes with "There the workers of iniquity are fallen, they are cast out, and could not stand. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 35?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 35?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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