Psalm 69:4
“They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty.”
King James Version
The Messiah hated without cause, the very words Jesus cited when explaining the world's hatred of him.
Fulfillment References
John 15:25 Romans 15:3
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalJesus cited this of Himself — 'they hated me without a cause' (John 15:25). The innocent Sufferer hated wrongfully is the Lord Jesus, God manifest in flesh, rejected by His own; His sufferings were vicarious (Rom. 15:3).
JewishThe righteous sufferer's complaint of groundless hatred — David beset by mighty enemies; a lament, not messianic in the rabbinic tradition.
CatholicChrist applies it to Himself; the causeless hatred of the world toward the sinless One.
ProtestantJesus' own citation (John 15:25) marks it a direct anticipation of His rejection and of the world's hatred toward Him and His followers.
AcademicA conventional lament motif (enemies 'without cause'); John places it on Jesus' lips as fulfilled Scripture, characteristic of the Gospel's fulfillment theme.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.