Psalm 31 (30):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I recognize that I have become insignificant in the eyes of the Lord, existing in this present time and gaining nothing for myself, as all are hesitant to approach me.

I faced scorn from all my adversaries. As stated, my foes derided me; those familiar with me were filled with fear and those who beheld me turned away; for I displayed profound remorse, wearing sackcloth and ashes, weeping continuously. Consequently, as they retreated, I was overlooked, appearing as one truly dead, likened to a shattered vessel. However, the phrase ‘of all’ signifies not 'greater than all,' but rather 'reviled by all,' that is, by my foes. Likewise, Aquila remarks, ‘I have become a disgrace to all my enemies.’

I will be scorned by all my foes, and my neighbors will despise me, while those who know me will be afraid. The prophet declared that my adversaries rejoice in their cruelty, but I am a target of derision; my neighbors ridicule me, and those familiar with me regard me with trepidation. To illustrate this more vividly, he stated: Those who behold me turn away, fearing association with me, lest they succumb to my enemies' wrath.

I faced scorn and humiliation from all my foes, who regarded me as lacking generosity and failing to show kindness in my distress, viewing me as defeated due to my transgressions. My neighbors, in a greater measure, engaged in derision and mockery, among the nations in the nearby kingdoms. For just as they had once envied my prosperity, they now mock me cruelly in light of my tribulations and misfortunes. Furthermore, my acquaintances were apprehensive; they feared for their own lives and reputations due to their association with me. Those who encountered me would turn and flee, concerned that they might be implicated in my disgrace.

The disgrace of Christ Our Lord, faultless and pure, faced ridicule from those who had marred themselves with sinful actions. This reproach signifies the gravest injustice for which the Savior was boldly condemned by the malicious Jews, who declared, "This man is not from God, for he does not observe the Sabbath" (Jn 9:16), and at another time, "You are a Samaritan, and you have a demon" (Jn 8:48).

He recounts another misfortune stemming from recognized persecution, whereby he became an object of scorn among neighboring nations, who learned of his disgraceful escape. His friends and associates grew fearful, concerned that their connection with him might draw the wrath of Absalom, jeopardizing their lives should Absalom triumph. I was derided by all my adversaries, greatly reviled by my neighbors, and held in trepidation by those who knew me: the hostility of my foes turned me into a source of mockery for the locals, and they were afraid of me, prompting many of my friends to abandon me when they saw me fleeing, leaving me entirely for fear of losing their own lives if they chose to stand with me.

The unrighteous Jews disparaged Christ the Savior in every possible manner, while the neighbors, including the holy apostles and other esteemed figures, were filled with fear.