Psalms 38
Read Psalms 38 (WEB)+
1Yahweh, don’t rebuke me in your wrath, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure. 2For your arrows have pierced me, your hand presses hard on me. 3There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation, neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin. 4For my iniquities have gone over my head. As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. 5My wounds are loathsome and corrupt, because of my foolishness. 6I am pained and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all day long. 7For my waist is filled with burning. There is no soundness in my flesh. 8I am faint and severely bruised. I have groaned by reason of the anguish of my heart. 9Lord, all my desire is before you. My groaning is not hidden from you. 10My heart throbs. My strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me. 11My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague. My kinsmen stand far away. 12They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long. 13But I, as a deaf man, don’t hear. I am as a mute man who doesn’t open his mouth. 14Yes, I am as a man who doesn’t hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs. 15For in you, Yahweh, do I hope. You will answer, Lord my God. 16For I said, “Don’t let them gloat over me, or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips.” 17For I am ready to fall. My pain is continually before me. 18For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin. 19But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous. 20They who also render evil for good are adversaries to me, because I follow what is good. 21Don’t forsake me, Yahweh. My God, don’t be far from me. 22Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me."”
Psalms 38:17
Summary
Psalms 38 presents a poignant portrait of a psalmist in distress, pleading for God’s mercy amidst the afflictions of sin and the burden of his own guilt. The chapter opens with a cry for relief from God’s wrath, as the psalmist feels physically and spiritually crushed by the weight of his iniquity. He describes his suffering in vivid terms, recounting the emotional, physical, and social toll that sin has taken on his life. This public lament continues with an honest confession and a deep sense of personal responsibility for his actions. Yet, even in the depths of despair, the psalmist’s trust in God remains unshaken. He earnestly seeks God's deliverance and healing, highlighting his reliance on divine grace rather than human aid. The chapter concludes on a hopeful note, echoing the psalmist's confidence that God will not forsake him and that divine forgiveness is near at hand. Key themes of repentance, divine mercy, and the frailty of human nature underscore the psalmist's sincere plea for redemption.
Key Themes
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Psalms 38
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.