Psalms 38–22
Psalm 38:1-22
Psa.38.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מזמור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להזכיר: VERB,hif,inf
Parallels
- Psalm 3:1 (structural): Another psalm headed 'A Psalm of David'—same Davidic superscription indicating authorship/tradition and placing the poem in the Davidic corpus.
- Psalm 23:1 (structural): Begins with the identical superscription 'A Psalm of David,' showing the common formula that introduces many individual psalms attributed to David.
- Psalm 6:1 (thematic): Also a Davidic penitential lament ('O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger'), like Psalm 38; connects by genre and personal confession of distress attributed to David.
- Psalm 51:1 (thematic): A famous Davidic penitential psalm (David’s plea for mercy after sin); parallels Psalm 38 in theme of confession, guilt, and appeal for God's mercy.
- Psalm 39:1 (structural): Another psalm introduced as a Davidic composition (to the choirmaster), illustrating the common placement of musical or liturgical superscriptions alongside 'A Psalm of David.'
Alternative generated candidates
- A Psalm of David; for remembrance.
- A Psalm of David; to bring to remembrance.
Psa.38.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בקצפך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- תוכיחני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ובחמתך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- תיסרני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 6:1 (verbal): Near-identical petition: asks the LORD not to rebuke in his wrath or chasten in his hot displeasure—shares core vocabulary and pleading tone with Ps 38:2.
- Proverbs 3:11-12 (thematic): Counsels acceptance of the LORD's correction ('chastening') as loving discipline; parallels Ps 38:2's concern over divine rebuke and the theological framing of chastening.
- Hebrews 12:5-6 (quotation): New Testament citation of Proverbs 3:11-12 that interprets divine chastening as paternal discipline ('whom the Lord loves he chastens'), echoing the Psalmist's engagement with God's rebuke.
- Job 5:17-18 (thematic): Affirms that God corrects the one he favors ('happy is the man whom God correcteth'), reflecting the theme of suffering under divine rebuke present in Ps 38:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
- O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger; in your wrath do not discipline me.
Psa.38.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- חציך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2ms
- נחתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ותנחת: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ידך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,f,sg
Parallels
- Job 6:4 (verbal): Uses the same metaphor: 'the arrows of the Almighty are within me' — a close verbal parallel portraying divine arrows as instruments of the sufferer's pain.
- Lamentations 3:12 (verbal): Explicitly states that God 'bent his bow and set me as a target for the arrow,' closely mirroring the image of the speaker pierced by God's arrows.
- Psalm 7:12-13 (structural): Describes God bending his bow and preparing deadly weapons; structurally similar archer/judgment imagery framing God as the one who wounds.
- Psalm 64:7-8 (thematic): Depicts God shooting arrows at evildoers so they are suddenly wounded — thematically parallels the idea of God's arrows striking persons as divine punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand presses heavily upon me.
- For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand presses me down.
Psa.38.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אין: PART,neg
- מתם: PRON,3,pl,gen
- בבשרי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- מפני: PREP
- זעמך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- אין: PART,neg
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעצמי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- מפני: PREP
- חטאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 1:5-6 (verbal): Speaks of the body’s total sickness—‘your whole head is sick…there is no soundness’—paralleling Ps 38’s ‘no soundness in my flesh’ language and imagery of bodily ruin.
- Psalm 32:3-4 (thematic): Describes physical wasting and distress resulting from unconfessed sin (‘when I kept silence my bones wasted away’), echoing Ps 38’s link between sin, divine displeasure, and bodily affliction.
- Psalm 6:2-3 (verbal): The psalmist pleads for mercy and healing because of bodily distress (‘my bones are troubled’/‘heal me, O LORD’), paralleling Ps 38’s focus on bones/flesh suffering under God’s anger and sin.
- Psalm 31:10 (verbal): Speaks of life spent in grief and bones consumed (‘my bones are consumed’/‘because of my sin or affliction’), closely reflecting Ps 38’s connection between sin, misery, and physical collapse.
Alternative generated candidates
- There is no soundness in my flesh because of your anger; there is no peace in my bones because of my sin.
- There is no health in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no peace in my bones because of my sin.
Psa.38.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- עונתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff-1cs
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- כמשא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יכבדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 32:3-4 (verbal): Both psalms portray the experience of sin as an oppressive weight—Psalm 32:3–4 speaks of God’s hand being heavy upon the psalmist, paralleling the image of sin as a heavy burden in Ps 38:5.
- Psalm 40:12 (verbal): Close verbal parallel: Psalm 40:12 likewise describes iniquities as overwhelming or 'gone over' the speaker’s head and overpowering him, echoing the same language and idea of unbearable guilt.
- Psalm 130:3 (thematic): Shares the theme of human inability to stand if God were to mark iniquities—both passages emphasize the overwhelming, condemning nature of sin before God.
- Romans 7:24 (allusion): Paul’s cry 'Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?' resonates thematically with the sense in Ps 38:5 of being overwhelmed and burdened by sin and needing deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- For my iniquities have gone over my head; they are like a heavy burden, too heavy for me.
- For my iniquities pass over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
Psa.38.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הבאישו: VERB,hifil,perf,3,pl
- נמקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- חבורתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- אולתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 1:6 (verbal): Both describe widespread bodily corruption—'there is no soundness... wounds, bruises and sores; they have not been closed'—linking physical putrefaction with spiritual/rebellious condition.
- Jeremiah 30:12-13 (verbal): Speaks of an incurable wound and grievous injury as consequence of the people's sin, echoing the image of festering wounds caused by folly/sin in Ps 38:6.
- Job 7:5 (thematic): Job's description of his body breaking down ('my flesh is clothed with worms... my skin is broken and become loathsome') parallels the image of sores and putrefying wounds as signs of suffering and humiliation.
- Psalm 32:3-4 (thematic): Both psalms link physical distress and bodily decay to the experience of sin/unconfessed guilt—suffering as a consequence that presses the sufferer toward repentance.
Alternative generated candidates
- My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my folly.
- My wounds grow foul and fester because of my folly.
Psa.38.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נעויתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- שחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- מאד: ADV
- כל: DET
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 6:6 (thematic): Both depict persistent mourning and overflowing grief (‘all night’/‘all day’ weeping and groaning), emphasizing continual sorrow.
- Psalm 31:10 (thematic): Speaks of life consumed by sorrow and physical wasting—connects the psalmist’s bowed/crushed condition and prolonged affliction.
- Psalm 22:14 (thematic): Vivid language of bodily collapse and anguish parallels the sense of being bowed down and overwhelmed by distress.
- Psalm 42:3 (verbal): The motif of day‑long (or day‑and‑night) tears and ongoing lamentation parallels ‘I went mourning all day,’ focusing on sustained sorrow.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am bowed down, I am crushed; I go mourning all the day long.
- I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.
Psa.38.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- כסלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
- מלאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נקלה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- מתם: PRON,3,pl,gen
- בבשרי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
Parallels
- Psalm 6:2 (verbal): Both verses portray acute bodily affliction and use similar bodily language (bones/weakness); a plea for healing accompanies the description of physical distress.
- Psalm 31:10 (thematic): Links sin/iniquity with physical wasting—'my bones are consumed'—echoing Psalm 38's association of guilt and lack of soundness in the flesh.
- Psalm 41:4 (thematic): Confession of sin coupled with a request for healing mirrors Psalm 38's penitential framework where sin and bodily suffering are connected.
- Numbers 12:9-10 (allusion): The narrative of Miriam struck with a skin disease as judgment for speaking against Moses exemplifies the motif of illness as consequence of sin, parallel to Psalm 38's implication that wrongdoing has produced physical affliction.
- Psalm 32:3-5 (structural): Describes how unacknowledged sin produces physical and emotional distress ('my bones wasted'); relief comes through confession—paralleling Psalm 38's penitential structure linking sin, suffering, and appeal to God.
Alternative generated candidates
- For my loins are filled with burning; there is no soundness in my flesh.
- For my strength is spent, my frame is withered; there is no soundness in my flesh.
Psa.38.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נפוגותי: VERB,niphal,perf,1,_,sg
- ונדכיתי: VERB,niphal,perf,1,_,sg
- עד: PREP
- מאד: ADV
- שאגתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- מנהמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
Parallels
- Psalm 6:6 (verbal): Both speak of intense personal anguish expressed as groaning; Psalm 6:6 uses the verb for being weary with groaning, paralleling 'I groan' in Ps 38:9.
- Lamentations 3:20 (thematic): Lamentations 3:20 speaks of the soul being bowed down or overwhelmed within the speaker—similar imagery of being crushed/bowed and inward sorrow in Ps 38:9.
- Psalm 102:4 (verbal): Psalm 102:4 (Hebrew numbering) says 'My heart is stricken and withered,' echoing the language of the heart’s agony and physical/emotional collapse found in Ps 38:9.
- Romans 8:26 (allusion): Paul’s language about groaning ('we groan inwardly' / the Spirit interceding with groanings) reflects the same motif of deep, inarticulate inner lament or groaning as in Ps 38:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the agitation of my heart.
- I am utterly feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart.
Psa.38.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- א: PRT
- דני: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגדך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
- כל: DET
- תאותי: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss,1,sg
- ואנחתי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss,1,sg
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- נסתרה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 102:2 (thematic): A plea that God not hide His face in distress; like Ps.38:10 it affirms the psalmist’s inner distress and expectation that God knows and hears his woes.
- Psalm 6:6 (verbal): Speaks of being 'weary with groaning' and pouring out tears all night—similar language of persistent sighing and visible sorrow before the Lord.
- Romans 8:26 (thematic): Paul speaks of believers’ groanings which the Spirit intercedes for—echoing the idea that inward longings and groans are a form of prayer known before God.
- Psalm 42:1–2 (thematic): ’My soul thirsts for God’ expresses deep longing for God’s presence, paralleling Ps.38:10’s declaration that all desire and groaning are before the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- O LORD, all my desire is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.
- O LORD, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.
Psa.38.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- סחרחר: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,sg
- עזבני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כחי: NOUN,m,sg,poss,1,sg
- ואור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons+1s
- גם: ADV
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- אין: PART,neg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 31:9 (verbal): Speaks of distress with nearly identical imagery—'Be merciful to me… my eyes are wasted from grief,' paralleling loss of strength and the 'light of my eyes' gone.
- Psalm 6:7 (verbal): Uses the same motif of the eyes failing from suffering—'My eye wastes away because of grief'—a close verbal and thematic echo of the verse's dimmed sight and weakness.
- Psalm 102:4 (thematic): Describes a smitten, withered heart and loss of vitality ('My heart is smitten and withered… because of the voice of my groans my bones cling to my skin'), thematically paralleling failing strength and extinguished light of the eyes.
- Job 17:7 (thematic): Job's lament 'My eye has grown dim because of sorrow' parallels the helpless, debilitated picture of heart and strength failing and eyesight gone in Psalm 38:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- My heart throbs; my strength fails me; and the light of my eyes—also it has gone from me.
- My heart throbs; my strength fails me; the light of my eyes also has gone from me.
Psa.38.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אהבי: NOUN,m,sg,poss-1s
- ורעי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנגד: ADV
- נגעי: NOUN,m,pl,poss1s
- יעמדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וקרובי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,poss1s
- מרחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Ps.31:11 (verbal): Uses near-identical language about friends/neighbors standing aloof from the sufferer—explicit verbal parallel about social abandonment.
- Ps.69:8 (thematic): Speaks of becoming a stranger to kin and being alienated from family—same theme of isolation from relatives.
- Job 19:13-14 (thematic): Job laments that acquaintances and relatives have been cast far from him—parallel theme of friends and kin withdrawing in suffering.
- Ps.55:12-14 (verbal): Complains of betrayal by a close companion/ friend who once shared intimacy—closely related motif of trusted persons standing apart or turning away.
Alternative generated candidates
- My lovers and my friends stand far off from my plague; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
- My beloved and my friends stand aloof; my kinsmen stand at a distance.
Psa.38.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וינקשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מבקשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- ודרשי: VERB,qal,ptcp,NA,m,pl
- רעתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- הוות: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- ומרמות: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,pr3ms
- כל: DET
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהגו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Ps.31:13 (verbal): Both speak of enemies plotting together to take the psalmist’s life—'they seek my life'/'they scheme together against me' (close verbal and thematic parallel).
- Ps.35:11 (thematic): Describes malicious opponents and false speaking against the psalmist who repay him with harm—echoes the theme of enemies plotting ruin and speaking lies.
- Ps.109:2 (verbal): Accuses unjust foes of speaking with lying tongues against the psalmist—parallels 'they speak of ruin and meditate on lies.'
- Ps.64:3-5 (thematic): Depicts secret plotting, setting snares and devising evil plans—similar imagery of enemies plotting harm and meditating mischief all day.
Alternative generated candidates
- Those who seek my life lay snares; those who seek my hurt speak malicious things and devise deceit all the day long.
- Those who seek my life lay snares; those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and plot deceit all day long.
Psa.38.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- כחרש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשמע: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- וכאלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יפתח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Psalm 39:9 (verbal): Uses nearly identical wording — the speaker is 'dumb' and opens not his mouth, reflecting silence in suffering.
- Isaiah 53:7 (verbal): The Suffering Servant 'opened not his mouth' despite affliction; a close verbal and thematic echo of silent submission in suffering.
- Isaiah 42:2 (thematic): Describes a figure who will not cry out or make his voice heard — thematically related to silence and restrained speech in the face of trial.
- Acts 8:32-33 (quotation): The Ethiopian eunuch reads Isaiah 53:7 in Acts; the New Testament citation of the same silent-sufferer language connects to the motif of silent endurance found in Ps 38:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear; like one who is mute, I do not open my mouth.
- But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; like one who is mute, I do not open my mouth.
Psa.38.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואהי: VERB,qal,impf,1,ms,sg
- כאיש: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- בפיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m
- תוכחות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 39:9 (verbal): Uses the same motif of enforced silence: 'I was dumb, I opened not my mouth,' closely echoing 'like one who does not hear / no reproof in his mouth.'
- Isaiah 53:7 (verbal): The Suffering Servant 'was oppressed, and he was afflicted... he opened not his mouth'—a parallel image of silence in the face of suffering and reproach.
- Matthew 27:12–14 (thematic): Jesus' silence before accusations ('he gave him no answer') reflects the psalm's theme of not speaking/reproving when afflicted.
- 1 Peter 2:23 (allusion): Peter cites Jesus' non-retaliation/silence ('when he was reviled, he did not revile in return'), alluding to the same motif of silent suffering found in the psalm.
- Isaiah 42:18–19 (thematic): Calls out those who are 'deaf' and 'blind'—thematising inability to hear/respond, resonating with the psalm's image 'like one who does not hear.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Yes, I am like one who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
- Indeed I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth there are no reproofs.
Psa.38.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוחלתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- תענה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Psalm 86:7 (verbal): Closely parallels the language and idea: in times of trouble the psalmist calls on the LORD because he will answer — similar expression of trust that God will respond.
- Psalm 17:6 (verbal): Uses the same petition/assurance formula ('I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God'), echoing confidence that God will hear and answer the plea.
- Jeremiah 33:3 (quotation): God’s direct promise — 'Call unto me, and I will answer thee' — is a canonical basis for the psalmist’s expectation that the LORD will answer.
- Isaiah 65:24 (thematic): Affirms God’s readiness to answer: 'before they call I will answer,' highlighting the theme of God’s prompt response to the faithful.
- 1 John 5:14 (thematic): New Testament affirmation of confidence that God hears petitions made according to his will — reflects the same trust that God will answer the believer’s plea.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I wait on you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.
- For I wait on you, O LORD; you will answer, O LORD my God.
Psa.38.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- פן: CONJ
- ישמחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- במוט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- הגדילו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 35:15 (verbal): Uses nearly the same idea and wording: the enemies 'rejoiced at my stumbling'—a direct verbal parallel to rejoicing over the psalmist's slip.
- Psalm 73:2-3 (verbal): Speaks of the psalmist's feet almost slipping ('my feet had almost stumbled'), echoing the 'foot/step' imagery of danger and near-fall in Ps 38:17.
- Proverbs 24:17 (thematic): Commands not to rejoice when an enemy falls—themically related as a moral counterpoint to the fear that foes will rejoice at the psalmist's fall.
- Psalm 41:9 (allusion): Speaks of a trusted companion 'lifting up his heel' against the psalmist; echoes the foot/heel motif and the pain of betrayal that underlies the fear of others' rejoicing.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I said, 'Lest they rejoice over me—if my foot should slip'—for I am ready to fall.
- For I thought, 'They will rejoice over me—when my foot slips they will exalt themselves against me.'
Psa.38.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- לצלע: VERB,qal,inf
- נכון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ומכאובי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl+POSS,1,sg
- נגדי: PREP
- תמיד: ADV
Parallels
- Psalm 22:14-15 (verbal): Describes bodily collapse—"my bones are out of joint..."—and extreme physical distress, paralleling the image of being ready to limp and constant pain in Ps 38:18.
- Psalm 31:10 (thematic): Speaks of life consumed by sorrow and bones wasting away, echoing the theme of persistent physical affliction and grief found in Ps 38:18.
- Psalm 6:6-7 (thematic): Expresses ongoing groaning, sleeplessness, and continual sorrow; parallels the sense of unremitting pain and complaint in Ps 38:18.
- Isaiah 53:3 (allusion): Depicts the servant as a ‘man of sorrows, acquainted with grief,’ thematically aligning with the psalmist’s portrayal of personal, continual suffering.
- Job 30:17 (verbal): Describes bones being pierced and lack of rest in the body—vivid bodily anguish that parallels the physical suffering and inability to stand or walk in Ps 38:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I am set for stumbling, and my sorrow is ever before me.
- For I am ready to fall, and my anguish is ever before me.
Psa.38.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- עוני: NOUN,m,sg,cs+1s
- אגיד: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- אדאג: VERB,qal,impf,1,,sg
- מחטאתי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,1
Parallels
- Psalm 32:5 (verbal): Explicit confession of sin to God—"I acknowledged my sin unto thee"—parallels Ps.38:19's declaration/acknowledging of iniquity and contrition.
- Psalm 51:3-4 (verbal): David's open admission—"For I acknowledge my transgressions...my sin is ever before me"—echoes the Psalmist's stating and grieving over his sin.
- Isaiah 6:5 (thematic): Isaiah's anguished recognition of personal sinfulness ("Woe is me...unclean lips") parallels the Psalmist's confession and distress over sin.
- Daniel 9:4-5 (thematic): Daniel's corporate confession—"we have sinned, we have committed iniquity"—shares the theme of candidly declaring sin and pleading with God for mercy.
- Nehemiah 1:6-7 (thematic): Nehemiah's confession on behalf of the people ("we have sinned against thee") mirrors the posture of acknowledging transgression and seeking God's favor in Ps.38:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I will declare my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin.
- I will acknowledge my iniquity; I am filled with anxiety because of my sin.
Psa.38.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואיבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss1
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- עצמו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ורבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שנאי: NOUN,m,pl,poss1
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 35:11 (verbal): Speaks of false witnesses and enemies who rise up against the psalmist—parallels Ps 38:20’s theme of hostile foes and deceitful opposition.
- Psalm 109:3 (thematic): Complains that enemies who hate without cause surround the speaker; echoes the motif of malicious adversaries intent on the psalmist’s harm.
- Psalm 140:1-3 (thematic): Petition for deliverance from evildoers whose words are deceitful and poisonous—closely parallels the image of treacherous, lying enemies in Ps 38:20.
- Psalm 12:2-3 (verbal): Condemns flattering lips and double hearts—a general condemnation of lying and falsehood that mirrors the ‘haters of falsehood’/liars language of Ps 38:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- My enemies are vigorous and alive; many who hate me unjustly are multiplied.
- My enemies are vigorous and many; those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head.
Psa.38.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומשלמי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ישטנוני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- תחת: PREP
- רדפי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 35:12 (verbal): Uses the same complaint that enemies 'reward/repay me evil for good,' a close verbal parallel to the psalmist’s lament about being repaid hostility for kindness.
- Proverbs 25:21-22 (verbal): Speaks of giving food to a hungry enemy and leaving judgment to God; addresses the situation where kindness to others is met by enmity and anticipates divine recompense.
- Romans 12:17-21 (quotation): Paul quotes/echoes the wisdom tradition (cf. Prov. 25:21–22) and instructs Christians not to repay evil but to overcome evil with good, providing a New Testament theological response to being repaid evil for good.
- Matthew 5:44 (thematic): Jesus commands loving and praying for enemies, offering the ethical antidote to the experience described in Psalm 38 of being persecuted despite doing good.
- 1 Peter 3:9 (verbal): Explicitly forbids repaying evil for evil and urges blessing persecutors—an early Christian echo of the moral dilemma expressed when enemies repay good with evil.
Alternative generated candidates
- They repay me evil for good; hatred has returned upon me for my friendship.
- They repay me evil for good; my adversaries pursue me, though I seek what is right.
Psa.38.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תעזבני: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,obj1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אל: NEG
- תרחק: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 22:11 (verbal): Contains the same petition 'Be not far from me' (Heb. אל־תרחק ממני), a direct verbal parallel pleading for God's nearness in distress.
- Psalm 71:9 (verbal): Uses the same verb for 'do not forsake/cast off me' (אל תעזבני), a closely parallel plea for God not to abandon the psalmist in old age and weakness.
- Psalm 27:9 (thematic): A related entreaty—'Hide not thy face... put not thy servant away'—expressing the same basic request that God remain present and not withdraw.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (thematic): God's promise 'He will not leave thee, nor forsake thee' provides the theological background and thematic counterpoint to the psalmist's plea not to be forsaken.
- Hebrews 13:5 (quotation): The New Testament citation 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' echoes the Old Testament assurances of God's abiding presence and responds to the theme of not being abandoned.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, do not be far from me.
- Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, do not be far from me.
A Psalm of David; for remembrance.
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand presses down on me.
There is no soundness in my flesh because of your anger; there is no peace in my bones because of my sin.
For my iniquities rise over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness.
I am bent and brought low beyond measure; all day long I go about mourning.
For my inmost parts are full of burning; there is no soundness in my flesh.
I am wasted and crushed exceedingly; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.
O LORD, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.
My heart throbs; my strength fails me; and the light of my eyes is gone from me.
Those who are my companions and my loved ones stand aloof; my close relatives stand at a distance.
Those who seek my life lay snares; those who plot my ruin speak of treachery and devise mischief all day long. But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear; like one who is mute, I do not open my mouth.
Yes, I am like one who hears not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
For to you, O LORD, I wait; you will answer me, O Lord my God.
For I said, 'Lest they rejoice over me—when my foot slips they exalt themselves against me.'
For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me.
For I will make my iniquity known; I will be troubled because of my sin.
My enemies are vigorous, and many are those who hate me unjustly.
They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, do not be far from me.