Psalms 38:11
Psalms 38:11 in Multiple Translations
My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance.
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague; And my kinsmen stand afar off.
My lovers and my friends keep away from my disease; my relations keep far away.
My loved ones and my friends don't come near me because they're afraid of what I've got. Even my family keeps me at a distance.
My louers and my friends stand aside from my plague, and my kinsmen stand a farre off.
My lovers and my friends over-against my plague stand. And my neighbours afar off have stood.
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague. My kinsmen stand far away.
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my affliction; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
Remove thy scourges from me. The strength of thy hand hath made me faint in rebukes:
My friends and neighbors stay away from me because of my sores; even my own family stays away from me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 38:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִבִּ֣/י
סְ֭חַרְחַר
עֲזָבַ֣/נִי
כֹחִ֑/י
וְֽ/אוֹר
עֵינַ֥/י
גַּם
הֵ֝֗ם
אֵ֣ין
אִתִּֽ/י
לִבִּ֣/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
סְ֭חַרְחַר
çâchar
H5503
to trade
V-j-Perf-3ms
עֲזָבַ֣/נִי
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
כֹחִ֑/י
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms | Suff
וְֽ/אוֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
Conj | N-cs
עֵינַ֥/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
הֵ֝֗ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
אִתִּֽ/י
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 38:11
לִבִּ֣/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
סְ֭חַרְחַר
çâchar
H5503
"to trade"
V-j-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to travel around, often for trade or business. It can also describe a person who goes around buying and selling goods. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants or traders.
Definition: 1) to go around, go about, travel about in, go about in trade 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go about to and fro (in business) 1a2) trader, trafficker (participle) 1b) (Pilpel) to palpitate
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: go about, merchant(-man), occupy with, pant, trade, traffick. See also: Genesis 23:16; Isaiah 23:2; Psalms 38:11.
עֲזָבַ֣/נִי
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
כֹחִ֑/י
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms | Suff
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
וְֽ/אוֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
Conj | N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
עֵינַ֥/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הֵ֝֗ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אִתִּֽ/י
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
- Sermons on Psalms 38:11
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
9O Lord, my every desire is before You; my groaning is not hidden from You.
10My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded.
11My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance.
12Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long. 13But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 31:11 | Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street. |
| 2 | Job 19:13–17 | He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me. My guests and maidservants count me as a stranger; I am a foreigner in their sight. I call for my servant, but he does not answer, though I implore him with my own mouth. My breath is repulsive to my wife, and I am loathsome to my own family. |
| 3 | Luke 23:49 | But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things. |
| 4 | Psalms 88:18 | You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion. |
| 5 | Luke 10:31–32 | Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. |
| 6 | Job 6:21–23 | For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid. Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth; deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’? |
| 7 | Luke 22:54 | Then they seized Jesus, led Him away, and took Him into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed at a distance. |
| 8 | Matthew 26:56 | But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled. |
| 9 | John 16:32 | “Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. |
| 10 | Isaiah 53:4 | Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. |
Psalms 38:11 Summary
The psalmist is feeling sad and alone because the people he loves are staying away from him, as seen in Psalms 38:11. This is because they are afraid of his disease, which is making them uncomfortable. This experience is a common one, as seen in Job 19:13-19, and it can be very painful. But even in the midst of this rejection, the psalmist is trusting in God's love and care, as seen in Psalms 38:9 and Jeremiah 29:11, and we can learn to do the same, as we remember that God is always with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the people close to the psalmist shun him in his time of suffering?
The people close to the psalmist, including his beloved and friends, shun him because of his disease, which may be a physical or spiritual affliction, as seen in Psalms 38:11, and this is a common experience for those who suffer, as noted in Job 19:13-19 and Psalms 31:11.
What is the significance of the kinsmen standing at a distance?
The kinsmen standing at a distance, as mentioned in Psalms 38:11, signifies their reluctance to get involved or show support to the psalmist in his time of need, which is a stark contrast to the command to love and care for one another in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
How does this verse relate to the experience of Jesus Christ?
This verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of the experience of Jesus Christ, who was also shunned and rejected by those close to him, as seen in Matthew 27:46 and Isaiah 53:3, and this rejection is a common experience for believers, as noted in 2 Timothy 1:15.
What can we learn from the psalmist's experience of being shunned?
We can learn that even in times of suffering and rejection, God is still with us and cares for us, as seen in Psalms 38:9 and Hebrews 13:5-6, and that we should not be surprised when we face similar experiences, but instead, trust in God's sovereignty and love.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced rejection or shunning in my life, and how can I trust God in those moments?
- How can I show love and care to those around me who may be suffering or going through difficult times, as commanded in Galatians 6:2 and Matthew 25:31-46?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper sense of community and support with my friends and family, so that we can bear one another's burdens, as seen in Romans 12:15 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12?
- How can I balance the need for solitude and rest with the need for community and support, as seen in Mark 1:35 and Acts 2:42-47?
- What are some ways that I can trust God's sovereignty and love, even when I feel rejected or abandoned, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28-30?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:11
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore,.... As if it was a plague sore, lest they should be infected with it; or because they could not bear the stench of his wounds, and the loathsomeness
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:11
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
Either through neglect, and contempt, or disdain of me; or through delicacy and abhorrency from loathsome and sadding spectacles; or through fear of infection, or some other inconveniences.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
Psalms 38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.Ver. 11. My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore] Heb. my stroke, which, therefore, some Jewish doctors will have to be the leprosy, which was noisome and contagious; and, therefore, by the law of God, none were to come near such, Prae horrore detrectantes accedere (Trem.). So among the Persians none might come near a Pisaga (so they called a leper), and therefore Megabyzus, having offended Artaxerxes, kept himself five years from court, pretending himself a leper, and in that space made his peace with the king (Ctes. Pers.). But in David’ s friends, who dealt thus with him, it was not so much fear of danger as pride and perfidy that made them deny him all duty and friendship, Psalms 31:11. Job was so used, Job 6:15; and our Saviour, when he hung naked on the cross, Luke 23:49; and St Paul, when he made his defence before Nero, 2 Timothy 4:16. So was not Orestes by his friend Pylades, nor Damon by his Pythias, nor Achilles by Patroclus, which made Alexander cry out, O felicem iuvenem! O faithful youth, Trouble trieth who are friends, who traitors (Sophoc.; Val. Max.; Plutarch in Alex.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
(11) Sore is rather stroke, as in margin, or plague. His friends, looking on him as “one smitten of God,” and thinking “he must be wicked to deserve such pain,” abandon him as too vile for their society. Kinsmen.—Render rather, as in margin, neighbours, or near ones.Those who should have been near me stand aloof.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
Verse 11. My lovers] Those who professed much affection for me; my friends, רעי reai, my companions, who never before left my company, stand aloof. My kinsmen] קרובי kerobai, my neighbours, stand afar off. I am deserted by all, and they stand off because of נגעי nigi, my plague. They considered me as suffering under a Divine judgment; and, thinking me an accursed being, they avoided me lest they should be infected by my disease.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:11
11. from my sore] R.V. from my plague. The word is specially used of the plague of leprosy (Leviticus 13:3, &c.). His friends treat him as a leper, standing over against him, within sight but at a distance. Even his near kinsmen falsify their name by standing afar off. (LXX. οἱἔγγιστάμουμακρόθενἔστησαν.) Comp. Psalms 31:11-13; Psalms 69:8; Psalms 88:18; Job 19:13 ff.; Isaiah 53:4.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:11
My lovers - See the notes at Psalms 31:11. The reference here is to those who professed to be his friends.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:11
11. Lovers… friends… kinsmen—The enumeration covers close friends, companions; neighbours or associates; and kinsmen.
Sermons on Psalms 38:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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Psalm 31 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the believer's security in God during trials, life, and death, emphasizing the importance of faith unto eternal life. The sermon delves into the thoughts a |
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Lord, Abide With Us - Part 2 by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the crucifixion of Jesus and the soldiers who took His garments. The soldiers played dice to determine who would get His seamless tunic, which |
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God's View of a Woman by Frank Viola | Frank Viola preaches about the revolutionary view of women brought by Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the low societal status women had before His coming. He highlights how Jesus |
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Worship in the Night by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the profound blessing of worshiping God in times of darkness and sorrow, emphasizing that true faith is tested and revealed in the midst of challen |
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An Atheist Answered by T. De Witt Talmage | The preacher delves into the significance of priests in the Bible, highlighting their role as sacred or consecrated individuals who serve deity. While most references to priests in |
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Because Thou Obeyest Not the Voice by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the consequences of Saul's disobedience to God's voice, illustrating how unforgiven sin can haunt an individual, particularly in moments of crisis. He reflect |