Psalms 38:15

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Psalms 38:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God.

King James Version KJV

For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

American Standard Version ASV

For in thee, O Jehovah, do I hope: Thou wilt answer, O Lord my God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

In you, O Lord, is my hope: you will give me an answer, O Lord, my God.

Free Bible Version FBV

For I'm waiting on you, Lord! You will answer for me, my Lord and my God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For on thee, O Lord, do I waite: thou wilt heare me, my Lord, my God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Because for Thee, O Jehovah, I have waited, Thou dost answer, O Lord my God.

World English Bible WEB

For I hope in you, LORD. You will answer, Lord my God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O LORD my God.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Yahweh, I trust in you. My Lord God, you will answer me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:15

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 38:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אֱהִ֗י כְּ֭/אִישׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא שֹׁמֵ֑עַ וְ/אֵ֥ין בְּ֝/פִ֗י/ו תּוֹכָחֽוֹת

וָ/אֱהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

כְּ֭/אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

שֹׁמֵ֑עַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal

וְ/אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part

בְּ֝/פִ֗י/ו peh H6310 lip Prep | N-ms | Suff

תּוֹכָחֽוֹת tôwkêchâh H8433 rebuke N-fp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 38:15

וָ/אֱהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כְּ֭/אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

שֹׁמֵ֑עַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

וְ/אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | 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.

בְּ֝/פִ֗י/ו peh H6310 "lip" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.

Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21

Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.

תּוֹכָחֽוֹת tôwkêchâh H8433 "rebuke" N-fp

This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.

Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.

Study Notes — Psalms 38:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 38:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:15
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:15
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:15
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:15
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:15
Sermons on Psalms 38:15

Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger

13But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. 14I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply.

15I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God.

16For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.” 17For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 39:7	And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.
2	Psalms 17:6	I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.
3	Psalms 138:3	On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.
4	Psalms 123:1–3	I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy. Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.

Psalms 38:15 Summary

[This verse means that we can trust God to hear and answer our prayers, even when we're struggling or feeling overwhelmed. We can wait for Him, expecting Him to act on our behalf, just like a child waits for a loving parent to provide and protect them. As it says in Psalms 27:14, 'Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.' We can have confidence in God's love and care for us, and trust that He will answer us in His perfect time, as promised in Jeremiah 33:3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'wait for' God in Psalms 38:15?

Waiting for God means trusting in His timing and plan, even when we don't see immediate answers, as seen in Psalms 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31. It's a posture of faith and patience, expecting God to act on our behalf.

How can we be confident that God will answer us?

We can be confident that God will answer because He is our loving Father who desires a personal relationship with us, as seen in Matthew 7:7-11 and Jeremiah 33:3. He promises to hear and respond to our prayers when we come to Him in faith.

What role does faith play in waiting for God's answer?

Faith is essential in waiting for God's answer, as it allows us to trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even when we don't understand His ways, as seen in Hebrews 11:1 and Romans 8:28. It's the foundation on which we stand, expecting God to fulfill His promises.

How does this verse relate to our everyday struggles?

This verse reminds us that, even in the midst of struggles and pain, we can trust in God's presence and promises, as seen in Psalms 38:17 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. We can bring our concerns and fears to Him, waiting expectantly for His answer and comfort.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to wait for God's answer or intervention?
How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and plan, even when I don't see immediate results?
What are some promises or truths from Scripture that I can hold onto while waiting for God's answer?
In what ways can I practically apply the principle of waiting for God in my daily life, and what benefits can I expect to experience?
How can I balance the tension between waiting for God and taking action in response to my circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:15

For in thee, O Lord, do I hope,.... That he would plead his cause against his accusers and revilers, and who sought his hurt; that he should be delivered out of their hands, and out of all his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:15

For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. For in thee, O Lord do I hope - the ground of his patience. Thou wilt hear, O Lord my God - `thou wilt answer;' I must therefore not forestall thee.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:15

I bore their carriage silently and patiently, because I hoped and knew that thou wouldst answer for me, and plead my cause better than myself; which I would not prevent by my impatience, and avenging myself. Or, but in thee do I hope, i.e. though friends forsake me, and mine enemies plot and practise against me, yet I do not despair, because I have thee on my side.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:15

Psalms 38:15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.Ver. 15. For in thee, O Lord, do I hope] This was the ground of his patience, and differenced it from that of heathens, which was rather pertinace than patience, and came not from a right principle. Thou wilt hear] Or answer; and, therefore, what need is there of my answer?

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:15

(15) Thou wilt hear.—Thou is emphatic.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:15

Verse 15. In thee, O Lord, do I hope] I have no helper but thee. Thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.] Thou art eternal in thy compassions, and wilt hear the prayer of a penitent soul. In the printed copies of the Hebrew text we have אדני אלהי Adonai Elohai, Lord my God; but, instead of אדני Adonai, one hundred and two of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. read יהוה Yehovah. As this word is never pronounced by the Jews, and they consider it dreadfully sacred, in reading, wherever it occurs, they pronounce אדני Adonai; and we may well suppose that Jewish scribes, in writing out copies of the sacred Scriptures, would as naturally write Adonai for Yehovah, as they would in reading supply the former for the latter.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:15

15–22. Fresh pleadings with God.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:15

For in thee, O Lord, do I hope - This shows the reason or ground of his patience. He committed his whole cause to God. He believed that God would take care of his reputation, and that he would vindicate him. See Psalms 37:5-6.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:15

15. Thou wilt hear—The psalmist was silent towards men, because his cause did not lie between him and them, but he appeals to God, who will “hear”—rather, answer, as the word properly means, and in

Sermons on Psalms 38:15

	Sermon	Description
	Psalm 38 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches about the Psalmist's deep sense of sin and the just chastisement he faces, acknowledging that sin leads to various afflictions and suffering, even for God's chil
	Psalm 37:7 by Bill Ammon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His children. He compares it to a mother comforting and caring for her child. The preacher also di
	The Solemn Appeal and Earnest Cry of a Waiting Soul by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches a sermon on the solemnity of true religion, emphasizing the weight and power of eternal realities on the conscience. Through divine inspiration, David's Psalm
	Fatherly Chastisement by A.W. Tozer	Greek Word Studies for Assurance (5287) explores the concept of 'hupostasis' as a solid, unshakable confidence in God, representing the essence or substance that underlies our fait
	Winter Afore Harvest or the Soul's Growth in Grace - Part 2 by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the journey of hope in the soul, comparing it to a bud that blossoms into a flower under the genial ray of God's countenance. He emphasizes the importan
	I Will Veil Myself in You by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the need for those who have backslidden or grown cold in their faith to return to God. It highlights the importance of basing our faith on God's character an
	In the Day When I Cried by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble and not relying on human ingenuity or strength. It highlights the need for humility, acknowledging ou