Psalms 38:16
Psalms 38:16 in Multiple Translations
For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.”
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
For I said, Lest they rejoice over me: When my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
I said, Let them not be glad over me; when my foot is moved, let them not be lifted up with pride against me.
I'm asking you, Lord, please don't let my enemies gloat over me, don't let them be glad when I trip up.
For I said, Heare me, least they reioyce ouer me: for when my foote slippeth, they extol themselues against me.
When I said, 'Lest they rejoice over me, In the slipping of my foot against me they magnified themselves.
For I said, “Don’t let them gloat over me, or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips.”
For I said, Hear me , lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
I said to you, “Do not cause me to die, with the result that my enemies will rejoice! Do not cause me to stumble, with the result that they will be very happy!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:16
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 38:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
לְ/ךָ֣
יְהוָ֣ה
הוֹחָ֑לְתִּי
אַתָּ֥ה
תַ֝עֲנֶ֗ה
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הוֹחָ֑לְתִּי
yâchal
H3176
to wait
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
תַ֝עֲנֶ֗ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 38:16
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לְ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הוֹחָ֑לְתִּי
yâchal
H3176
"to wait"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תַ֝עֲנֶ֗ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
- Sermons on Psalms 38:16
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
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. 18Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 94:18 | If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:35 | Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” |
| 3 | Psalms 35:24–26 | Vindicate me by Your righteousness, O LORD my God, and do not let them gloat over me. Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, just what we wanted!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up!” May those who gloat in my distress be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed in shame and reproach. |
| 4 | Psalms 13:3–4 | Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall. |
Psalms 38:16 Summary
This verse is saying that the writer is asking God to protect him from the scorn and mockery of others when he fails or makes mistakes. He knows that he is not perfect and that he will stumble, but he is trusting in God to help him and to keep others from gloating over him (as seen in Psalms 37:23-24). The writer is being humble and recognizing his own weakness, and he is asking God to be his helper and protector. This is a great example for us to follow, as we all stumble and make mistakes, but we can trust in God to help us and to keep us from the scorn of others (see also Romans 8:33-34).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say 'my foot slips' in Psalms 38:16?
In this context, 'my foot slips' is a metaphor for stumbling or falling into sin, as seen in Psalms 37:31, where the righteous are described as having God's law in their hearts, and their feet do not slip.
Why is the writer concerned about others gloating over him when he stumbles?
The writer is concerned because he knows that his enemies would use his failures as an opportunity to mock and belittle him, much like the psalmist's enemies in Psalms 35:19-21, who rejoice at his misfortune.
How does this verse relate to the idea of humility and recognizing our own weakness?
This verse shows the writer recognizing his own vulnerability and weakness, and asking God to protect him from the scorn of others, which is a key aspect of humility, as seen in Proverbs 22:4, where humility is rewarded with wealth, honor, and life.
What can we learn from the writer's attitude towards his enemies in this verse?
We can learn that the writer is not seeking revenge or retaliation, but rather, he is trusting in God to vindicate him, as seen in Romans 12:14-21, where believers are called to bless their enemies and trust in God's justice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am prone to 'slipping' or stumbling, and how can I ask God to help me in those areas?
- How do I respond when others mock or belittle me, and what can I learn from the writer's example in this verse?
- What does it mean to trust in God's vindication, rather than seeking revenge or retaliation, and how can I apply this principle in my own life?
- In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of humility and recognition of my own weakness, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:16
For I said, [hear me],.... This he had expressed in prayer to God; he had committed his cause to him, and entreated him that he would hear and answer him; giving this as a reason, lest [otherwise]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:16
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
I said, to wit, in my heart and prayers; I used this argument, which I knew was prevalent. Rejoice over me in my destruction, which also will reflect upon thee; who hast undertaken to defend and save me, and for whose sake I suffer so much from these wicked men, . When my foot slippeth; when I fall either into any gross sin, or into any misery, or into both, as I have now done. They magnify themselves against me; they triumph in the accomplishment of their designs or desires.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
Psalms 38:16 For I said, [Hear me], lest [otherwise] they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify [themselves] against me.Ver. 16. For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise, &c.] He spread their vile speeches before the Lord, as afterwards good Hezekiah did Rabshakeh’ s letter; and as it was said of Charles V., that he spake more to God than to men; so did David. His former silence, therefore, was not either from stupidity (a sheep bitten by a dog is as sensible thereof as a swine, though he make not so great a noise) or inability to make his own defence, if it had been to any purpose, for he was both innocent and eloquent; but he thought it far better to sustain himself in faith and patience, and meekly to commit himself to God in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator. Besides, he feared lest if he spake at all in this case, he should speak unadvisedly with his lips (as it is very easy to exceed), and so give occasion to the enemy to triumph, as the Papists did over Luther, for his hot and hasty speeches. When my foot slippeth] Or, When my tongue lasheth out in the least, they desire no other sport, but lay it in my dish as a foul disgrace. My motto, therefore, shall be, and my practice according, Taceo, Fero, Spero, I say nothing, but suffer, and hope for better.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
(16) Lest.—It is better to carry on the force of the particle of condition: For I said, Lest they should rejoice over me: Lest, when my foot slipped, they should vaunt themselves against me.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
Verse 16. When my foot slippeth] They watched for my halting; and when my foot slipped, they rejoiced that I had fallen into sin!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:16
16. For I said, Lest they rejoice over me (R.V.). This was the plea which he urged in his prayer (Psalms 25:2; Psalms 35:19). The enemies of the godly man rejoice at his calamities, for they see in them a proof of God’s disfavour (Psalms 41:11). when my foot slippeth] Lit. is moved, a metaphor for misfortune of any kind (Psalms 13:4). magnify themselves] Cp. Psalms 35:26.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:16
For I said - This is the prayer to which he referred in the previous verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:16
16. Lest… they should rejoice over me—This is urged as the reason for the divine interference; or, if this verse should be made to connect with Psalms 38:14, it would be the reason for David’s
Sermons on Psalms 38:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |
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Feast at the Table by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a deep and personal commitment to Jesus. He uses the example of the apostle Paul, who despite experiencing supernatural encounte |
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Judgment Day by Steve Hill | In this sermon, the speaker addresses four different types of people: those who are close to the truth, those who are distant from the truth, those who are close to Jesus but not f |
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No Hiding Place by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes God's omniscience and the importance of sincere repentance and surrender to Him. It highlights the consequences of hidden sins and the need for genuine trans |
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The Gospel of Jesus Christ (s.n.e. Reformation Conference) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker presents a thought-provoking scenario to illustrate the concept of justice and forgiveness. He describes a situation where a person's family has been br |
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A Tour of Hell by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting the Gospel and turning to Christ. He warns that sudden death can take people away without warning, just as the Bibl |
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Revival Stories: Jonathan Edwards by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to study the lives of great men of God who have brought revival in their time. He encourages the audience to learn from their exper |