Psalms 38:6
Psalms 38:6 in Multiple Translations
I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning.
I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
I am pained and bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
I am troubled, I am made low; I go weeping all the day.
I am bent over, doubled up in pain. The whole day I walk around crying my eyes out.
I am bowed, and crooked very sore: I goe mourning all the day.
I have been bent down, I have been bowed down — unto excess, All the day I have gone mourning.
I am in pain and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all day long.
I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
Behold thou hast made my days measurable: and my substance is as nothing before thee. And indeed all things are vanity: every man living.
Sometimes I am bent over, and sometimes I lie prostrate; I am sad/cry all day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:6
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 38:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִבְאִ֣ישׁוּ
נָ֭מַקּוּ
חַבּוּרֹתָ֑/י
מִ֝/פְּנֵ֗י
אִוַּלְתִּֽ/י
הִבְאִ֣ישׁוּ
bâʼash
H887
to stink
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
נָ֭מַקּוּ
mâqaq
H4743
to rot
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
חַבּוּרֹתָ֑/י
chabbûwrâh
H2250
wound
N-fp | Suff
מִ֝/פְּנֵ֗י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אִוַּלְתִּֽ/י
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 38:6
הִבְאִ֣ישׁוּ
bâʼash
H887
"to stink"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to smell bad or stink, and can also mean to be morally offensive. It is used to describe something or someone that is disgusting or wicked.
Definition: 1) to have a bad smell, stink, smell bad 1a) (Qal) to stink, smell bad 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to become odious 1b2) to make oneself odious 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stink, emit a stinking odour 1c2) to cause to stink 1c3) of wickedness (fig.) 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself odious 2) (TWOT) to abhor
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Samuel 27:12; Psalms 38:6.
נָ֭מַקּוּ
mâqaq
H4743
"to rot"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This word means to rot or decay, like a wound festering or something molding away. It is used to describe a process of deterioration or corruption. The word is used in various contexts, including physical and moral decay.
Definition: 1) to decay, pine away, rot, fester 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to fester (of wounds) 1a2) to rot, rot away 1a3) to moulder away 1a4) to pine away 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rot
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: consume away, be corrupt, dissolve, pine away. See also: Leviticus 26:39; Ezekiel 4:17; Psalms 38:6.
חַבּוּרֹתָ֑/י
chabbûwrâh
H2250
"wound"
N-fp | Suff
A wound or bruise is a hurtful mark on the body, like the stripes on Jesus' back after He was beaten. The prophet Isaiah describes the wounds of the Messiah in his writings.
Definition: bruise, stripe, wound, blow Aramaic equivalent: cha.vu.lah (חֲבוּלָא "crime" H2248)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: blueness, bruise, hurt, stripe, wound. See also: Genesis 4:23; Proverbs 20:30; Psalms 38:6.
מִ֝/פְּנֵ֗י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אִוַּלְתִּֽ/י
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
- Sermons on Psalms 38:6
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
4For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear.
5My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly.
6I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning.
7For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body. 8I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 30:28 | I go about blackened, but not by the sun. I stand up in the assembly and cry for help. |
| 2 | Psalms 35:14 | I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother. |
| 3 | Psalms 42:9 | I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” |
| 4 | Psalms 31:10 | For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away. |
| 5 | Psalms 145:14 | The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. |
| 6 | Psalms 42:5 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. |
| 7 | Psalms 43:2 | For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression? |
| 8 | Psalms 57:6 | They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 88:9 | My eyes grow dim with grief. I call to You daily, O LORD; I spread out my hands to You. |
| 10 | Psalms 6:6 | I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. |
Psalms 38:6 Summary
In Psalms 38:6, the Psalmist is describing how he feels because of his sins - he's feeling sad, weak, and humble. He's walking around all day feeling this way, which shows how much his sins are weighing him down, similar to how David felt in Psalms 51:8. This verse teaches us that when we sin, it can make us feel really down and sad, but God is always near to us and wants to help us, as promised in Psalms 34:18. By acknowledging our sins and turning to God, we can find comfort and healing, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'bent and brought low' in Psalms 38:6?
To be 'bent and brought low' means to be humbled and weakened, often as a result of suffering or guilt, as seen in Psalms 38:6, similar to how the Psalmist felt in Psalms 51:8, where he asked God to restore the joy of his salvation.
Why is the Psalmist mourning all day long?
The Psalmist is mourning all day long because of the weight of his sins, which have overwhelmed him, as mentioned in Psalms 38:4, and the pain and suffering that come with them, similar to the emotional pain expressed in Job 30:28.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance?
This verse shows that true repentance involves a deep sense of sorrow and humility, as seen in the Psalmist's mourning, and a willingness to acknowledge and turn from one's sins, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9.
What can we learn from the Psalmist's emotional state in this verse?
We can learn that it's okay to not be okay, and that God is near to the brokenhearted, as promised in Psalms 34:18, and that He can bring comfort and healing to those who are suffering, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself and acknowledge my sins, just like the Psalmist in Psalms 38:6?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of sorrow and repentance for my sins, and what role does mourning play in this process?
- In what ways can I apply the Psalmist's example of honesty and vulnerability in my own relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 38:6 and other psalms?
- What are some practical steps I can take to turn from my sins and seek God's forgiveness, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:6
I am troubled,.... Discomposed and perplexed in mind; his thoughts were disturbed and irregular, and in the utmost confusion and distress: this trouble was not only on account of the affliction that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:6
I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. I am troubled - Hebrew, ( `aawah (H5753)), na`ªweetiy (H5753) - literally, 'I am made to writhe;' I am in contortions.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
Troubled, Heb. distorted, or depressed; or, as it is expressed by another word, signifying the same thing, bowed down, to wit, in my body, as diseased persons commonly are, and withal dejected in my mind. I go mourning, Heb. in black, the sign of mourning, which may here signify the thing, as signs oft do. When for my ease I rise out of my bed and walk, or rather creep about in my chamber, I do it with a sad heart and dejected countenance. Or if he did walk further, his disease had some intervals and mitigations. Or going may be here meant of his languishing, or going towards the grave, as this same word is used, , compared with .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
Psalms 38:6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. Ver. 6. I am troubled (Heb. wryed;) I am bowed down, &c.] Incurvus et prorsus obstipus, atroque vultu squallidus, vix corpus traho, I am a pitiful poor creature, and in a most heavy condition, as appeareth by my gait, my gesture, my looks, and habit. See Psalms 35:14.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
(6) I am troubled.—Better, I am made to writhe (see margin), I am bowed down exceedingly, All day long I go about squalid. (See Psalms 35:14, and comp. Isaiah 21:3.) The usual Oriental signs of mourning are alluded to in the last clause.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
Verse 6. I am troubled] In mind. I am bowed down - in body. I am altogether afflicted, and full of distress.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:6
6. I am bent, I am bowed down exceedingly, as one whose frame is contracted and drawn together by pain, or whose gestures indicate mental anguish. Cp. Psalms 35:14; Isaiah 21:3. Notice the vigorous archaism wried in A.V. margin, i.e. twisted. mourning] In the guise of a mourner. See note on Psalms 35:14. In later times at any rate it was customary for the accused to appear before the court in mourning. “Whosoever comes before this court of the Sanhedrin to take his trial, presents himself in the guise of humility and fear, appealing to your compassion, with hair neglected, and clad in black garments.” (Josephus, Antiq. xiv. 9. 3). If the custom prevailed in earlier times, in mourning garb may suggest that he feels himself, like Job, under the divine accusation. Cp. Zechariah 3:1 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:6
I am troubled - Margin, “wearied.” The Hebrew word means to bend, to curve; then, to be distorted, to writhe with pain, convulsions, and spasms.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:6
6. I am troubled—Literally, I was bent, or writhed. I am bowed down greatly—The writhing pains of his body caused him to bend together, and this was in sympathy with his dejected soul.
Sermons on Psalms 38:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of encouraging oneself in the Lord, acknowledging that even the most faithful believers experience pain, confusion, and sorrow. He uses th |
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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 |
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Mourning Over Sin and Hatred of It by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about the importance of mourning over sin and hatred of it, emphasizing the need for true repentance and contrition before God. He contrasts the fleeting plea |
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Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer | James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract |
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Do You Really Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for a quickening of the body, spirit, and mind to deliver the word of God effectively. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to |
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Oh My Soul by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on two important questions asked by Jesus in Mark's Gospel. The first question is about the value of gaining the whole world but losing one's ow |
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After the Frost by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding hope and trust in God during times of mourning and despair, reminding believers that God's faithfulness surpasses all fears and disappointm |