Psalms 38:18 — Word Study
WLCכִּֽי־ עֲוֹנִ֥י אַגִּ֑יד אֶ֝דְאַ֗ג מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי׃
BSAYeskîy
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כִּֽי־ | for | Particle |
| עֲוֹנִ֥י | iniquity my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אַגִּ֑יד | I tell | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect first person common singular |
| אֶ֝דְאַ֗ג | I am anxious | Verb, Qal, imperfect first person common singular |
| מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי׃ | from sin my | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. |
| KJV | For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. |
| ASV | For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. |
| YLT | For mine iniquity I declare, I am sorry for my sin. |
| WEB | For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin. |
| BBE | I will make clear my wrongdoing, with sorrow in my heart for my sin. |
Where they part company is עֲוֹנִ֥י — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause presents the act of confession, with a subordinate clause expressing the emotional response to that confession.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbצֶלַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 38:18
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Lament of the Sufferinggenerated
Psalm 38:18 is a heartfelt expression of the psalmist's anguish over his sin and iniquity. He openly confesses his wrongdoing, revealing a deep sense of sorrow and anxiety about the consequences of his actions. This verse is situated within a larger lament where the psalmist grapples with his suffering, as seen in the preceding and following verses, which highlight his physical and emotional distress.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 32:5 | Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah |
| 2 | Psalm 51:3 | For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. |
| 3 | Job 31:33 | if I have covered my transgressions like Adam by hiding my guilt in my heart, |
| 4 | Job 33:27 | Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved. |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֲוֹנִ֥י, 'a.vo.Nigenerated
The word עָוֹן (avon) refers to iniquity or moral evil, indicating a state of guilt or wrongdoing. It emphasizes the moral implications of sin and the associated consequences, both in this life and in relation to God.
As a noun in the construct state, it connects directly to the speaker, indicating personal ownership of the sin. The psalmist's use of this term highlights his awareness of his moral failings and the need for confession.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb אַגִּ֑יד ('a.Gid), meaning 'I tell', governs the main clause, while the phrases that follow elaborate on the speaker's confession and emotional state. The structure emphasizes the act of confession as central to the psalmist's experience.
The syntax places the confession first, highlighting its importance, while the emotional response follows, showing the connection between acknowledgment of sin and the resultant anxiety.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew עֲוֹן is rendered as ἁμαρτία (hamartia), which translates to 'sin'. This choice reflects a broader understanding of moral failure and its implications in the context of the psalmist's lament.
This translation indicates a shift from a focus on iniquity to a more general term for sin, which may suggest a wider application of the concept in the Greek-speaking Jewish community.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 38:18 captures the psalmist's deep sorrow as he confesses his sin and acknowledges his iniquity. He expresses anxiety over his wrongdoing, highlighting the emotional weight of his actions and their impact on his relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The term 'iniquity' refers to moral evil or wrongdoing, indicating a state of guilt that affects one's relationship with God.
The psalmist's anxiety stems from his awareness of sin and its consequences, which causes him to reflect on his moral state and relationship with God.
Yes, confession is crucial as it signifies the psalmist's acknowledgment of his sin, which is a step towards seeking forgiveness and healing.
This verse echoes themes found in other passages, such as Psalm 32:5 and Psalm 51:3, which also emphasize the importance of acknowledging one's sin before God.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can acknowledge my own shortcomings and seek forgiveness?
- How does understanding my sin impact my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I express my sorrow for my wrongdoings?
- How can I support others in their journey of confession and healing?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers referenced this verse in discussions about sin and repentance. Their quotations reflect on the nature of confession and the mercy of God.
If you see your servant confessing his own sins and offering himself voluntarily to punishment, will you be moved, forgive him, and doubt the mercy of the Lord? The judge himself,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 38 →
"And my sorrow is continually before me." What "sorrow" is that? Perhaps, a sorrow for my scourge. And, in good truth, my brethren, in good truth, let me say unto you, men do mourn for their scourges,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 38 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 38:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleFor I will declare mine iniquity,.... Either to men, to ease his mind, justify God in his proceedings with him, and for their caution and admonition: or rather to God, against whom he had sinned, and
Read John Gill on Psalms 38 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryFor I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 38 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleDeclare mine iniquity; either to thee; or publicly to the world, because my sin hath been public and scandalous. I will be sorry, Heb. I will be (or, I am; futures being oft so taken) solicitous or anxious; full of grief for what is past, and of cares and fears for the future; partly lest I should relapse into the same folly upon new temptations; and partly lest thou shouldst cut me off for my sins. Therefore pity, and pardon, and save me. For my sin; or, by reason of my sin, or upon that occasion.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 38 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 38:18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.Ver. 18. For I will declare mine iniquity] To them that visit me in this disease, saith Aben Ezra, that they may pray for me, according to James 5:16; or rather to God, that he may pardon me and ease me. Or thus, When I declare, &c. Then
Read John Trapp on Psalms 38 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) Sorry.—The note of true penitence is here. The sorrow is for the sin itself, not for its miserable results.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 38 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 18. I will declare mine iniquity] I will confess it with the deepest humiliation and self-abasement.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 38 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. For &c.] Sin, he confesses, is the cause of that suffering. I will be sorry] Or, I will be troubled. Jer. sollicitus ero: Psalms 5:1. contristabor.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 38 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleFor I will declare mine iniquity - That is, he was not disposed to hide his sin. He would make no concealment of the fact that he regarded himself as a sinner.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 38 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.
Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
Yes, I confess my wrongdoing, and I am concerned about my sins.
Tyndale line
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
For I will declare my iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
When I declare my paine, and am sory for my sinne,
Strictly literal
For I will declare mine iniquity, I am grieved for my sin.
For mine iniquity I declare, I am sorry for my sin.
For I declare my iniquity, || I am sorry for my sin.
(38:19) For I will tell of my iniquity; I will be grieved because of my sin.
I confess my guilt; I am concerned about my sin.
Simplified
I do confess my sins; I am terribly sorry for what I've done.
I will make clear my wrongdoing, with sorrow in my heart for my sin.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the core wording of the verse, with both recognizing the psalmist's confession of iniquity. The Dead Sea Scrolls provide a partial restoration but align closely with the Masoretic Text, affirming the authenticity of the confession and the emotional turmoil expressed.
כִּֽי־ עֲוֹנִ֥י אַגִּ֑יד אֶ֝דְאַ֗ג מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
כי אני לצלע [נכון] ומכאב׳י נגד׳י תמיד
5 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 1 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 38:18
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--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.
כִּי (ki) — for.
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
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
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)
Conj — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
עָוֹן (avon) refers to iniquity, guilt, or the punishment associated with iniquity. It encompasses concepts of moral evil, such as perversity and depravity, and includes the consequences or punishment for these actions. The term appears in contexts like 2 Kings 7:9 and Psalm 51:5, highlighting its significance in discussions of sin and guilt.
עָוֹן n.m. iniquity, guilt, or punishment of iniquity
base
H5771 עָוֹן iniquity, guilt, or punishment of iniquity
5771 `avon aw-vone'
or oavown (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (7)) {aw-vone'}; from
5753; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil:--fault, iniquity,
mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin.
see HEBREW for 07
see HEBREW for 05753
עָוֺן (a.van) — iniquity: crime.
: crime
1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity
1a) iniquity
1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition)
1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
עָוֺן (a.van) — iniquity: guilt.
: guilt
1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity
1a) iniquity
1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition)
1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
עָוֺן (a.van) — iniquity: punishment.
: punishment
1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity
1a) iniquity
1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition)
1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
HNcmsc/Sp1bs — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
נָגַד (nagad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to declare or tell, with implications of being conspicuous or manifesting something. It covers a range of meanings including to announce, report, and make known, often through spoken word. The entries indicate that it can also mean to expose or predict, and in the Hophil form, it refers to something being told or reported.
[נָגַד] 363 vb. be conspicuous
Hiph. declare, tell
Hoph. be told, announced, reported
base
H5046 נָגַד be conspicuous . declare, tell
. be told, announced, reported
5046 nagad naw-gad'
a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out
opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest;
figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one
present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain,
praise:--bewray, X certainly, certify, declare(-ing),
denounce, expound, X fully, messenger, plainly, profess,
rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, X surely, tell, utter.
נָגַד (na.gad) — to tell.
1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known
1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare
1a1) to tell, announce, report
1a2) to declare, make known, expound
1a3) to inform of
1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim
1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess
1a5a) messenger (participle)
1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
HVhi1cs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect first person common singularHVhi1cs
See TALE.
דָּאַג (da'ag) is a primitive root meaning to be anxious or concerned. It encompasses feelings of fear and dread, as well as the act of taking thought or being careful. The entries consistently highlight its emotional and mental aspects without significant disagreement.
דָּאַג vb. be anxious, concerned, fear
base
H1672 דָּאַג be anxious, concerned, fear
1672 da'ag daw-ag'
a primitive root; be anxious:--be afraid (careful, sorry),
sorrow, take thought.
דָּאַג (da.ag) — be anxious.
1) to fear, be anxious, be concerned, be afraid, be careful
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be anxious, be concerned
1a2) to fear, dread
HVqi1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singularHVqi1cs
חַטָּאָה (chatta'ah) refers to sin and encompasses various aspects such as the condition of sin, guilt, punishment, and sin-offering. It can denote both the act of sinning and the consequences, including purification from ceremonial uncleanness. The term is built from the root word for offense and is used in contexts relating to sin and its expiation.
H2403a חַטָּאָה sin, sin-offering(?) . sin
. sin-offering
H2403b חַטָּאת sin, sin-offering . sin
. condition of sin, guilt of sin
. punishment for sin
. sin-offering
. purification from sins of ceremonial uncleanness
2403 chatta'ah khat-taw-aw'
or chattacth {khat-tawth'}; from 2398; an offence (sometimes
habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or
expiation; also (concretely) an offender:--punishment (of
sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering).
see HEBREW for 02398
חַטָּאָה (chat.ta.ah) — sin.
sin, sinful thing
חַטָּאת (chat.tat) — sin.
: sin
1) sin, sin offering
1a) sin
1b) condition of sin, guilt of sin
1c) punishment for sin
1d) sin-offering
1e) purification from sins of ceremonial uncleanness
חַטָּאת (chat.tat) — sin: sin offering.
: sin_offering
1) sin, sin offering
1a) sin
1b) condition of sin, guilt of sin
1c) punishment for sin
1d) sin-offering
1e) purification from sins of ceremonial uncleanness
חַטָּאת (chat.tat) — sin: punishment.
: punishment/purification
1) sin, sin offering
1a) sin
1b) condition of sin, guilt of sin
1c) punishment for sin
1d) sin-offering
1e) purification from sins of ceremonial uncleanness
HR/Ncfsc/Sp1bs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncfsc/Sp1bs
