Psalms 38:10
Psalms 38:10 in Multiple Translations
My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded.
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
My heart throbbeth, my strength faileth me: As for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
My heart goes out in pain, my strength is wasting away; as for the light of my eyes, it is gone from me.
My heart is racing, leaving me with no strength; my eyesight is failing.
Mine heart panteth: my strength faileth me, and the light of mine eyes, euen they are not mine owne.
My heart [is] panting, my power hath forsaken me, And the light of mine eyes, Even they are not with me.
My heart throbs. My strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me.
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of my eyes, that also is gone from me.
I was dumb, and I opened not my mouth, because thou hast done it.
My heat is pounding heavily, and all my strength is gone. I am no longer able to see well.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:10
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 38:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲֽדֹנָ/י
נֶגְדְּ/ךָ֥
כָל
תַּאֲוָתִ֑/י
וְ֝/אַנְחָתִ֗/י
מִמְּ/ךָ֥
לֹא
נִסְתָּֽרָה
אֲֽדֹנָ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
נֶגְדְּ/ךָ֥
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Suff
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
תַּאֲוָתִ֑/י
taʼăvâh
H8378
desire
N-fs | Suff
וְ֝/אַנְחָתִ֗/י
ʼănâchâh
H585
sighing
Conj | N-fs | Suff
מִמְּ/ךָ֥
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נִסְתָּֽרָה
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
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 38:10
אֲֽדֹנָ/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.
נֶגְדְּ/ךָ֥
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Suff
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
תַּאֲוָתִ֑/י
taʼăvâh
H8378
"desire"
N-fs | Suff
This word means desire or longing, and can refer to a positive or negative yearning. In the Bible, it is used to describe the desires of the heart, as seen in Psalm 38:9. It can also imply a delight or satisfaction.
Definition: 1) desire 1a) desire, wish, longings of one's heart 1a1) lust, appetite, covetousness (bad sense) 1b) thing desired, object of desire
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dainty, desire, [idiom] exceedingly, [idiom] greedily, lust(ing), pleasant. See also H6914 (קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה). See also: Genesis 3:6; Psalms 106:14; Psalms 10:3.
וְ֝/אַנְחָתִ֗/י
ʼănâchâh
H585
"sighing"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word describes the sound of someone sighing or groaning, often because they're sad or in pain. It's used in Exodus 2:23 to describe the Israelites' cries of distress.
Definition: sighing, groaning (expression of grief or physical distress)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: groaning, mourn, sigh. See also: Job 3:24; Psalms 102:6; Psalms 6:7.
מִמְּ/ךָ֥
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
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.
נִסְתָּֽרָה
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:10
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
- Sermons on Psalms 38:10
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
8I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 6:7 | My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes. |
| 2 | Psalms 88:9 | My eyes grow dim with grief. I call to You daily, O LORD; I spread out my hands to You. |
| 3 | Psalms 69:3 | I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:123 | My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, and for Your righteous promise. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:81–83 | My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word. My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I ask, “When will You comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin dried up by smoke, I do not forget Your statutes. |
| 7 | Isaiah 21:4 | My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight of my desire has turned to horror. |
| 8 | Psalms 143:4–7 | My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit. |
| 9 | Lamentations 5:16–17 | The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned! Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim— |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 14:27–29 | Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened. Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the troops with a solemn oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’ That is why the people are faint.” “My father has brought trouble to the land,” Jonathan replied. “Just look at how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. |
Psalms 38:10 Summary
This verse describes a time when King David felt completely overwhelmed and exhausted, both physically and emotionally. His heart was racing, his strength was gone, and he had lost his sense of joy and purpose, as if the 'light of his eyes' had faded. This can happen to anyone, even believers, and it's okay to feel this way and to bring our struggles to God in prayer, as seen in Psalms 38:9 and Philippians 4:6-7. By trusting in God's presence and care, we can find comfort and peace, even in the midst of pain and suffering, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the 'light of my eyes' to have faded?
This phrase is a metaphor for the loss of joy, hope, and vitality, as seen in the emotional and physical struggles described in Psalms 38:10, similar to the feelings of despair expressed in Job 17:15 and Lamentations 3:17.
Is it normal for a believer to experience such intense physical and emotional pain?
Yes, even godly people like King David, the writer of Psalms 38, experienced deep emotional and physical suffering, as seen in Psalms 38:10, and it is a common experience for believers throughout the Bible, such as in Job 2:7-8 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
How can I apply this verse to my own life when I'm feeling overwhelmed?
When feeling overwhelmed, remember that God is aware of your desires and struggles, as seen in Psalms 38:9, and He is near to the brokenhearted, as promised in Psalms 34:18 and Matthew 11:28-30.
What role does faith play in times of suffering and pain?
Faith plays a crucial role in times of suffering, as it allows us to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand our circumstances, as seen in Psalms 38:10 and Romans 8:28, and to trust in His promise to work all things for our good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like my 'heart pounds' and my 'strength fails', and how can I surrender these to God?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of Psalms 38:9 to my life, remembering that God is aware of my every desire and struggle?
- How can I, like King David, bring my pain and struggles to God in prayer, trusting in His presence and care, as seen in Psalms 38:10 and Hebrews 4:15-16?
- What are some ways I can 'groan in anguish of heart' to God, being honest about my struggles and emotions, and trusting in His comfort and peace, as seen in Romans 8:26 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:10
My heart panteth,.... Or "goes about" (m); runs here and there, and finds no rest; as Aben Ezra interprets the word from the Targum he cites; though the Targum we have renders it, "my heart shakes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:10
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. My heart panteth - palpitates. As for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me - literally, they also (are) not with me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
Panteth; or, goes round; wanders hither and thither, as the word signifies; is perplexed and tossed with many and various thoughts, not knowing what to do, nor whither to go. Mine eyes are grown dim; either through grief and tears, as @; or through weakness, as ,29.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
Psalms 38:10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.Ver. 10. My heart panteth] Heb. runneth about, or is tossed to and fro, circuivit cor meum, inordinate movetur, et non quiescit, saith Aben Ezra. The Hebrew word signifieth such a kind of motion as that of merchants, who run up and down from one country to another. Also the two last radicals are doubled; to note that it is more than an ordinary stirring and motion of the spirit, because it is not come to its rest. All earthly things to the soul are but as the air to the stone; can give it no stay till it come to God, the centre. As the circle is the most perfect figure, because it beginneth and endeth, the points do meet together, as (mathematicians give the reason) the last point meeteth in the first, from whence it came. So shall we never come to perfection or satisfaction (saith the reverend man) till our souls come to God, till God make the circle meet, &c. The wicked walk the round from one creature to another, Psalms 12:8, but they come not at God; and hence they are so dissatisfied. Return to thy rest (Heb. rests), saith David to his soul, that is, to God, to whom he here maketh his moan. Miser animus in varias subinde partes abreptus me deserit.
As for the light of mine eyes] That lumen ami cum of mine eyes is almost quite benighted.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
(10) Panteth.—Better, palpitates. The Hebrew word, like palpitate, expresses the beating of the heart, by its sound, secharchar.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
Verse 10. My heart panteth] סחרחר secharchar, flutters, palpitates, through fear and alarm. My strength faileth] Not being able to take nourishment. The light of mine eyes - is gone] I can scarcely discern any thing through the general decay of my health and vigour, particularly affecting my sight.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:10
10. panteth] R.V. excellently, throbbeth. as for the light of mine eyes &c.] His eyes are dim and dull with weakness and weeping. Cp. Psalms 6:7; Psalms 13:3, note; Psalms 31:9; Job 17:7; Lamentations 2:11.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:10
My heart panteth - The word rendered “panteth,” in its original form, means properly to go about; to travel around; and then, to travel around as a merchant or pedlar, or for purposes of traffic:
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:10
10. My heart panteth—Palpitates violently, as in high fever-heat. Light of mine eyes… is gone—The failing of sight by the force of sorrow and by exhaustion is complained of by Job 17:7.
Sermons on Psalms 38:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 31-40 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the trials and troubles that people face in life. He expresses his own personal grief and the reproach he has faced from enemies |
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Are You at the End of Yourself? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the spirit of discouragement as a powerful weapon used by Satan against believers, emphasizing that it can lead us to doubt our worthiness to serve God. H |
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Homily 3 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the selection of Matthias as an Apostle to replace Judas, emphasizing the importance of prayer, unity, and seeking God's guidance in making decisions. H |
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Hebrews 9:24-10:9 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the significance of Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing how He entered Heaven to appear in the presence of God for us, offering Himself once to put away |
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The Seventh Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the seventh degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of considering oneself lower and of less account than anyone else, not just in words b |
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Seven Words From the Cross - Obedience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the last words of Jesus on the cross, specifically focusing on the statement "I thirst." He emphasizes that even though it may seem like a |
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A Christian on Earth, Still in Heaven by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the spiritual paradise found in the Scriptures, particularly in the book of Psalms, which offers both delight and usefulness to every Christian. He hig |