Psalms 38:12
Psalms 38:12 in Multiple Translations
Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long.
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, And meditate deceits all the day long.
Those who have a desire to take my life put nets for me; those who are designing my destruction say evil things against me, all the day their minds are full of deceit.
Those who are trying to kill me set traps for me; those who want to hurt me make threats against me, working on their deceitful schemes all day long.
They also, that seeke after my life, laye snares, and they that go about to do me euil, talke wicked things and imagine deceite continually.
And those seeking my soul lay a snare, And those seeking my evil Have spoken mischievous things, And they do deceits meditate all the day.
They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long.
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me : and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
Thou hast corrected man for iniquity. And thou hast made his soul to waste away like a spider: surely in vain is any man disquieted.
And those who want to kill me set traps to catch me; those who want to harm me discuss ways to get rid of me; they plot against me all day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:12
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 38:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹֽהֲבַ֨/י
וְ/רֵעַ֗/י
מִ/נֶּ֣גֶד
נִגְעִ֣/י
יַעֲמֹ֑דוּ
וּ֝/קְרוֹבַ֗/י
מֵ/רָחֹ֥ק
עָמָֽדוּ
אֹֽהֲבַ֨/י
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal | Suff
וְ/רֵעַ֗/י
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Conj | N-mp | Suff
מִ/נֶּ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
נִגְעִ֣/י
negaʻ
H5061
plague
N-ms | Suff
יַעֲמֹ֑דוּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וּ֝/קְרוֹבַ֗/י
qârôwb
H7138
near
Conj | Adj | Suff
מֵ/רָחֹ֥ק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Prep | Adj
עָמָֽדוּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 38:12
אֹֽהֲבַ֨/י
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
וְ/רֵעַ֗/י
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
מִ/נֶּ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
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.
נִגְעִ֣/י
negaʻ
H5061
"plague"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a plague or disease, like leprosy. It is used in Leviticus to describe the effects of sin and in Deuteronomy to warn against disobedience. The word can also mean a wound or a spot.
Definition: 1) stroke, plague, disease, mark, plague spot 1a) stroke, wound 1b) stroke (metaphorical of disease) 1c) mark (of leprosy)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: plague, sore, stricken, stripe, stroke, wound. See also: Genesis 12:17; Leviticus 13:55; Psalms 38:12.
יַעֲמֹ֑דוּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
וּ֝/קְרוֹבַ֗/י
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Conj | Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
מֵ/רָחֹ֥ק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
עָמָֽדוּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:12
- Sermons on Psalms 38:12
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
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.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:20 | For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land. |
| 2 | Psalms 140:5 | The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 17:1–3 | Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 16:7–8 | And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!” |
| 5 | Psalms 54:3 | For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life— men with no regard for God. Selah |
| 6 | Psalms 141:9 | Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:110 | The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from Your precepts. |
| 8 | Psalms 64:2–5 | Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. |
| 9 | Psalms 35:4 | May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plan to harm me be driven back and confounded. |
| 10 | Psalms 10:9 | He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. |
Psalms 38:12 Summary
Psalms 38:12 tells us that there are people who want to hurt the Psalmist, not just physically but also with their words and actions. They are constantly thinking of ways to harm him, which can be a very scary and lonely experience. However, as believers, we can trust in God's presence and protection, just like the Psalmist, and remember that He is our rock and refuge in times of trouble (Psalms 46:1 and Isaiah 41:10). We can also find comfort in knowing that we are not alone, and that God is always with us, even in the midst of hardship and persecution (Hebrews 13:5 and Matthew 28:20).
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of people is the Psalmist referring to in Psalms 38:12?
The Psalmist is referring to those who seek to harm him, both physically and emotionally, as seen in their actions of laying snares and speaking destruction, similar to what is described in Psalms 35:7 and Jeremiah 18:22.
How often are these people plotting against the Psalmist?
According to Psalms 38:12, these individuals are plotting deceit all day long, indicating a constant and relentless effort to harm the Psalmist, much like the wicked in Proverbs 10:23.
Is this verse only talking about physical harm or can it also refer to emotional or spiritual harm?
While the verse does mention laying snares, which could imply physical harm, the speaking of destruction and plotting of deceit suggests that emotional and spiritual harm are also in view, as seen in Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Corinthians 11:3.
How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of persecution?
Psalms 38:12 fits into the larger biblical narrative of the righteous suffering persecution, as seen in Matthew 5:10-12 and 2 Timothy 3:12, where believers are promised that they will face hardship because of their faith in God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that you have experienced spiritual or emotional attacks from others, and how did you respond to them?
- How can you trust in God's sovereignty and provision when faced with enemies who seek to harm you, as encouraged in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
- In what ways can you be an encouragement and support to others who are facing persecution or hardship, as exhorted in Galatians 6:2 and Hebrews 10:24?
- What are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself from the deceitful plots of others, while still maintaining a spirit of love and forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Colossians 3:13?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:12
They also that seek after my life,.... His avowed and implacable enemies, whom nothing would satisfy but the taking away of his life: these came too near him; for these, he says, lay snares [for me],
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:12
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. They also that seek after my life lay snares for me. Malice in deed.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:12
Lay snares for me; that if my disease do not kill me, they may destroy me some other way. Imagine deceits; they design mischief, but cover it with fair pretences.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:12
Psalms 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.Ver. 12. They also that seek after my life] That seek and would suck my blood. As his friends were slack to help him, so his foes were active to hurt him. This David relateth before the Lord, that he may pity him, and be so much the more engaged to him; for he knew that where human help faileth divine beginneth. Speak mischievous things] Exitialia, such things as wring from me that lamentable voice, Woe and Alas, woeful evils, δεεϊ from δει, voce σχετλιαστικη. And imagine deceits] Or, Murmur.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:12
Verse 12. They also that seek after my life] They act towards me as huntsmen after their prey; they lay snares to take away my life. Perhaps this means only that they wished for his death, and would have been glad to have had it in their power to end his days. Others spoke all manner of evil of him, and told falsities against him all the day long.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:12
12. Pitiless enemies beset him. Comp. Psalms 35:4; Psalms 35:26. mischievous things] Lit. destructions. See note on Psalms 5:9. imagine] Lit. meditate. Contrast Psalms 37:26; Psalms 37:30.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:12
They also that seek after my life - This was a new aggravation of his affliction, that those who were his enemies now sought to accomplish their purposes against him with better hopes of success, by
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:12
12. They… that seek… my life—This is David’s first allusion to his enemies. Speak… imagine—They circulated evil reports and meditated— secretly concocted—evil designs against the government.
Sermons on Psalms 38:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Proud Have Hid a Snare by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the importance of being aware of the enemies we face when following God's path. He highlights the need to rely on the Bible for guidanc |
|
The Happy Man 07 Expressions-Saved Soul by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus and his ability to see in the dark. He uses the example of Peter walking on water and how Jesus |
|
Psalm 54 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the Psalmist's deep distress and his unwavering faith in God's help. David, surrounded by enemies and facing betrayal, turns to God for salvation, invoking Hi |
|
Beware of a Satanic Set-Up by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the urgency of the times, stating that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. He urges the listeners to cast off the work |
|
|
An Epistle on Good Order. by John Banks | In this sermon on deception, the preacher delves into the Greek word 'planao' meaning 'to wander astray', emphasizing how various influences like false teachers, signs, and even on |
|
"The Suffering of Christ From John's Gospel" ch.17:1 by Charles Alexander | In this sermon on John 17 and 18, the preacher delves into the profound significance of Jesus' words and actions leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals His |
|
Secrets of Happy Home Life by J.R. Miller | Greek Word Studies preaches about the dangers of trickery, using the term 'kubeia' to illustrate how some manipulate the Word of God for personal gain, similar to loaded dice used |