Psalms 38:14
Psalms 38:14 in Multiple Translations
I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply.
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
Yea, I am as a man that heareth not, And in whose mouth are no reproofs.
So I was like a man whose ears are shut, and in whose mouth there are no sharp words.
Like a man who can't hear, and who doesn't reply—that's me!
Thus am I as a man, that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofes.
Yea, I am as a man who heareth not, And in his mouth are no reproofs.
Yes, I am as a man who doesn’t hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs.
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
O forgive me, that I may be refreshed, before I go hence, and be no more.
I act like a man who does not answer when people talk to him, because he cannot hear anything.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:14
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 38:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
כְ֭/חֵרֵשׁ
לֹ֣א
אֶשְׁמָ֑ע
וּ֝/כְ/אִלֵּ֗ם
לֹ֣א
יִפְתַּח
פִּֽי/ו
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
כְ֭/חֵרֵשׁ
chêrêsh
H2795
deaf
Prep | Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וּ֝/כְ/אִלֵּ֗ם
ʼillêm
H483
mute
Conj | Prep | Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִפְתַּח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
פִּֽי/ו
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 38:14
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
כְ֭/חֵרֵשׁ
chêrêsh
H2795
"deaf"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, chêrêsh means being deaf, whether physically or spiritually. It describes someone who cannot hear or is unresponsive to a message.
Definition: deaf
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: deaf. See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 29:18; Psalms 38:14.
לֹ֣א
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.
אֶשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וּ֝/כְ/אִלֵּ֗ם
ʼillêm
H483
"mute"
Conj | Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is mute or unable to speak, often translated as dumb. In the Bible, it is used to describe people who are unable to communicate verbally, like the man healed by Jesus.
Definition: mute, silent, dumb, unable to speak
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dumb (man). See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 35:6; Psalms 38:14.
לֹ֣א
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.
יִפְתַּח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
פִּֽי/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:14
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
- Sermons on Psalms 38:14
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
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.
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 5:13 | Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil. |
| 2 | John 8:6 | They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger. |
| 3 | Mark 15:3–5 | And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!” But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply. |
| 4 | Micah 7:5 | Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. |
Psalms 38:14 Summary
[Psalms 38:14 means that the psalmist is choosing to be quiet and not respond to the mean things people are saying about him, and instead, he is trusting in God to take care of him. This is similar to what it says in Proverbs 26:4, where it advises us not to answer a fool according to his folly. By being silent, the psalmist is showing that he trusts in God's power and goodness, just like it says in Psalms 37:7-8. This is an important lesson for us today, because it reminds us that we don't have to fight back or defend ourselves when people are mean to us, but instead, we can trust in God to take care of us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist say he is like a man who cannot hear in Psalms 38:14?
The psalmist says this because he is choosing to ignore the harmful words of his enemies, just as Proverbs 26:4 advises us not to answer a fool according to his folly, and instead, he is waiting on God for a response, as seen in Psalms 38:15.
Is the psalmist literally unable to hear or speak in Psalms 38:14?
No, the psalmist is using a figure of speech to describe his decision to remain silent and not engage with those who seek to harm him, similar to how Jesus remained silent before His accusers, as recorded in Matthew 27:12-14.
What does it mean for the psalmist's mouth to offer no reply in Psalms 38:14?
This means that the psalmist is choosing not to retaliate or respond to the evil words and actions of his enemies, but instead, he is trusting in God's sovereignty and waiting for Him to act, as expressed in Psalms 37:7-8.
How can we apply the principle of Psalms 38:14 to our own lives?
We can apply this principle by choosing to remain silent and not engage with those who seek to harm or provoke us, and instead, trust in God's goodness and wait for Him to act on our behalf, just as it is written in Romans 12:14-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel like I am being attacked or maligned, and how can I choose to respond in a way that honors God?
- How can I cultivate the discipline of silence and trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult or trying circumstances?
- What does it mean for me to 'wait on God' in the midst of hardship or persecution, and how can I practically live out this principle in my daily life?
- How can I balance the need to defend myself or my faith with the command to 'turn the other cheek' and not retaliate against those who seek to harm me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:14
Thus I was as a man that heareth not,.... Any thing that is said unto him; he took no more notice of it than if he had never heard it; but bore all the railings and calumnies of men with calmness and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:14
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
Or arguments, to convince or confute them, or to defend myself.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
Psalms 38:14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs.Ver. 14. Thus I was as a man that heareth not] He doubleth his speech, to show his holy pertinace in a prudent and patient silence, though greatly provoked. David was, as it is reported of Severus, the emperor, επιμεληςτωνπρακτεων, careful of what was to be done by him, but careless of what was said of him by others. As Augustus, he did but laugh at the satires and buffooneries published against him. He knew that as physical pills must not be chewed, but swallowed whole; so must many injuries and indignities, Convitia spreta exolescunt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
(14) Reproofs.—Better, replies or justifications, (For the whole passage comp. Isaiah 53:7.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
Verse 14. No reproofs.] תוכחות tochachoth, arguments or vindications; a forensic term. I was as a man accused in open court, and I could make no defence.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:14
14. Yea, I am become like a man that hath no hearing; And in whose mouth are no arguments. No arguments for his own defence. Cp. Job 23:4, where Job desires to argue with God.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:14
Thus I was as a man that heareth not - The sentiment in the former verse is repeated here to show the greatness of his patience and forbearance, or to fix the attention on the fact that one who was
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:14
14. No reproofs—The term is judicial, as in Job 23:4, and signifies defence, justification. It is here plural: “I was as a man in whose mouth are no justifications,” no grounds or arguments of defence. Comp. Psalms 39:9.
Sermons on Psalms 38:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Under Authority and Having Authority by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living under God's authority, focusing on leading others to eternal life. It highlights the need to prioritize obedience to God's will, hum |
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John's Gospel - After Condemnation, What? by John Vissers | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a story from the Bible where Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders set a trap for Jesus by bringing the woman to |
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Mark by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various passages from the book of Mark in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of giving cheerfully and sacrificially, using the example o |
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He Answered Nothing by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the powerful example of Jesus remaining silent in the face of false accusations and mistreatment, showcasing the strength found in stillness and tr |
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When a Man's Enemies Are the Members of His Own Household by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel delivers a powerful sermon on the painful reality of facing opposition from one's own family when choosing to follow Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship may l |
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Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit |
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Luke 14 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby expounds on Luke 14, illustrating God's distributive justice and the importance of humility and grace. He emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, a |