Psalms 38:17
Psalms 38:17 in Multiple Translations
For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me.
My feet are near to falling, and my sorrow is ever before me.
For I'm about ready to collapse—the pain never stops.
Surely I am ready to halte, and my sorow is euer before me.
For I am ready to halt, And my pain [is] before me continually.
For I am ready to fall. My pain is continually before me.
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
I say that because I am about to fall down, and I constantly have pain.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:17
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 38:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
פֶּן
יִשְׂמְחוּ
לִ֑/י
בְּ/מ֥וֹט
רַ֝גְלִ֗/י
עָלַ֥/י
הִגְדִּֽילוּ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יִשְׂמְחוּ
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
בְּ/מ֥וֹט
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רַ֝גְלִ֗/י
regel
H7272
foot
N-fs | Suff
עָלַ֥/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
הִגְדִּֽילוּ
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
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 38:17
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: 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. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יִשְׂמְחוּ
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/מ֥וֹט
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
רַ֝גְלִ֗/י
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fs | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
עָלַ֥/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הִגְדִּֽילוּ
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:17
- Sermons on Psalms 38:17
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
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.”
17For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
18Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. 19Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 38:6 | I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. |
| 2 | Psalms 6:6 | I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. |
| 3 | Psalms 35:15 | But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing. |
| 4 | Micah 4:6–7 | “On that day,” declares the LORD, “I will gather the lame; I will assemble the outcast, even those whom I have afflicted. And I will make the lame into a remnant, and the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever. |
| 5 | Isaiah 53:3–5 | He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. |
| 6 | Psalms 77:2–3 | In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah |
Psalms 38:17 Summary
This verse means that the writer feels like they are about to fall apart and are in constant pain, but they are crying out to God for help. It's like when we feel overwhelmed and don't know what to do, but we can turn to God and ask for His support, just like the psalmist does in Psalms 38:15. The writer is being honest about their struggles, and this is something we can learn from, as seen in Psalms 51:17, where the importance of a broken and contrite heart is emphasized. By being honest with God and with others, we can find comfort and healing in our times of struggle, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'ready to fall' in Psalms 38:17?
To be 'ready to fall' means the psalmist feels like they are on the verge of collapse, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, much like Job felt in Job 1:1-22, and is crying out to God for help.
Why does the psalmist say their pain is 'ever with me'?
The psalmist's pain is a constant companion, a reminder of their suffering and a call to seek comfort in God, as expressed in Psalms 119:67, where the writer says 'Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word'
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is part of the psalmist's lament, where they express their struggles and cry out to God for help, as seen in Psalms 38:15-16, and sets the stage for their confession of sin in Psalms 38:18
What can we learn from the psalmist's honesty about their struggles?
The psalmist's honesty teaches us that it's okay to be vulnerable with God and with others, as seen in Psalms 51:17, where the writer says 'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am 'ready to fall', and how can I cry out to God for help?
- How do I respond to constant pain or struggle in my life, and what can I learn from the psalmist's example?
- What are some ways I can be honest with God and with others about my struggles, and how can this lead to healing and growth?
- How can I balance my desire for self-sufficiency with my need for God's help and support, as expressed in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:17
For I [am] ready to halt,.... Meaning either that there was a proneness in him to sin; see Jeremiah 20:10; or that he was subject to affliction and adversity, as the same word is rendered in Psalms
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:17
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I am ready to halt - perpetually I am all but so disabled as not to stand upright and walk anymore. So Psalms 35:15, margin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:17
Ready to halt; just falling into utter destruction; see ; and therefore if thou dost not help me speedily, it will be too late. My sorrow is continually before me; I am deeply and constantly sensible of thy just hand, and of my sins, the cause of it; wherewith I shall be overwhelmed, if thou dost not prevent it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:17
Psalms 38:17 For I [am] ready to halt, and my sorrow [is] continually before me.Ver. 17. For I am ready to halt] i.e. To misbehave mysetf and so to mar a good cause by ill-managing it, and then what will become of thy great name? This is a very forcible motive to prevail with a jealous and just God. And my sorrow is continually before me] That is, my sin, as Ecclesiastes 11:10 : or, my sorrow, but much more my sin the cause of it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:17
Verse 17. For I am ready to halt] Literally, I am prepared to halt. So completely infirm is my soul, that it is impossible for me to take one right step in the way of righteousness, unless strengthened by thee.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:17
17. For &c.] A further argument for a speedy hearing. For the metaphor cp. Psalms 35:15. my sorrow &c.] I.e. my suffering is unceasingly present with me. Cp. Psalms 51:3.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:17
For I am ready to halt - Margin, as in Hebrew, “for halting.” The word from which the word used here is derived means properly to lean on one side, and then to halt or limp.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:17
17. I am ready to halt—The idea is, literally, My fall is certain; that is, humanly speaking, nothing is left for me but inevitable ruin, or help from God.
Sermons on Psalms 38:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Burden of Hidden Sin by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the heavy burden of hidden sin as exemplified by King David, whose unconfessed sin led to severe consequences in his health, mind, and spirit. This turmo |
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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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The Power of Tears by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a passion for the harvest, which refers to reaching out to people with the message of God. He encourages listeners t |
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Hebrews 12:14-17 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, peace, and holiness in Christianity, quoting Jesus and Paul to highlight the significance of following peace with all men and pur |