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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Psalms 38  › Psalms 38:18

Psalms 38:18

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Psalms 38:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

King James Version KJV

For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

American Standard Version ASV

For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I will make clear my wrongdoing, with sorrow in my heart for my sin.

Free Bible Version FBV

I do confess my sins; I am terribly sorry for what I've done.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

When I declare my paine, and am sory for my sinne,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For mine iniquity I declare, I am sorry for my sin.

World English Bible WEB

For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For I will declare my iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

Translation for Translators T4T

I confess the wrong things that I have done; I am very sorry for the sins that I have committed.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:18

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 38:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי אֲ֭נִי לְ/צֶ֣לַע נָכ֑וֹן וּ/מַכְאוֹבִ֖/י נֶגְדִּ֣/י תָמִֽיד
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
אֲ֭נִי ʼănîy H589 I Pron
לְ/צֶ֣לַע tselaʻ H6761 stumbling Prep | N-ms
נָכ֑וֹן kûwn H3559 to establish V-Niphal
וּ/מַכְאוֹבִ֖/י makʼôb H4341 pain Conj | N-ms | Suff
נֶגְדִּ֣/י neged H5048 before Prep | Suff
תָמִֽיד tâmîyd H8548 continually N-ms
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 38:18

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.
אֲ֭נִי ʼănîy H589 "I" 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.
לְ/צֶ֣לַע tselaʻ H6761 "stumbling" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means stumbling or limping, and it's used to describe adversity or hardship. It appears in the Bible as a metaphor for difficulties in life. In the KJV, it's translated as adversity or halt.
Definition: limping, stumbling
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: adversity, halt(-ing). See also: Psalms 35:15; Psalms 38:18; Jeremiah 20:10.
נָכ֑וֹן kûwn H3559 "to establish" V-Niphal
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
וּ/מַכְאוֹבִ֖/י makʼôb H4341 "pain" Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word describes physical or mental pain, like sorrow or grief. It is used in the Bible to express deep emotional or physical hurt. The KJV translates it as grief, pain, or sorrow.
Definition: 1) pain, sorrow 1a) pain (physical) 1b) pain (mental)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: grief, pain, sorrow. See also: Exodus 3:7; Ecclesiastes 2:23; Psalms 32:10.
נֶגְדִּ֣/י 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.
תָמִֽיד tâmîyd H8548 "continually" N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.

Study Notes — Psalms 38:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 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 Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
3 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.
4 Psalms 51:3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
5 2 Corinthians 7:7–11 and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more. Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it, I now see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time. And now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
6 Job 31:33 if I have covered my transgressions like Adam by hiding my guilt in my heart,

Psalms 38:18 Summary

[Psalms 38:18 is about being honest with God and ourselves about our sins, which is the first step towards healing and forgiveness, as we see in 1 John 1:9. When we confess our sins, we acknowledge that we have done something wrong and take responsibility for it. This verse encourages us to be truthful about our mistakes, just like David was, and to trust in God's love and mercy to forgive us, as promised in Psalms 103:12, which says that as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to confess iniquity, as mentioned in Psalms 38:18?

To confess iniquity means to acknowledge and admit our sins, taking responsibility for them, just as David did in this verse, and as encouraged in Proverbs 28:13, which says that whoever conceals their sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

Why is the psalmist troubled by his sin?

The psalmist is troubled by his sin because he understands the gravity of his actions and the pain it causes God, as seen in Ephesians 4:30, which reminds us not to grieve the Holy Spirit with our actions.

How does this verse relate to forgiveness and salvation?

This verse is a step towards forgiveness and salvation, as it shows the psalmist taking responsibility for his actions and acknowledging his need for forgiveness, which is in line with 1 John 1:9, where it says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

What can we learn from the psalmist's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of humility and honesty in our relationship with God, recognizing that our sins have consequences, but through confession and repentance, we can find forgiveness and healing, as demonstrated in Psalms 32:5, where David says that he acknowledged his sin to God, and God forgave the guilt of his sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some sins in my life that I need to confess and turn away from, just like the psalmist in Psalms 38:18?
  2. How does my understanding of God's character and love affect my willingness to confess my sins?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of confessing my iniquity, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and relationships?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of taking responsibility for my actions and their consequences?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:18

For 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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:18

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:18

Declare 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.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:18

Psalms 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

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:18

(18) Sorry.—The note of true penitence is here. The sorrow is for the sin itself, not for its miserable results.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:18

Verse 18. I will declare mine iniquity] I will confess it with the deepest humiliation and self-abasement.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:18

18. 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.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:18

For 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.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:18

18. Another sad recurrence to, and confession of, the moral cause of all his sufferings.

Sermons on Psalms 38:18

SermonDescription
R. Edward Miller Audio Sermon: No Tears by R. Edward Miller This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing God to break through our emotional barriers, encouraging the expression of genuine emotions before God. It highlights the signific
Tim Conway Deliberate Holiness by Tim Conway This sermon focuses on Psalms 119:57 where David declares, 'The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words.' The speaker emphasizes the importance of deliberate holiness, bei
Thomas a Kempis Confessing Our Weakness in the Miseries of Life by Thomas a Kempis Thomas a Kempis reflects on the struggles of a disciple who confesses his weaknesses, battles temptations, and laments the constant conflicts between the flesh and the spirit. He q
Thomas Brooks Then the Mud Appears by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's severe judgments serve as a wake-up call for individuals and nations to cease from sin and return to Him. He illustrates that God's corrections
Octavius Winslow For I Will Declare Mine Iniquity by Octavius Winslow Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a broken heart for sin throughout the Christian journey, illustrating that godly sorrow is not a one-time experience but a
Jim Cymbala A Bad Family Tree by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reason why Jesus had to come. He highlights the guilt and shame that sin brings and uses the story of Tamar
David Wilkerson Losing the Anointing - Part 1 (High Quality) by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the freedom from guilt of the past through surrendering to God, trading shackles for a glorious song. It highlights the importance of seeking the anointing o
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