Psalms 38:20
Psalms 38:20 in Multiple Translations
Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
They also that render evil for good Are adversaries unto me, because I follow the thing that is good.
They give me back evil for good; they are my haters because I go after the thing which is right.
They pay me back evil for good; they accuse me for the good I try to do.
They also, that rewarde euill for good, are mine aduersaries, because I follow goodnesse.
And those paying evil for good accuse me, Because of my pursuing good.
They who give evil for good are also adversaries to me, because I follow what is good.
They also that render evil for good are my adversaries; because I follow the thing that is good.
Those who do evil things to me in return for my doing good things to them oppose me because I try to do what is right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:20
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 38:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְֽ֭/אֹיְבַ/י
חַיִּ֣ים
עָצֵ֑מוּ
וְ/רַבּ֖וּ
שֹׂנְאַ֣/י
שָֽׁקֶר
וְֽ֭/אֹיְבַ/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
חַיִּ֣ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
עָצֵ֑מוּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
be vast
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/רַבּ֖וּ
râbab
H7231
to multiply
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שֹׂנְאַ֣/י
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal | Suff
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 38:20
וְֽ֭/אֹיְבַ/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
חַיִּ֣ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
עָצֵ֑מוּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
"be vast"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to shut one's eyes tightly or to become powerful, and can also mean to break or crunch bones. It is used in various contexts, including in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The idea of being strong is central to this word.
Definition: 1) to be vast, be numerous, be mighty 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be mighty 1a2) to be numerous 1b) (Hiphil) to make strong, make mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er). See also: Genesis 26:16; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 38:20.
וְ/רַבּ֖וּ
râbab
H7231
"to multiply"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to multiply or increase, used in Genesis to describe God's promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous.
Definition: 1) to be or become many, be or become much, be or become great 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be or become many 1a2) to be or become great 1a3) to be long (of journey) 2) (Pual) ten thousands
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: increase, be many(-ifold), be more, multiply, ten thousands. See also: Genesis 6:1; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 3:2.
שֹׂנְאַ֣/י
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:20
- Sermons on Psalms 38:20
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
18Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.
20Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.
21Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God. 22Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:12 | They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. |
| 2 | 1 John 3:12 | Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 18:20 | Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them. |
| 4 | Psalms 109:3–5 | They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love. |
| 5 | John 10:32 | But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?” |
| 6 | 1 Peter 4:14–16 | If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 19:4–6 | Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 23:12 | So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 7:4 | if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 23:5 | Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah. |
Psalms 38:20 Summary
[This verse is saying that sometimes, when we do good things for people, they might actually turn against us and do bad things to us. This can be really hurtful and confusing, but we can trust that God is still with us and cares about us, as seen in Psalms 38:21-22. We can also remember that Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as seen in Matthew 5:44. By following God's principles and trusting in His goodness, we can respond to these situations in a way that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people repay good with evil?
According to the Bible, people repay good with evil because of the sinful nature that resides within them, as seen in Psalms 38:20 and Romans 3:23. This is a result of the fall of humanity in Genesis 3:1-7.
What does it mean to pursue the good?
Pursuing the good means to follow after righteousness and do what is pleasing to God, as seen in Psalms 38:20 and Micah 6:8. It involves living a life that is guided by God's principles and commands, such as those found in Exodus 20:1-17.
How can I respond when people attack me for doing good?
When people attack us for doing good, we can respond by trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalms 38:20-22 and Psalm 23:4. We can also pray for our enemies and bless those who persecute us, as taught in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28.
Is it normal to experience persecution for following God?
Yes, it is normal to experience persecution for following God, as seen in Psalms 38:20 and 2 Timothy 3:12. Jesus Himself was persecuted, and He taught that His followers would also face persecution, as seen in John 15:20 and Matthew 5:10-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced people repaying my good with evil, and how did I respond?
- How can I practically pursue the good in my daily life, and what are some obstacles that might hinder me from doing so?
- What are some Bible verses that encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness when faced with persecution or attacks from others?
- In what ways can I pray for my enemies and bless those who persecute me, as taught in Scripture?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:20
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries,.... [See comments on Psalms 35:12]; because I follow [the thing that] good [is]; or "follow good"; a good God, whom his soul followed hard
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:20
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:20
They render evil for good; they hate and persecute me, not only without any injury or provocation on my part, but as it were in requital of the good which I have done to them. Because I follow the thing that good is; because I love and diligently practise justice and godliness, which they hate, and which they take to be a reproach to them, and which I did exercise, as I had opportunity, in the punishment of such as they are. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:20
Psalms 38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow [the thing that] good [is].Ver. 20. They also that render evil for good] While they rejoice at my misery, who fasted for them in their adversity, Psalms 35:15. Are mine adversaries] Heb. They satanically hate me, as if they were transformed into so many breathing devils. Because I follow the thing that good is] This was devil-like indeed; this was to hate and persecute God in David (Tertul.). Thus Cain, the devil’ s patriarch, hated his brother Abel, and slew him. And why? "Because his own works were evil, and his brother’ s righteous," 1 John 3:12. For like cause Moab fretted at Israel, Numbers 22:3-4, and the courtiers at Daniel, Psalms 6:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:20
Verse 20. Because l follow the thing that good is.] The translation is as bad as the sentence is awkward. תחת רדפי טוב tachath rodpi tob, because I follow goodness. There is a remarkable addition to this verse in the Arabic: "They have rejected me, the beloved one, as an abominable dead carcass; they have pierced my body with nails." I suppose the Arabic translator meant to refer this to Christ. None of the other Versions have any thing like this addition; only the AEthiopic adds, "They rejected their brethren as an unclean carcass." St. Ambrose says this reading was found in some Greek and Latin copies in his time; and Theodoret has nearly the same reading with the Arabic: Καιαπερῥιψανμετοναγαπητον, ῳςνεκρονεβδελυγμενον· "And they cast me, the beloved, out, as an abominable dead carcass." Whence this reading came I cannot conjecture.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:20
20. Yea, and rewarding evil for good They are adversaries unto me, for my following of good. Not, in return for my pursuit of good in general, but, in return for the good I have striven to do for them. The point is their base ingratitude. Cp. Psalms 35:12-13, note.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:20
They also that render evil for good - They whose characteristic it is to return evil for good, are opposed to me. This implies that those who were now seeking his ruin had been formerly benefitted by him.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:20
20. Render evil for good—This, as well as wrongfully, in Psalms 38:19, defines their character, (see Psalms 35:12,) and shows that David’s sin did not lie against his subjects, beyond the moral
Sermons on Psalms 38:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 4:11-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis. He highlights how Cain's sin of offering an unacceptable sacrifice to God led to him be |
|
Sin Crouching at the Door by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon delves into the urgent need to address the issue of sin as a barrier to revival, emphasizing the importance of mastering sin through Christ. It explores the story of Ca |
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An Enemy in the Neighborhood by Warren Wiersbe | This sermon delves into the parable of the chairs in Matthew chapter 13, highlighting the dual sowers at work in the world - Jesus sowing good seed and Satan sowing counterfeits. I |
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The Truth Will Set You Free by John Piper | This sermon delves into the importance of recognizing our need for Jesus as the ultimate liberator, highlighting how various evasive measures like ethnicity, religion, and moral su |
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Stewardship - Part 3 by David Adams | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the legacy that Adam left to his sons, which was the instruction to approach unto God. He explains that this legacy was a result of Adam's fai |
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The More Excellent Sacrifice by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the contrasting lives of Abel and Cain, emphasizing Abel's faith and obedience in offering a sacrifice that pleased God, while Cain's self-will, pride, and un |
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1 John 3:12 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of brotherly love by contrasting it with the hatred exemplified by Cain, who, influenced by evil, murdered his brother Abel out of envy. Gill ex |