Psalms 38:5
Psalms 38:5 in Multiple Translations
My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly.
My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
My wounds are loathsome and corrupt, Because of my foolishness.
My wounds are poisoned and evil-smelling, because of my foolish behaviour.
My wounds are infected—they're smelling—all because of my stupidity.
My woundes are putrified, and corrupt because of my foolishnes.
Stunk — become corrupt have my wounds, Because of my folly.
My wounds are loathsome and corrupt because of my foolishness.
My wounds are offensive, and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
I spoke with my tongue: O Lord, make me know my end. And what is the number of my days: that I may know what is wanting to me.
Because I have done foolish things, I have sores that have become worse, and they stink.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 38:5
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 38:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
עֲ֭וֺנֹתַ/י
עָבְר֣וּ
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
כְּ/מַשָּׂ֥א
כָ֝בֵ֗ד
יִכְבְּד֥וּ
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֲ֭וֺנֹתַ/י
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cp | Suff
עָבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
כְּ/מַשָּׂ֥א
massâʼ
H4853
burden
Prep | N-ms
כָ֝בֵ֗ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Adj
יִכְבְּד֥וּ
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
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 38:5
כִּ֣י
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.
עֲ֭וֺנֹתַ/י
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
עָבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
כְּ/מַשָּׂ֥א
massâʼ
H4853
"burden"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a message from God, like a prophecy or oracle, often given through a prophet. It can also mean a burden or a song. It appears in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God speaks through prophets to His people.
Definition: 1) load, bearing, tribute, burden, lifting 1a) load, burden 1b) lifting, uplifting, that to which the soul lifts itself up 1c) bearing, carrying 1d) tribute, that which is carried or brought or borne
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: burden, carry away, prophecy, [idiom] they set, song, tribute. See also: Exodus 23:5; Isaiah 13:1; Psalms 38:5.
כָ֝בֵ֗ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
יִכְבְּד֥וּ
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Psalms 38:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 38:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
- Sermons on Psalms 38:5
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
3There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin.
4For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear.
5My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly.
6I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. 7For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 69:5 | You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 8:22 | Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored? |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:5–6 | Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? Your head has a massive wound, and your whole heart is afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness— only wounds and welts and festering sores neither cleansed nor bandaged nor soothed with oil. |
| 4 | Psalms 38:7 | For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body. |
| 5 | Psalms 32:3 | When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. |
Psalms 38:5 Summary
[Psalms 38:5 tells us that when we sin, it can cause deep spiritual pain and hurt, like an open wound that won't heal. This is because our sin separates us from God, who is the source of all healing and comfort (Isaiah 59:2). When we recognize our sinful folly and bring it to God, He can forgive us and begin the healing process (1 John 1:9). By acknowledging our sin and seeking God's forgiveness, we can begin to experience healing and restoration, just like the psalmist did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for wounds to be 'foul and festering' in Psalms 38:5?
This phrase is a metaphor for the severe spiritual and emotional pain caused by sin, as seen in the context of the verse, where the speaker's iniquities have overwhelmed them (Psalms 38:4).
How does sinful folly lead to festering wounds?
Sinful folly, or foolish behavior, leads to spiritual wounds that can become infected and painful, much like physical wounds, as described in Proverbs 14:9, where it says 'Fools mock at making amends for sin'.
Is it common for believers to experience physical symptoms due to spiritual struggles?
Yes, the Bible often describes physical symptoms as a result of spiritual struggles, such as in Psalms 32:3-4, where David's bones wasted away due to unconfessed sin.
How can we apply Psalms 38:5 to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing the consequences of our sinful actions and seeking forgiveness and healing from God, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9, which says 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing 'foul and festering' wounds due to sinful folly?
- How have I been trying to hide or cope with my spiritual wounds, rather than bringing them to God for healing?
- What steps can I take to seek forgiveness and restoration from God, and to prevent further spiritual injury?
- In what ways can I use my experiences of spiritual struggle to help others who may be going through similar challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 38:5
My wounds stink, [and] are corrupt,.... Meaning his sins, which had wounded him, and for which there is no healing but in a wounded Saviour, and by his stripes we are healed, Isaiah 53:5; where the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 38:5
My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. My wounds ... are corrupt ( naamaquw (H4743)) - literally, melt away. Because of my foolishness - perverse sin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
The bruises and sores caused by my disease are not only painful, but loathsome to myself and to others. Foolishnss, i.e. sin, which really is, and is commonly called, folly, as 14:17 15:2, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
Psalms 38:5 My wounds stink [and] are corrupt because of my foolishness.Ver. 5. My wounds stink and are corrupt] What his grief or disease was we read not; some say the leprosy; some take all this allegorically. The word rendered wounds, signifieth stripes, scars, wales, Livores vibices tumices, mattery sores, running ulcers, the effects of the envenomed arrows of the Almighty. Could we but foresee what sin will cost us we durst not but be innocent. That we do not is extreme foolishness, as David here acknowledgeth. Because of my foolishness] In not considering beforehand the heinousness of my sin nor the heaviness of the divine displeasure. The word signifieth unadvised rashness, Proverbs 14:17, and it is probable he meaneth his great sin with Bathsheba, wherein he was miscarried by his lusts to his costs. See Psalms 107:17-18. Because of my foolishness, i.e. Quia non praeveni Nathanem confessione, saith R.
Obadiah, because I anticipated not Nathan’ s coming, by a voluntary confession of my sin unto the Lord.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
(5) Wounds.—Better, stripes, as in LXX. Stink and are corrupt.—Both words denote suppuration; the first in reference to the offensive smell, the second of the discharge of matter; the whole passage recalls Isaiah 1:6, seq.Foolishness.—Men are generally even more loth to confess their folly than their sins.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
Verse 5. My wounds stink and are corrupt] Taking this in connection with the rest of the Psalm, I do not see that we can understand the word in any figurative or metaphorical way. I believe they refer to some disease with which he was at this time afflicted; but whether the leprosy, the small pox, or some other disorder that had attacked the whole system, and showed its virulence on different parts of the outer surface, cannot be absolutely determined. Because of my foolishness.] This may either signify sin as the cause of his present affliction, or it may import an affliction which was the consequence of that foolish levity which prefers the momentary gratification of an irregular passion to health of body and peace of mind.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 38:5
5. My wounds] Or stripes (= bruises, Isaiah 1:6, A.V.): for he has been as it were scourged by God. my foolishness] Sin is essentially foolishness. Cp. Psalms 107:17. The word occurs only once again in the Psalter (Psalms 69:5), and elsewhere only in Proverbs, where it is common (e.g. Proverbs 5:23; Proverbs 19:3).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 38:5
My wounds stink - The word rendered “wounds” here means properly the swelling or wales produced by stripes. See the notes at Isaiah 1:6; notes at Isaiah 53:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 38:5
5. Wounds—The description is that of a suppurated running sore, of offensive odour, and should here be understood literally.
Sermons on Psalms 38:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Heaviness of Sin by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being convicted by the Holy Spirit and allowing God to peel away the layers of sin in one's life. He expresses his concern |
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John 13:36-14:7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the fervent love of Peter towards Jesus, as seen in his desire to follow Him even when told he cannot, and how this love was tested through Peter's d |
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Homily 24 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:14-17, emphasizing the importance of being equipped with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, |
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1 Timothy 1:5-7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of genuine love, faith, and a pure heart in following God's commandments, warning against the dangers of vain pursuits and false teachings |
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The Lord Our Healer - Part 2 by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches about the comprehensive redemption provided by the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing that His sacrifice not only atones for past sins but also delivers believe |
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Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As |
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Broken or Brokenness by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession. He mentions how young people are leaving their careers to go to the mission field because of the |