Psalm 38:4-6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 38:1-11

The title of this psalm is very observable; it is a psalm to bring to remembrance; the 70th psalm, which was likewise penned in a day of affliction, is so entitled. It is designed, 1. To bring to his own remembrance. We will suppose it penned when he was sick and in pain, and then it teaches us that times of sickness are times to bring to remembrance, to bring the sin to remembrance, for which God contended with us, to awaken our consciences to deal faithfully and plainly with us, and set our... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 38:4

For mine iniquities are gone over mine head ,.... Like an inundation of waters, as the waves and billows of the sea; for the waters to come up to the neck or chin shows great danger; but when they go over the head the case is desperate, and a person is sinking and drowning; compare with this Psalm 69:1 ; the simile may denote both the number and weight of sins, and also signifies the overwhelming distress the psalmist was in, under a view of them; as an heavy burden, they are too heavy... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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 same word is used as here; Christ's black and blue stripes and wounds, as the word signifies, are the healing of ours, both of sins, and of the effects of them; which, to a sensible sinner, are as nauseous and loathsome as an old wound that is festered and corrupt; because of my foolishness... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 38:6

I am troubled ,.... Discomposed and perplexed in mind; his thoughts were disturbed and irregular, and in the utmost confusion and distress: this trouble was not only on account of the affliction that was upon him, but chiefly because of his sin; and which was increased by the view he had of the displeasure of God, concluding he was come forth against him in wrath and fury; I am bowed down greatly ; not in his body, at least not in that only, as if he was bowed together by his disorder,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:4

Mine iniquities are gone over mine head - He represents himself as one sinking in deep waters, or as one oppressed by a burden to which his strength was unequal. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:5

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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:6

I am troubled - In mind. I am bowed down in body. I am altogether afflicted, and full of distress. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:4

Verse 4 4.For my iniquities have passed over my head. Here he complains that he is overwhelmed by his sins as by a heavy burden, so that he utterly faints under their weight; and yet he again confirms the doctrine which we have already stated, that he deservedly suffered the wrath of God, which had been inflicted on him in a manner so severe and dreadful. The word עון, avon, which we have translated iniquities, no doubt often signifies punishment, but this is only in a secondary and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:5

Verse 5 5My wounds (50) have become putrid In this verse, he pleads the long continuance of his disease as an argument for obtaining some alleviation. When the Lord declares, concerning his Church, “that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins,” (Isaiah 40:2) his meaning is, that when he has sufficiently chastised his people, he is quickly pacified towards them; nay, more, that if he continue to manifest... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:6

Verse 6 6I am bent This description clearly shows that this holy man was oppressed with extreme grief, so much so, that it is marvellous how, under such a vast accumulation of miseries, his faith was sufficiently strong to bear up his mind. When he says bowed down, he seems tacitly to contrast his humility and dejection with the pride and stubbornness of many, who refuse to be humbled by the many chastisements with which God afflicts them, but rather harden themselves, daring to resist and... read more

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