King James Version

What Does Psalms 38:1 Mean?

Psalms 38:1 in the King James Version says “A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.”

Psalms 38:1 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2

For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

3

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. rest: Heb. peace, or, health

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. David opens this penitential psalm (one of seven) with urgent plea—not to escape discipline, but to avoid divine wrath (חֵמָה, chemah, burning fury) versus corrective chastening (יָסַר, yasar, discipline). The covenant name LORD (יהוה, YHWH) appeals to God's steadfast love.

The parallel structure—wrath/hot displeasure, rebuke/chasten—intensifies the plea. David distinguishes between a father's loving correction (Hebrews 12:6) and judicial condemnation. His prayer acknowledges deserved judgment while seeking mercy within covenant relationship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 38 is a Maschil (instructional psalm) and one of seven penitential psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). The superscription 'to bring to remembrance' suggests liturgical use for memorial offerings. David likely wrote this during illness and social isolation caused by sin, possibly during Absalom's rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's fatherly discipline differ from fearing His judicial wrath change your view of conviction?
  2. When you experience consequences of sin, do you appeal to God's covenant love or try to negotiate your way out?
  3. What does David's willingness to accept chastening (but not wrath) teach about proper repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יְֽהוָ֗ה1 of 6

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אַל2 of 6
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

בְּקֶצְפְּךָ֥3 of 6

“me not in thy wrath”

H7110

a splinter (as chipped off)

תוֹכִיחֵ֑נִי4 of 6

“rebuke”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

וּֽבַחֲמָתְךָ֥5 of 6

“me in thy hot displeasure”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

תְיַסְּרֵֽנִי׃6 of 6

“neither chasten”

H3256

to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 38:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 38:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 54:8Hebrews 12:5-11Psalms 6:1Psalms 70:1Jeremiah 30:11Jeremiah 10:24

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