King James Version

What Does Psalms 38:10 Mean?

Psalms 38:10 in the King James Version says “My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. is gone: Heb. is not w...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. is gone: Heb. is not with me”

Psalms 38:10 · KJV

Strength

Context

8

I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

9

Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

10

My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. is gone: Heb. is not with me

11

My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. sore: Heb. stroke my kinsmen: or, my neighbours

12

They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

Read Psalms 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. Three losses: heart panteth (סָחַר, sachar, whirls/races), strength faileth (כֹּחַ, koach, vigor depleted), light of eyes gone (dimmed vision). The vital centers—emotional, physical, perceptual—all compromised.

The panting heart suggests either fear or exhaustion. The depleted koach echoes Samson's loss of strength (Judges 16:17). The dimmed eyes recall Eli's failing vision before judgment fell (1 Samuel 3:2). David experiences compound loss—but addresses it all to God ('before thee' v.9), transforming complaint into confession. Even in darkness, he speaks toward the Light.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Loss of vision was particularly dreaded in ancient world, associated with old age, divine judgment, or demon possession. Warriors depended on keen eyesight. A king whose eyes 'went dark' would be seen as unfit to rule. David's vulnerability here is profound—he risks political consequences by admitting weakness.

Reflection Questions

  1. When your spiritual 'heart is panting' and 'strength fails,' where do you turn—inward to manage or upward to confess?
  2. How do you maintain hope when the 'light of your eyes' (clarity, vision, direction) has gone dark?
  3. What does David's willingness to voice total depletion to God teach about authentic prayer versus 'victorious' pretense?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
לִבִּ֣י1 of 10

“My heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

סְ֭חַרְחַר2 of 10

“panteth”

H5503

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

עֲזָבַ֣נִי3 of 10

“faileth”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

כֹחִ֑י4 of 10

“my strength”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

וְֽאוֹר5 of 10

“me as for the light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

עֵינַ֥י6 of 10

“of mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

גַּם7 of 10
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵ֝֗ם8 of 10

“it”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֵ֣ין9 of 10

“also is gone”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אִתִּֽי׃10 of 10
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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 38:10 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 38:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 6:7Psalms 88:9Psalms 69:3Lamentations 5:16-17Psalms 119:123Psalms 42:1

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