King James Version

What Does Psalms 38:11 Mean?

Psalms 38:11 in the King James Version says “My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. sore: Heb. stroke my kinsmen: or, my n...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 38:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

Read Psalms 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. Social isolation compounds physical suffering—lovers and friends (אֹהֵב רֵעַ, ohev rea, intimate companions) and kinsmen (קָרוֹב, qarov, near relatives) all stand aloof (עָמַד נֶגֶד, amad neged, position themselves opposite/apart) from his sore (נֶגַע, nega, plague/stroke).

The term nega can mean plague or divine stroke, suggesting ritual uncleanness that required separation (Leviticus 13:45-46). David's companions aren't merely uncomfortable—they're avoiding contamination. This prefigures Christ's abandonment: 'All the disciples forsook him and fled' (Matthew 26:56). The righteous sufferer experiences isolation as part of bearing sin's curse.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical purity laws mandated separation from those with certain skin diseases or discharges. If David's condition was deemed ritually unclean, even family would be required to maintain distance. This social death intensified the suffering—humans are made for community, and isolation was considered nearly as severe as physical death.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has facing consequences of sin led to social isolation? How did you respond spiritually?
  2. How does others' avoidance of those in disgrace reveal human fear of contamination versus Christ's solidarity with sinners?
  3. Who in your community is experiencing 'sores' (public failure, scandal, shame) that causes others to 'stand aloof'—and how might you draw near instead?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֹֽהֲבַ֨י׀1 of 8

“My lovers”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וְרֵעַ֗י2 of 8

“and my friends”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

מִנֶּ֣גֶד3 of 8

“aloof from”

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

נִגְעִ֣י4 of 8

“my sore”

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

עָמָֽדוּ׃5 of 8

“stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

וּ֝קְרוֹבַ֗י6 of 8

“and my kinsmen”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

מֵרָחֹ֥ק7 of 8

“afar off”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

עָמָֽדוּ׃8 of 8

“stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

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 38:11 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 38:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:11Luke 23:49Job 19:13-17Psalms 88:18Luke 10:31-32Luke 22:54

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 38 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 38 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes