King James Version
What Does Psalms 38:14 Mean?
“Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.”
Psalms 38:14 · KJV
Context
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.
14
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15
For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. in: or, thee do I wait for hear: or, answer
16
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. David reinforces v.13's silence—he becomes one who heareth not (לֹא שֹׁמֵעַ, lo shomea) and offers no reproofs (תּוֹכָחוֹת, tokachot, corrections/arguments). He refuses both to receive false accusations and to issue counter-accusations.
This restraint is not passive resignation but active submission to God's judgment. The absence of tokachot (same root as the Spirit's 'reproof' in John 16:8) means David won't usurp the Spirit's role. He trusts God to convict, correct, and vindicate. Self-defense often stems from pride; silence from humble confidence in divine justice.
This restraint is not passive resignation but active submission to God's judgment. The absence of tokachot (same root as the Spirit's 'reproof' in John 16:8) means David won't usurp the Spirit's role. He trusts God to convict, correct, and vindicate. Self-defense often stems from pride; silence from humble confidence in divine justice.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient legal proceedings often devolved into shouting matches where the loudest voice won. Proverbs repeatedly warns against the 'contentious' person (Proverbs 26:21). David's silence would shock observers accustomed to vigorous self-defense. This restraint demonstrates royal wisdom—a king secure in his true Judge doesn't need to win earthly courts.
Reflection Questions
- What situations tempt you to offer 'reproofs' and self-justifications when silence would demonstrate greater trust?
- How do you distinguish between appropriate self-defense and the prideful need to 'win' arguments?
- When has choosing to 'hear not' malicious voices freed you to hear God's voice more clearly?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsוָאֱהִ֗י1 of 8
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּ֭אִישׁ2 of 8
“Thus I was as a man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 8
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא4 of 8
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שֹׁמֵ֑עַ5 of 8
“that heareth”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּ֝פִ֗יו7 of 8
“not and in whose mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
תּוֹכָחֽוֹת׃8 of 8
“are no reproofs”
H8433chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
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 38:14 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 38:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge