King James Version
What Does Psalms 38:17 Mean?
“For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. to halt: Heb. for halting”
Psalms 38:17 · KJV
Context
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.
17
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. to halt: Heb. for halting
18
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
19
But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. are lively: Heb. being living, are strong
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFor I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. David acknowledges precarious position: ready to halt (נָכוֹן לִצְלֹעַ, nakon litslo'a, prepared for limping/stumbling), and sorrow continually before me (מַכְאוֹב נֶגְדִּי תָמִיד, mak'ov negdi tamid, pain opposite me always). This isn't self-pity but sober self-assessment.
The limping/halting posture suggests both physical weakness and moral vulnerability—one wrong step and he'll fall completely. The sorrow continually before me means perpetual consciousness of failure. Unlike denial or minimizing, David maintains awareness of his condition. This honest acknowledgment of weakness is prerequisite to receiving grace—God gives grace to the humble who know their need (James 4:6).
The limping/halting posture suggests both physical weakness and moral vulnerability—one wrong step and he'll fall completely. The sorrow continually before me means perpetual consciousness of failure. Unlike denial or minimizing, David maintains awareness of his condition. This honest acknowledgment of weakness is prerequisite to receiving grace—God gives grace to the humble who know their need (James 4:6).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient warfare made limping warriors vulnerable to finishing blows from enemies. A 'halting' king couldn't lead troops or flee danger. The metaphor captures David's total dependence on God for stability. His 'readiness to halt' admits he's one blow away from collapse—only God's sustaining hand prevents total ruin.
Reflection Questions
- How do you maintain awareness of your moral vulnerability ('ready to halt') without sliding into morbid introspection?
- What role does continual remembrance of past sin play in maintaining humility and dependence on grace?
- When is consciousness of 'sorrow continually before me' healthy conviction versus unhealthy inability to receive forgiveness?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsכִּֽי1 of 7
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָכ֑וֹן4 of 7
“For I am ready”
H3559properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
נֶגְדִּ֣י6 of 7
H5048a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
תָמִֽיד׃7 of 7
“is continually”
H8548properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
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 38:17 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 38:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge