King James Version

What Does Psalms 38:18 Mean?

Psalms 38:18 in the King James Version says “For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.”

Psalms 38:18 · KJV

Context

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

20

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

Read Psalms 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. David commits to two actions: declare iniquity (נָגַד עָוֹן, nagad avon, make known perversity) and be sorry (דָּאַג, da'ag, be anxious/grieved) for sin (חַטָּאת, chatta't, missing the mark). Confession plus contrition—both public acknowledgment and internal grief.

The future tense 'I will' signals resolve to continue what he's already begun. Nagad implies open declaration, not private admission—David won't hide or minimize. Da'ag conveys anxious grief, the godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). This verse demonstrates the penitent's proper posture: transparent confession + genuine contrition, without excuse or self-justification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Israel, confession could be private (to God) or public (before community), depending on the sin's nature. David's public sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) required public acknowledgment. Psalm 51, likely written after Nathan's confrontation, exemplifies this transparent confession. Concealed sin perpetuates curse; declared sin opens the door to forgiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'iniquity' do you need to 'declare' (confess openly) rather than keeping private between you and God?
  2. How does true 'sorrow for sin' differ from regret over consequences or embarrassment at being caught?
  3. Why does genuine repentance require both confession (verbal acknowledgment) and contrition (emotional grief)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
כִּֽי1 of 5
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֲוֹנִ֥י2 of 5

“mine iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אַגִּ֑יד3 of 5

“For I will declare”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

אֶ֝דְאַ֗ג4 of 5

“I will be sorry”

H1672

be anxious

מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי׃5 of 5

“for my sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

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 38:18 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 38:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 28:13Psalms 32:5Job 33:27Psalms 51:32 Corinthians 7:7-11Job 31:33

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