King James Version

What Does Psalms 38:22 Mean?

Psalms 38:22 in the King James Version says “Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. to: Heb. for my help” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. to: Heb. for my help”

Psalms 38:22 · KJV

Salvation

Context

20

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

21

Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

22

Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. to: Heb. for my help

Read Psalms 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Make haste to help me (חוּשָׁה לְעֶזְרָתִי, chushah le-ezrati)—Chush means hurry, hasten; ezrah is help, aid. The imperative expresses desperate urgency. O Lord my salvation (אֲדֹנָי תְּשׁוּעָתִי, Adonai teshu'ati)—Adonai (Lord, Master) with teshu'ah (salvation) in possessive form: "my salvation" is not abstract but a Person.

This moves from pleading ("forsake not," v. 21) to confident confession. Despite feeling forsaken, David knows God's character. The urgency reflects human desperation; the title reflects theological conviction. This tension characterizes biblical lament—honest emotion submitted to revealed truth. For Christians, "Lord my salvation" points to Christ himself (Luke 2:30, Acts 4:12).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israelite worship welcomed lament as legitimate prayer. Unlike pagan religions demanding stoic acceptance, YHWH invites the afflicted to cry out urgently. The Psalter includes more laments than any other genre, validating human suffering while directing it toward divine help.

Reflection Questions

  1. How comfortable are you praying with urgent, desperate language like "make haste"?
  2. What does it mean practically to confess God as "my salvation" rather than merely "a savior"?
  3. How does ending with confident confession reframe the entire lament and transform perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
ח֥וּשָׁה1 of 4

“Make haste”

H2363

to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment

לְעֶזְרָתִ֑י2 of 4

“to help”

H5833

aid

אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י3 of 4

“me O Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

תְּשׁוּעָתִֽי׃4 of 4

“my salvation”

H8668

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

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 38:22 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 38:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 40:13Psalms 27:1Isaiah 12:2Psalms 71:12Psalms 141:1Psalms 70:1

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