King James Version
What Does Psalms 38:22 Mean?
“Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. to: Heb. for my help”
Psalms 38:22 · KJV
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
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryMake 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).
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).
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- How comfortable are you praying with urgent, desperate language like "make haste"?
- What does it mean practically to confess God as "my salvation" rather than merely "a savior"?
- How does ending with confident confession reframe the entire lament and transform perspective?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 4 wordsתְּשׁוּעָתִֽי׃4 of 4
“my salvation”
H8668rescue (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