King James Version

What Does Psalms 38:5 Mean?

Psalms 38:5 in the King James Version says “My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.”

Psalms 38:5 · KJV

Context

3

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. rest: Heb. peace, or, health

4

For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

5

My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

6

I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. troubled: Heb. wried

7

For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. Sin's wounds (חַבּוּרָה, chaburah, stripes/welts) have become infected—they stink (בָּאַשׁ, ba'ash, emit foul odor) and are corrupt (מָקַק, maqaq, fester/putrefy). David attributes this to foolishness (אִוֶּלֶת, ivvelet), moral stupidity that ignores wisdom.

This graphic medical imagery exposes sin's progressive decay when left untreated. Wounds that could have healed through prompt confession now fester. The stench represents public shame—others notice the rot. David doesn't blame circumstances or others but owns his foolishness, the willful rejection of wisdom that leads to destruction (Proverbs 1:7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient near east without antibiotics, infected wounds often proved fatal. The putrefaction David describes would be immediately recognized as life-threatening. Religious impurity laws (Leviticus 13-15) associated foul odors with uncleanness, making this both a physical and spiritual crisis requiring priestly intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'wounds' from past sin have you left untreated, allowing them to fester into something worse?
  2. How does David's term 'foolishness' (moral stupidity) challenge our culture's view of sin as merely mistakes or poor choices?
  3. When sin's consequences become publicly shameful ('stink'), how do you balance honest confession with appropriate privacy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
הִבְאִ֣ישׁוּ1 of 5

“stink”

H887

to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally

נָ֭מַקּוּ2 of 5

“and are corrupt”

H4743

to melt; figuratively, to flow, dwindle, vanish

חַבּוּרֹתָ֑י3 of 5

“My wounds”

H2250

properly, bound (with stripes), i.e., a weal (or black-and-blue mark itself)

מִ֝פְּנֵ֗י4 of 5

“because”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אִוַּלְתִּֽי׃5 of 5

“of my foolishness”

H200

silliness

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 38:5 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 38:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:5-6Psalms 69:5Jeremiah 8:22Psalms 32:3Psalms 38:7

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