King James Version

What Does Psalms 38:7 Mean?

Psalms 38:7 in the King James Version says “For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 38:7 · KJV

Context

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.

8

I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

9

Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. The loins (כֶּסֶל, kesel, seat of vitality/reproductive power) are filled with loathsome disease (נִקְלֶה, niqleh, something burned/scorched). This repeats v.3's 'no soundness' (מְתֹם, metom), emphasizing total corruption from core to surface.

Loins represent strength, vigor, procreative power—life's generative force. Their being 'scorched' or 'diseased' suggests complete depletion. Whether literal illness or metaphor, David experiences sin's destruction at his very source of vitality. This anticipates Christ bearing sin's full curse—disease, shame, separation—in our place (Isaiah 53:4-5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Loins in Hebrew thought represented not just reproductive organs but the center of physical strength and emotional passion. Girding the loins meant preparing for battle or work. Diseased loins meant total incapacitation—unable to fight, work, or generate life. This would effectively end David's kingship if permanent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin attack the very 'loins' (core vitality) of your spiritual life, draining energy for godly pursuits?
  2. What does the progression from surface wounds (v.5) to core disease (v.7) teach about sin's deepening destruction?
  3. Where do you need Christ's healing for the 'loathsome disease' at the center of recurring sin patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּֽי1 of 7
H3588

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

כְ֭סָלַי2 of 7

“For my loins”

H3689

properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o

מָלְא֣וּ3 of 7

“are filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

נִקְלֶ֑ה4 of 7

“with a loathsome”

H7033

to toast, i.e., scorch partially or slowly

וְאֵ֥ין5 of 7
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מְ֝תֹ֗ם6 of 7

“disease and there is no soundness”

H4974

wholesomeness; also (adverb) completely

בִּבְשָׂרִֽי׃7 of 7

“in my flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

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 38:7 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 38:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 41:82 Chronicles 21:18-19Acts 12:23Job 7:5Psalms 102:3Job 30:18

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