The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Psalms 38

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Psalms chapter 38 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “A Psalm of David, to make memorial.” — the complete text of all 23 verses is below, free to read online.

1A Psalm of David, to make memorial.

2O HaShem, rebuke me not in Thine anger; neither chasten me in Thy wrath.

3For Thine arrows are gone deep into me, and Thy hand is come down upon me.

4There is no soundness in my flesh because of Thine indignation; neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin.

5For mine iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

6My wounds are noisome, they fester, because of my foolishness.

7I am bent and bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day.

8For my loins are filled with burning; and there is no soundness in my flesh.

9I am benumbed and sore crushed; I groan by reason of the moaning of my heart.

10L-rd, all my desire is before Thee; and my sighing is not hid from Thee.

11My heart fluttereth, my strength faileth me; as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

12My friends and my companions stand aloof from my plague; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

13They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; and they that seek my hurt speak crafty devices, and utter deceits all the day.

14But I am as a deaf man, I hear not; and I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

15Yea, I am become as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no arguments.

16For in Thee, O HaShem, do I hope; Thou wilt answer, O L-rd my G-d.

17For I said: 'Lest they rejoice over me; when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.'

18For I am ready to halt, and my pain is continually before me.

19For I do declare mine iniquity; I am full of care because of my sin.

20But mine enemies are strong in health; and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

21They also that repay evil for good are adversaries unto me, because I follow the thing that is good.

22Forsake me not, O HaShem; O my G-d, be not far from me.

23Make haste to help me, O L-rd, my salvation.

23 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

‹ Psalms 37 Psalms 39 ›

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