A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

PSALMS 38:1KJV
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Psalms 38:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 38:1 mean?

Psalms 38:1 is a prayer where David asks the LORD not to correct or discipline him in anger or intense displeasure. David is seeking mercy, expressing his fear that God’s rebuke, if given in wrath, would be too much for him to bear.

David, the writer of this psalm, is speaking directly to the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible). The heading notes this is “to bring to remembrance,” suggesting David wants God to remember him in his distress. The verse sets a tone of humility and vulnerability, as David feels the weight of God’s correction and pleads for gentleness rather than harsh judgment.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 38:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing a direct and intimate appeal from David to the covenant God of Israel.
  • rebuke (יָכַח, yakach): This word means to correct or reprove. David is not asking to avoid correction entirely, but that it not come in a way that is overwhelming or destructive.
  • wrath (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word refers to intense anger or fury. David’s request is that God’s correction not be driven by this kind of consuming anger.
  • chasten (יָסַר, yasar): This means to discipline or instruct, often with the idea of training through hardship or correction.
  • displeasure (חֵמָה, chemah): This word carries the sense of burning anger or hot indignation, highlighting the intensity of emotion David fears.

Why Psalms 38:1 matters

  • Psalms 38:1 clarifies that David is not rejecting God’s discipline, but is deeply aware of his own weakness and the danger of facing God’s anger without mercy.
  • The verse shows that it is possible to ask God for gentleness even when we know we have done wrong, emphasizing the relationship between God’s justice and His compassion.
  • This opening sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, where David will describe his suffering and guilt, making it clear that his plea is rooted in real distress and a longing for restoration.

Where else these words appear

“wrath” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 19:10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

“chasten” Hebrew H3256 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 26:18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.
  • Job 4:3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
  • Proverbs 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

“rebuke” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
  • Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.