Psalms 38:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 38:21 mean?

Psalms 38:21 is a plea from the psalmist asking God not to abandon him and not to be distant during his time of trouble. The verse expresses a deep longing for God’s presence and help, especially when the writer feels vulnerable or alone.

In this psalm, David is speaking directly to God, expressing his distress and sense of need. The situation is one of personal suffering, where David feels the weight of his troubles and seeks reassurance that God will remain close. The verse highlights the psalmist’s trust that God’s nearness is essential for comfort and deliverance.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 38:21

• "Forsake" (עָזַב, ʿazav) means to leave or abandon. Here, it emphasizes David’s fear of being left alone by God, showing how much he depends on God’s support.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, underlining the close, covenant relationship David is appealing to.
• "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) is a more general term for God, which can highlight both God’s power and His role as creator and judge.
• "Far" (רָחַק, rachaq) means to be distant or removed. David is not only asking God to stay with him, but also to remain actively involved and not withdraw His presence.

Why Psalms 38:21 matters

• This verse clarifies that even faithful people like David can feel abandoned or distant from God during hardship, and it is not wrong to voice these feelings in prayer.
• The use of both "LORD" (YHWH) and "God" (Elohim) shows David’s recognition of God’s personal relationship with him as well as His power and authority.
• The verse connects to the wider psalm, which is a prayer for mercy and healing, and shows that the heart of David’s request is not just relief from suffering, but the assurance of God’s continued presence.