There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

PSALMS 38:3KJV
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Psalms 38:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 38:3 mean?

Psalms 38:3 describes a deep sense of physical and emotional suffering, where the speaker feels there is no health in his body and no peace in his bones because of God's anger and his own sin. The verse expresses how guilt and a sense of separation from God can affect a person’s whole being, not just spiritually but physically as well.

King David is speaking in this psalm, addressing God in a time of personal distress. He openly admits that his suffering is connected to both God’s displeasure and his own wrongdoing. This verse is part of a larger prayer where David confesses his faults and describes the heavy burden he feels, showing how intertwined spiritual and physical pain can be in the biblical worldview.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 38:3

  • "soundness" (מִתֹּם, mittom): This word means wholeness or health. Its use here highlights that David feels completely lacking in well-being, not just a little unwell.
  • "anger" (זַעַם, za‘am): This term for anger is strong and often refers to God’s righteous indignation. It underlines that David sees his suffering as a result of God’s just response to sin.
  • "rest" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): Usually translated as peace or completeness, shalom here means more than just the absence of trouble—it’s the sense of total well-being that David feels he has lost.
  • "bones" (עֶצֶם, ‘etsem): In Hebrew thought, bones often represent the deepest part of a person. Saying there is no rest in his bones emphasizes how deeply David’s distress affects him.

Why Psalms 38:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that in the biblical worldview, spiritual issues like sin can have real, tangible effects on a person’s physical health and sense of peace.
  • Psalms 38:3 shows the honesty of biblical prayer, where even a king admits weakness and the consequences of his actions before God.
  • The verse connects to the wider psalm, which is a confession and plea for mercy, helping readers see the link between personal responsibility, divine response, and the hope for restoration.

Where else these words appear

“soundness” Hebrew H4974 · used in 4 verses

  • Judges 20:48 And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.
  • Psalms 38:7 For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.
  • Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

“anger” Hebrew H2195 · used in 22 verses

  • Psalms 69:24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
  • Isaiah 30:27 Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:
  • Ezekiel 22:31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

“bones” Hebrew H6106 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • 1 Kings 13:31 And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:
  • Proverbs 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.