Psalms 38:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 38:5 mean?

Psalms 38:5 describes the speaker’s physical suffering, saying his wounds have become foul-smelling and rotten because of his own foolish actions. The verse connects the pain and decay he feels in his body directly to mistakes or sins he has committed.

King David is speaking in this psalm, crying out to God in distress. He describes his illness or injury as a direct result of his own choices, not just bad luck or outside attack. This verse is part of a larger passage where David openly admits his guilt and the heavy consequences he faces, both physically and emotionally.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 38:5

• "wounds" (נֶגַע, negaʿ): This word often refers to sores, injuries, or afflictions, especially those seen as a sign of judgment or disease. Here, it highlights that David’s suffering is visible and severe.
• "stink" (בָּאַשׁ, baʾash): This verb means to emit a foul odor, emphasizing the seriousness and unpleasantness of David’s condition.
• "corrupt" (רָקַב, raqav): This word means to rot or decay, suggesting that the wounds are not healing but getting worse, which underlines the depth of his distress.
• "because" (מִפְּנֵי, mipnei): This preposition means “on account of” or “because of,” showing a clear cause-and-effect link between David’s foolishness and his suffering.
• "foolishness" (אִוֶּלֶת, ivvelet): This word refers to moral folly or poor judgment, not just a mistake but a deeper kind of error or sin.

Why Psalms 38:5 matters

• The verse makes it clear that David sees a direct connection between his moral choices and his physical suffering, not blaming others or random fate.
• By using words for rotting and stinking, the verse paints a vivid picture of the seriousness of his condition, helping readers feel the weight of his confession.
• This verse sets the tone for the whole psalm, where David is honest about his guilt and need for help, showing a model of humility and self-awareness.