Psalms 38:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 38:7 mean?

Psalms 38:7 describes the speaker’s intense physical suffering, saying his loins are filled with a “loathsome disease” and that there is no health left in his body. The verse uses vivid language to show how deeply the pain affects him, leaving him completely worn out and unwell.

King David is speaking in this psalm, crying out to God during a time of great distress. The verse paints a picture of someone who feels overwhelmed by illness or affliction, using strong imagery to express both physical and emotional pain. This is part of a larger psalm where David is honest about his suffering and his need for God’s help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 38:7

• “loins” (מָתְנַ֣י, motnay): This word often refers to the lower back or waist area, a part of the body sometimes linked with strength or core health. Here, it highlights that even the strongest parts of the speaker are afflicted.
• “filled” (מָלֵ֣אוּ, male’u): This word means “to be full” or “to be filled up.” The sense is that the suffering is not minor or passing, but has completely taken over.
• “loathsome” (נִקְלֶ֑ה, niqleh): This word can mean “unclean,” “corrupt,” or “diseased.” It adds a sense of shame or revulsion to the suffering, not just pain but something that feels degrading.
• “soundness” (מִתְּֽמִי, mithtemi): This word means “wholeness” or “health.” The verse says there is no part of the speaker’s body that feels healthy or intact.
• “flesh” (בְּשָׂרִֽי, besari): This is the common word for “flesh” or “body,” emphasizing that the suffering is physical and affects the whole person.

Why Psalms 38:7 matters

• This verse helps clear up that the psalmist’s pain is not just emotional or spiritual, but also deeply physical, showing how suffering can affect every part of a person.
• The strong language about disease and lack of health highlights the totality of David’s distress, making his plea for help more urgent and relatable.
• In the context of the whole psalm, this verse connects David’s physical suffering to his sense of guilt and need for God’s mercy, showing how the two can feel intertwined.