Psalms 38:11
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
Original Language Analysis
מִנֶּ֣גֶד
aloof from
H5048
מִנֶּ֣גֶד
aloof from
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
3 of 8
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
נִגְעִ֣י
my sore
H5061
נִגְעִ֣י
my sore
Strong's:
H5061
Word #:
4 of 8
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
עָמָֽדוּ׃
stand
H5975
עָמָֽדוּ׃
stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
5 of 8
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
Cross References
Psalms 31:11I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.Luke 23:49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.Psalms 88:18Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.Matthew 26:56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.John 16:32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.Luke 22:54Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
Historical Context
Levitical purity laws mandated separation from those with certain skin diseases or discharges. If David's condition was deemed ritually unclean, even family would be required to maintain distance. This social death intensified the suffering—humans are made for community, and isolation was considered nearly as severe as physical death.
Questions for Reflection
- When has facing consequences of sin led to social isolation? How did you respond spiritually?
- How does others' avoidance of those in disgrace reveal human fear of contamination versus Christ's solidarity with sinners?
- Who in your community is experiencing 'sores' (public failure, scandal, shame) that causes others to 'stand aloof'—and how might you draw near instead?
Analysis & Commentary
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. Social isolation compounds physical suffering—lovers and friends (אֹהֵב רֵעַ, ohev rea, intimate companions) and kinsmen (קָרוֹב, qarov, near relatives) all stand aloof (עָמַד נֶגֶד, amad neged, position themselves opposite/apart) from his sore (נֶגַע, nega, plague/stroke).
The term nega can mean plague or divine stroke, suggesting ritual uncleanness that required separation (Leviticus 13:45-46). David's companions aren't merely uncomfortable—they're avoiding contamination. This prefigures Christ's abandonment: 'All the disciples forsook him and fled' (Matthew 26:56). The righteous sufferer experiences isolation as part of bearing sin's curse.