Psalms 38:13
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶשְׁמָ֑ע
man heard
H8085
אֶשְׁמָ֑ע
man heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.Psalms 39:9I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.Psalms 39:2I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Historical Context
In ancient honor-shame cultures, public accusations demanded public response or one's reputation was ruined. David's refusal to defend himself would appear as admission of guilt or stunning weakness. Yet he chooses the way of faith over the way of self-justification—a radical trust that God will speak on his behalf.
Questions for Reflection
- When falsely accused or slandered, how difficult is it for you to remain 'deaf and dumb' rather than defending yourself?
- What does strategic silence before human accusers while crying out to God (v.9) teach about proper priorities?
- How does Jesus's silence before His accusers reshape your understanding of strength versus weakness?
Analysis & Commentary
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. David's response to slander (v.12): strategic silence. As a deaf man (כְּחֵרֵשׁ, kecheresh) he refuses to hear accusations; as a dumb man (כְּאִלֵּם, ke'illem) he withholds self-defense. The double simile emphasizes deliberate restraint.
This silence fulfills wisdom literature's counsel (Proverbs 26:4) and prefigures Christ's response before accusers: 'He opened not his mouth' (Isaiah 53:7). David doesn't argue, retaliate, or defend—not from weakness but from trust in God's vindication (v.15). Silence before human courts while appealing to the Divine Court demonstrates profound faith.