Psalms 38:4
For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָבְר֣וּ
are gone over
H5674
עָבְר֣וּ
are gone over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
3 of 8
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
רֹאשִׁ֑י
mine head
H7218
רֹאשִׁ֑י
mine head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 8
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
כְּמַשָּׂ֥א
burden
H4853
כְּמַשָּׂ֥א
burden
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
5 of 8
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
כָ֝בֵ֗ד
as an heavy
H3515
כָ֝בֵ֗ד
as an heavy
Strong's:
H3515
Word #:
6 of 8
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
Cross References
Psalms 40:12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.Ezra 9:6And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Lamentations 1:14The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Historical Context
Floodwaters 'going over the head' would resonate with David's audience familiar with sudden flash floods in Judean wadis. The burden imagery recalls the heavy loads carried by beasts or slaves. Both metaphors communicate utter helplessness—one cannot swim when already underwater or walk when already crushed.
Questions for Reflection
- When sin feels like drowning or being crushed, what is God's invitation through that unbearable weight?
- How does David's honest description of sin's burden contrast with modern tendencies to minimize or rationalize wrongdoing?
- What 'iniquities' might be accumulating 'over your head' that need urgent confession?
Analysis & Commentary
For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. David depicts sin as floodwaters rising over his head (עָבַר, avar, to pass over, overwhelm) and as crushing burden (מַשָּׂא, massa, load). The progression: arrows lodged (v.2) → no soundness (v.3) → drowning/crushed (v.4).
The phrase 'gone over mine head' echoes Psalm 69:2,15 and anticipates Christ's cry from the cross, bearing humanity's sin-flood. The dual metaphor—drowning and crushing—captures sin's suffocating, immobilizing weight. Only confession brings relief (Psalm 32:3-5); attempting to carry guilt leads to spiritual death.