Psalms 38:5

Authorized King James Version

My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִבְאִ֣ישׁוּ

H887

stink

to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally

נָ֭מַקּוּ

H4743

and are corrupt

to melt; figuratively, to flow, dwindle, vanish

חַבּוּרֹתָ֑י

H2250

My wounds

properly, bound (with stripes), i.e., a weal (or black-and-blue mark itself)

מִ֝פְּנֵ֗י

H6440

because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אִוַּלְתִּֽי׃

H200

of my foolishness

silliness

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 38 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?