Psalms 38:13

KJV

But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I, as a deaf {H2795} man, heard {H8085} not; and I was as a dumb man {H483} that openeth {H6605}{H8799)} not his mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I'm like a deaf man - I don't hear it; and, like a mute, I don't say a word.

Berean Standard Bible

But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.

American Standard Version

But I, as a deaf man, hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 38:13 vividly portrays the Psalmist's profound and deliberate choice to remain silent in the face of relentless accusation and malicious opposition. Far from being a sign of weakness or inability, David's posture, likened to one who is physically deaf and mute, signifies a conscious act of self-control, humility, and unwavering trust that God alone is his ultimate vindicator and defender. This intentional non-response serves as a powerful testament to his reliance on divine justice rather than self-defense.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 38 is a deeply personal and poignant lament, categorized among the penitential psalms, where the Psalmist (traditionally David) pours out his soul to God amidst profound distress. The initial verses (vv. 1-11) detail his suffering, encompassing both physical ailments and social isolation, which he attributes to God's disciplinary hand due to his sins. However, from verse 12 onward, the focus shifts dramatically to the external malice of his enemies. They are depicted as laying snares, speaking mischievous things, and plotting deceit continually ([Psalms 38:12](/psalms/38-12 "Psalm 38:12 - Enemies Lay Snares")). In this immediate narrative flow, verse 13 presents David's counter-intuitive response to their incessant attacks: a resolute and profound silence, refusing to engage or defend himself. This sets the stage for his subsequent declaration of hope and reliance on God for vindication in [Psalms 38:15](/psalms/38-15 "Psalm 38:15 - David's Hope in God").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 38 is not explicitly stated, its Davidic authorship suggests a context where King David faced intense personal suffering coupled with public slander and political machinations. This could relate to periods of persecution by Saul, the rebellion of Absalom, or other times of national or personal crisis where his reputation was attacked and his life threatened. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public honor and reputation were paramount, and slander was a grave offense that often demanded immediate and vigorous defense. To remain silent in such circumstances was highly unusual and could even be interpreted as an an admission of guilt or a sign of weakness. David's choice, therefore, stands in stark contrast to cultural expectations, highlighting a deeper spiritual principle at play—a reliance on a higher court of appeal.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 38:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Foremost among them is **Patient Endurance**, as David exemplifies remarkable self-control and steadfastness under severe provocation. His refusal to retaliate or argue, instead adopting a posture of non-response, is a profound act of enduring injustice and slander, mirroring the call for patience in [James 1:4](/james/1-4 "James 1:4 - Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work"). This silence is also deeply rooted in **Trust in God**, signifying that David's expectation for vindication rests solely on the Lord, as expressed elsewhere in his psalms, such as [Psalms 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalm 62:1 - My Soul Waits Upon God"). Furthermore, the imagery of being "deaf" and "dumb" underscores themes of **Humility and Self-Control**, demonstrating a conscious mastery over the natural human impulse to defend oneself or lash out when attacked, reflecting the wisdom found in [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "Proverbs 17:28 - Even a Fool Is Counted Wise When Silent").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **deaf (Hebrew, חֵרֵשׁ, _ḥērēš'_):** This Hebrew term literally refers to someone who is physically deaf, unable to hear. In Psalms 38:13, David employs it metaphorically to describe his intentional posture of non-reception. He is not physically deaf, but he chooses to act as if he cannot hear the accusations and slander hurled against him. This signifies a deliberate refusal to engage with or be provoked by the malicious words of his enemies, effectively shutting out their harmful noise.
* **dumb (Hebrew, אִלֵּם, _ʾillēm'_):** This word literally means "mute" or "unable to speak." Similar to "deaf," David uses it metaphorically to convey the completeness of his chosen silence. He is not physically mute, but he acts as if he has no capacity to open his mouth in defense or retaliation. This emphasizes a conscious and profound decision to refrain from verbal response, leaving his case entirely in God's hands and refusing to enter into a futile or counterproductive argument.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I, as a deaf [man], heard not;":** This clause introduces a stark contrast ("But I") to the actions of his enemies described in the preceding verse. The simile "as a deaf man" immediately signals that David is not literally impaired but is adopting this posture intentionally. "Heard not" signifies his deliberate non-engagement with the accusations; he chooses not to internalize, respond to, or even acknowledge the malicious words of his adversaries. This is an act of profound self-control and a refusal to be drawn into their destructive game.
* **"and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, using another powerful simile, "as a dumb man." The phrase "openeth not his mouth" clearly indicates a conscious and active decision to remain silent. It is not a passive inability but an active choice to refrain from speaking, defending himself, or retaliating. This silence is an expression of his trust in God to vindicate him and a refusal to give further ammunition or legitimacy to his accusers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Simile**, prominently featuring "as a deaf [man]" and "as a dumb man." These comparisons are not literal descriptions of David's physical state but serve to vividly illustrate the *completeness* and *intentionality* of his chosen non-response. By likening himself to someone physically impaired, David employs a form of **Metaphorical Representation**, where the physical limitation becomes a powerful image for his spiritual and emotional discipline. This also verges on **Hyperbole**, as the degree of his silence is exaggerated to emphasize its absolute nature and the depth of his commitment to it. The deliberate adoption of such a posture in the face of intense provocation demonstrates a profound inner strength and a reliance on a higher power, rather than on his own words or arguments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's profound silence in Psalms 38:13 is not an act of resignation or weakness, but a powerful theological statement of trust and submission to divine justice. It reflects a deep conviction that God sees, hears, and will ultimately vindicate His righteous ones, rendering human self-defense unnecessary or even counterproductive. This posture of patient endurance in the face of slander aligns with the biblical wisdom of not engaging with fools and allowing God to be the ultimate judge and defender. It teaches that true strength often lies not in our ability to argue or retaliate, but in our capacity to entrust our cause to the Lord, knowing that His timing and methods of justice are perfect. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to cultivate a spirit of humility and reliance on God's sovereignty even amidst intense suffering and injustice.

* [Psalm 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalm 62:1 - My Soul Waits Upon God Alone")
* [Proverbs 26:4](/proverbs/26-4 "Proverbs 26:4 - Do Not Answer a Fool According to His Folly")
* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 38:13 offers a counter-cultural and profoundly spiritual model for navigating conflict, false accusations, and relentless criticism in our lives. In a world that often pressures us to immediately defend ourselves, retaliate, or engage in endless arguments, David's example encourages a different, more redemptive path. His silence is not born of apathy but of active trust—a conscious decision to surrender his right to self-defense to God. This invites us to consider moments when our natural impulse to speak might be better served by a posture of prayerful silence, allowing God to work on our behalf. It challenges us to cultivate patience, humility, and a deep reliance on God's timing and justice, rather than relying on our own strength or eloquence to overcome adversity. By choosing silence, we create space for God's truth to prevail and for His vindication to manifest, demonstrating a trust that transcends immediate circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when you feel falsely accused, slandered, or unjustly criticized?**
* **In what specific situations might adopting a posture of "hearing not" or "opening not your mouth" be a more faithful and effective response than immediate defense?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater patience and trust in God's ultimate justice, empowering you to choose silence when appropriate?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse advocate for absolute silence in all situations of conflict or accusation?**

Answer: No, Psalms 38:13 does not advocate for absolute silence in every situation. Instead, it illustrates a specific, intentional posture taken by David in the face of malicious and unjust accusations, rooted in his deep trust in God. There are biblical instances where speaking up for truth, justice, or the oppressed is commanded (e.g., [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless")). David's silence here is a strategic, faith-filled choice to refrain from self-vindication, leaving his defense to God, particularly when engaging would be futile or counterproductive. It's about discerning when to speak and when to trust God's timing and methods, rather than a universal rule for all interactions.

**How is David's silence different from apathy or weakness?**

Answer: David's silence in Psalms 38:13 is fundamentally different from apathy or weakness. Apathy implies a lack of care or concern, while weakness suggests an inability to respond. David, however, is deeply distressed by his situation, as evidenced throughout Psalm 38. His silence is an active, deliberate, and disciplined choice, born of profound spiritual strength and unwavering faith. It is a conscious act of humility and self-control, demonstrating a trust that God will ultimately defend him ([Psalms 38:15](/psalms/38-15 "Psalm 38:15 - David's Hope in God")). This is a powerful act of surrender and reliance on divine justice, not a passive resignation to injustice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 38:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's intentional silence in the face of his accusers foreshadows the perfect example of the Suffering Servant, who, though innocent, remained silent before those who slandered and condemned Him. The prophet Isaiah foretold this very posture, declaring of the Messiah, "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant Silent Before His Shearers")). This prophecy was dramatically fulfilled in the Gospels, where Jesus stood silent before the high priest Caiaphas ([Matthew 26:63](/matthew/26-63 "Matthew 26:63 - Jesus' Silence Before the High Priest"), [Mark 14:61](/mark/14-61 "Mark 14:61 - Jesus' Silence Before the High Priest")), before Pilate ([Matthew 27:12](/matthew/27-12 "Matthew 27:12 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate"), [Mark 15:5](/mark/15-5 "Mark 15:5 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")), and before Herod ([Luke 23:9](/luke/23-9 "Luke 23:9 - Jesus' Silence Before Herod")). Christ's silence was not an admission of guilt, nor was it born of weakness; rather, it was an act of sovereign submission to His Father's will, a testament to His divine authority, and a powerful demonstration of His perfect innocence. As [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering Silently") states, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." Jesus' silence was the eloquent silence of the Lamb of God, who, by willingly enduring injustice without complaint, secured our salvation and perfectly exemplified the strength found in trusting God for ultimate vindication.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 39:9

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst [it].

Isaiah 53:7

He 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 39:2

I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, [even] from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

1 Peter 2:23

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

2 Samuel 16:10

And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

2 Samuel 16:12

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.