Psalms 38:16

KJV

For I said, [Hear me], lest [otherwise] they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify [themselves] against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I said {H559}, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice {H8055}{H8799)} over me: when my foot {H7272} slippeth {H4131}{H8800)}, they magnify {H1431}{H8689)} themselves against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I said, "Don't let them gloat over me or boast against me when my foot slips."

Berean Standard Bible

For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.”

American Standard Version

For I said, Lest they rejoice over me: When my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 38:16 captures David’s desperate plea to God, born from the depths of his suffering and the profound fear that his adversaries would revel in his downfall. He articulates a raw vulnerability, expressing his dread that any personal stumble or misfortune would be met with malicious celebration and self-exaltation by his enemies, underscoring his complete reliance on divine intervention to prevent such a humiliating triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 38 is a poignant lament, deeply personal and often classified as one of the seven penitential psalms. David pours out his heart, describing the severe physical illness, emotional distress, and social isolation he endures, which he attributes, in part, to his own sin and God's chastening hand (cf. [Psalms 38:3-5](/psalms/38-3 "Psalm 38:3-5 - No Soundness in My Flesh")). Amidst this profound affliction, his enemies seize the opportunity to persecute him further, actively seeking his harm and rejoicing in his pain. Verse 16 specifically follows David's declaration of silence before his accusers and his unwavering trust in God as his only hope for deliverance (cf. [Psalms 38:13-15](/psalms/38-13 "Psalm 38:13-15 - David's Silence and Hope")). This verse serves as a direct, urgent appeal to God, expressing his most immediate and public fear: the gloating triumph of his adversaries over his perceived weakness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, public honor and shame were paramount. A king or leader's weakness, especially one attributed to divine displeasure, was a prime opportunity for rivals to assert dominance and undermine authority. To "rejoice over" an enemy's misfortune was not merely a private sentiment but often involved public mockery, boasting, and a declaration of superiority. Such an act was deeply humiliating and could signify a complete loss of status and divine favor in the eyes of the community. David's life, marked by periods of intense persecution (e.g., from Saul, during Absalom's rebellion), provided ample scenarios where his "foot slippeth" and his enemies sought to "magnify themselves" against him, making this fear profoundly real and culturally resonant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 38 and the Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the **vulnerability of the righteous sufferer** and the acute fear of public humiliation at the hands of adversaries. David's concern is not just his suffering, but the *meaning* his enemies would ascribe to it—a sign of his complete downfall. Secondly, it underscores the **malicious and opportunistic nature of the wicked**, who not only wish ill upon the righteous but actively seek to exploit their weakness for their own self-exaltation. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **desperate, unwavering reliance on God for vindication and protection**. David's "Hear me" is a cry of profound trust, demonstrating that despite his distress, his ultimate hope rests solely in the Lord to prevent his enemies' lasting triumph, a theme echoed throughout the psalms of lament (e.g., [Psalms 35:19-26](/psalms/35-19 "Psalm 35:19-26 - Do Not Let My Enemies Gloat")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **My foot slippeth (Hebrew, _mot ragli'_):** This vivid idiom literally means "the moving of my foot" or "my foot totters." It conveys a sense of instability, a stumble, or a moment of weakness. While it can refer to a literal physical stumble, in this context, it broadly signifies a moral lapse, a personal failing, or a general misfortune that causes one to falter or lose one's footing in life. The imagery suggests a precarious position where a misstep could lead to a full and public fall, exposing one to ridicule.
* **Magnify themselves (Hebrew, _higdilu'_ from the root _gadal'_):** This verb means to make oneself great, to boast, to triumph arrogantly, or to act presumptuously. It implies more than just quiet observation of David's distress; it points to an active, public, and often arrogant display of superiority and scorn over his perceived failure or weakness. It suggests a desire to elevate one's own status by diminishing another's, celebrating their downfall as proof of one's own righteousness or power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I said, Hear me":** This phrase reveals David's immediate, intimate, and urgent prayer to God. It is a direct address, signifying his profound trust that God is attentive to his cries. It sets the foundation for his subsequent plea, indicating that his fear is not merely an internal anxiety but a burden he casts upon the Lord, seeking divine intervention.
* **"lest otherwise they should rejoice over me":** Here, David articulates his specific and deeply feared outcome. The "rejoicing" is not benign but a malicious, gloating celebration of his misfortune and perceived downfall. This public display of triumph by his enemies would bring profound shame and humiliation upon him, undermining his standing and potentially his faith.
* **"when my foot slippeth":** This clause describes the condition or trigger for his enemies' anticipated rejoicing. It refers to any moment of vulnerability, weakness, or misfortune—be it a physical ailment, a moral failing, or a circumstantial setback. It highlights David's awareness of his own human frailty and the opportunistic nature of his adversaries.
* **"they magnify themselves against me":** This describes the specific action of his enemies in response to his vulnerability. They do not merely rejoice privately but actively exalt themselves, boast, and assert their perceived superiority over him. This act of "magnifying themselves" is a public declaration of their triumph and a further attempt to humiliate and diminish David.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 38:16 employs several literary devices to convey David's anguish and plea. The phrase "**my foot slippeth**" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, representing not just a physical stumble but any form of personal weakness, moral failing, or adverse circumstance that could lead to one's downfall. This imagery vividly communicates vulnerability and precariousness. The enemies' action to "**magnify themselves**" against David uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extent of their malicious pride and the depth of the humiliation they seek to inflict. It suggests an exaggerated, almost theatrical, display of triumph. The psalm's overall tone and the direct address "Hear me" are characteristic of **Lament** and **Supplication**, a common genre in the Psalter where the speaker pours out their distress and appeals to God for deliverance. The verse's emotional intensity is heightened by the contrast between David's vulnerability and his enemies' aggressive self-exaltation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of suffering, justice, and divine protection. David's fear of his enemies' rejoicing highlights the profound biblical concern for God's honor and the vindication of His righteous ones. The psalmist understands that if his enemies triumph, it could be misconstrued as God abandoning His servant, thus bringing reproach upon God's name. Therefore, his plea is not merely for personal relief but for God to act in a way that upholds His own righteousness and faithfulness. The theological implication is that God is the ultimate defender of the vulnerable and the righteous, who will not allow the wicked to have the final, lasting triumph. While God may permit seasons of trial and even the temporary ascendancy of adversaries, His ultimate plan is always to bring justice, silence the proud, and vindicate those who trust in Him. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate hope against shame and defeat lies in God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Psalm 35:15-16](/psalms/35-15 "Psalm 35:15-16 - Enemies Rejoicing")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 38:16 offers a timeless reflection on the universal human experience of vulnerability and the profound fear of being exposed in weakness, especially before those who wish us ill. We all encounter moments when our "foot slippeth"—whether through personal failings, difficult circumstances, or the unjust attacks of others. This verse validates the very real human emotion of fearing scorn and humiliation. Instead of succumbing to despair or attempting to hide our struggles, David's immediate and desperate response is to cry out to God: "Hear me." This encourages us to bring our deepest fears, vulnerabilities, and the pain of potential public shame directly before the Lord. It reminds us that our ultimate vindication and protection come not from our own strength or the absence of adversaries, but from God's steadfast faithfulness. Even when we stumble, God is able to sustain us and prevent our ultimate shame, providing a steadfast foundation even when our steps falter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable to stumbling or failure, whether morally, emotionally, or circumstantially?**
* **How does the fear of others "rejoicing over" your struggles or failures impact your willingness to be transparent or seek help?**
* **What does David's immediate cry, "Hear me," teach us about our first and most vital response when facing adversity or potential shame?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate vindication and protection change your perspective on present difficulties and the actions of those who oppose you?**

### FAQ
**Is David's suffering in Psalm 38 solely due to his own sin?**

Answer: While David explicitly acknowledges his sin and its contribution to his suffering in Psalm 38 (e.g., [Psalms 38:3-5](/psalms/38-3 "Psalm 38:3-5 - No Soundness in My Flesh"), [Psalms 38:18](/psalms/38-18 "Psalm 38:18 - I Confess My Iniquity")), the psalm also portrays the maliciousness of his enemies who exploit his weakness, regardless of its cause. His suffering is a complex interplay of personal consequences, potential divine discipline, and external evil. The fear expressed in verse 16 is about the unjust gloating of adversaries, suggesting that even if his suffering has a basis in his sin, their reaction is still wicked and deserving of God's intervention.

**Does God truly allow our enemies to "magnify themselves" over us?**

Answer: For a season, God may permit trials and allow the wicked to seem to prosper or mock the righteous. The psalmist's plea in verse 16 is precisely for God to intervene *lest* this triumph be permanent or ultimate. The Bible consistently teaches that while the righteous may suffer and face opposition, God's ultimate plan is always for the vindication of His people and the defeat of evil. Passages like [Psalm 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers") repeatedly assure us that the triumph of the wicked is short-lived and that the Lord upholds the righteous. Our ultimate hope is in God's justice and His power to turn apparent defeat into ultimate victory.

**How can I apply this verse when I feel publicly shamed or ridiculed?**

Answer: This verse encourages us to bring our deepest fears and vulnerabilities to God, just as David did. When facing public shame or ridicule, we are called to emulate David's immediate cry, "Hear me," casting our burden upon the Lord (cf. [Psalm 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalm 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord")). It reminds us that our true vindication comes from God, not from human approval or the absence of ridicule. We are to trust in His justice and protection, knowing that He is our ultimate defender and upholder, who will not allow the wicked to have the final word or ultimate triumph over His children.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's lament in Psalms 38:16, expressing his fear of enemies rejoicing over his stumbling, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, endured the deepest possible "slipping of the foot" in His journey to the cross—not due to His own sin, but for ours. He was "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" (cf. [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). At His crucifixion, His enemies did indeed "magnify themselves" against Him, mocking and reviling Him as He hung exposed and vulnerable (cf. [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery at the Cross")). They believed they had achieved their ultimate triumph. However, what appeared to be Christ's greatest vulnerability and the enemies' greatest victory—His death—was precisely God's "Hear me" to the Son, the means by which He secured salvation and decisively defeated sin, death, and the devil. God's ultimate vindication of Jesus through His resurrection and ascension (cf. [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")) turned the enemies' perceived triumph into their eternal defeat, disarming "the powers and authorities" and making "a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). For believers, united with Christ, this means that though we may stumble and face the scorn of a hostile world, our ultimate identity and security are found in Him. Our shame is covered by His righteousness, and our future vindication is guaranteed by His resurrection, assuring us that no enemy can ultimately "magnify themselves" over those who are in Christ (cf. [Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31-39 - God Is For Us")).

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 94:18

When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

Deuteronomy 32:35

To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Psalms 13:3

Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;

Psalms 13:4

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

Psalms 35:24

Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

Psalms 35:26

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.