Psalms 38:6

I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

I am troubled {H5753}; I am bowed down {H7817}{H8804)} greatly {H3966}; I go {H1980}{H8765)} mourning {H6937}{H8802)} all the day {H3117} long.

I am bent down, prostrate completely; I go about mourning all day long.

I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning.

I am pained and bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

Psalms 38:6 captures the profound depth of human suffering and sorrow experienced by the Psalmist, traditionally King David. This verse is a vivid expression of intense emotional and physical distress, painting a picture of overwhelming grief and weakness.

Context

Psalm 38 is a penitential psalm and a lament, often titled "A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance." It describes a person, likely David, suffering greatly from physical illness, the abandonment of friends, and the relentless attacks of enemies. Crucially, the Psalmist connects his affliction to his own sin (Psalm 38:3, Psalm 38:18), viewing his suffering as a form of divine discipline. Verse 6 focuses on the immediate, debilitating effects of this multifaceted distress on his body and spirit.

Key Themes

  • Profound Suffering: The verse vividly portrays a state of extreme distress, encompassing both physical and emotional anguish. The Psalmist feels completely overwhelmed and unable to stand upright.
  • Continuous Mourning: The phrase "all the day long" emphasizes the unceasing nature of his sorrow. This isn't a fleeting sadness but a constant, consuming grief that pervades every moment.
  • Vulnerability and Weakness: The imagery of being "bowed down greatly" suggests a loss of strength and dignity, highlighting the Psalmist's utter helplessness in the face of his affliction. This state often accompanies a deep sense of shame or burden.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse convey intense meaning:

  • "Troubled" (nûa' - נוּעַ): Implies a shaking, tottering, or staggering, suggesting instability and emotional agitation. It speaks to a mind and spirit that cannot find rest.
  • "Bowed down greatly" (kâphaph - כָּפַף): Means to bend, stoop, or cower. The intensity is heightened by the adverb "greatly," indicating a complete collapse under the weight of his burden, perhaps even a physical stooping or crippling.
  • "Mourning" (qâdar - קָדַר): Literally means to be dark, gloomy, or dirty. It refers to the outward manifestation of deep grief, such as wearing dark clothes or having a darkened countenance, indicating a continuous state of profound sorrow and despair.

Practical Application

Psalms 38:6 offers several timeless lessons for believers:

  • Permission to Lament: It validates the experience of deep sorrow and distress. The Bible does not shy away from portraying the raw reality of human suffering, giving us permission to voice our pain and lament before God, just as David did. This raw honesty is a crucial part of pouring out our hearts to God.
  • Empathy and Compassion: This verse fosters empathy for those who are struggling with overwhelming burdens, whether due to illness, loss, or the consequences of their actions. It reminds us to be compassionate and supportive to those who are "bowed down."
  • Hope in God: While this verse describes extreme distress, the full psalm ultimately points to God as the Psalmist's only hope (Psalm 38:15). Even in the deepest pits of despair, believers can find solace in knowing that God hears their cries and is a refuge in times of trouble.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 30:28

    I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, [and] I cried in the congregation.

  • Psalms 35:14

    I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend [or] brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth [for his] mother.

  • Psalms 42:9

    I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

  • Psalms 43:2

    For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

  • Psalms 42:5

    Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance.

  • Psalms 31:10

    For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.

  • Psalms 57:6

    They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.
← Back