Psalms 38:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 38:6 offers a poignant and raw depiction of the Psalmist's overwhelming distress, encompassing both profound physical debilitation and ceaseless emotional anguish. It portrays an individual so burdened by affliction and grief that they are physically bent over, experiencing a constant state of internal turmoil and perpetual mourning. This verse serves as an honest and visceral expression of human suffering at its most intense, highlighting a deep sense of vulnerability and the crushing weight of continuous despair that pervades every waking moment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 38 is a deeply personal and penitential lament, often recognized as one of the seven penitential psalms due to its explicit connection between suffering and the Psalmist's iniquity. Titled "A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance," it functions as a desperate plea for divine intervention amidst severe and multi-faceted affliction. The preceding verses establish the Psalmist's physical decay and the pain inflicted by God's hand, which he attributes to his sins, stating, "There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin" [Psalms 38:3](/psalms/38-3 "Psalm 38:3 - Physical and Spiritual Anguish"). Following verse 6, the psalm continues to detail the abandonment by friends, the relentless attacks of enemies, and the Psalmist's steadfast hope in God despite his overwhelming circumstances, as seen in his declaration, "For in you, O Lord, do I hope; you will answer, O Lord my God" [Psalms 38:15](/psalms/38-15 "Psalm 38:15 - Abandonment and Hope"). Therefore, verse 6 serves as a visceral depiction of the immediate, crushing effects of the profound distress described throughout the initial sections of the psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to King David, Psalm 38 likely reflects a period of intense personal crisis, potentially involving severe illness, betrayal by political adversaries, and a deep conviction of sin. In ancient Israel, suffering was often, though not exclusively, understood as a consequence of sin or divine discipline, a concept deeply embedded in the Deuteronomic covenant and wisdom literature. The act of "mourning all the day long" would have involved culturally recognized expressions of grief, such as wearing sackcloth, sitting in ashes, tearing clothes, or maintaining a disheveled appearance, all signifying profound sorrow, humility, and a public display of distress before God and community. The imagery of being "bowed down" also speaks to a state of physical weakness, perhaps due to illness or starvation, or the overwhelming psychological burden of shame, guilt, or oppression, signifying a loss of strength and dignity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 38 and the broader Psalter. It powerfully illustrates **profound suffering**, portraying a state of extreme physical and emotional distress that leaves the individual utterly overwhelmed and unable to stand upright. The phrase "all the day long" underscores the theme of **continuous mourning**, emphasizing that this is not a fleeting sadness but a constant, consuming grief that pervades every waking moment, highlighting the relentless and pervasive nature of the Psalmist's sorrow. Furthermore, the imagery of being "bowed down greatly" speaks to **vulnerability and weakness**, suggesting a complete loss of strength, dignity, and autonomy, which often accompanies a deep sense of shame or the crushing weight of a burden, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This lament gives voice to the raw reality of human brokenness before God, a theme central to the [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Worship and Lament") as a whole, which frequently explores the spectrum of human emotion in relationship with the divine.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Troubled (Hebrew, _ʻâvâh'_):** From H5753, this verb signifies "to crook," "to do amiss," "to pervert," or "to trouble." In this context, it conveys a profound sense of internal disquiet and agitation, suggesting that the Psalmist's inner being is twisted, distorted, or in a state of turmoil. It implies a deep-seated emotional or spiritual disturbance, a lack of straightness or integrity in his experience, possibly linked to the burden of sin mentioned elsewhere in the psalm.
* **Bowed down greatly (Hebrew, _shâchach'_ H7817, _mᵉʼôd'_ H3966):** The verb _shâchach_ (H7817) means "to sink," "to depress," "to bend," or "to stoop," indicating a physical posture of extreme humility, weakness, or defeat. The adverb _mᵉʼôd_ (H3966) intensifies this, meaning "vehemently," "exceedingly," or "very much." Together, they paint a picture of someone not merely bent, but utterly collapsed under an immense weight, suggesting a profound physical and psychological burden that has completely overwhelmed their strength and uprightness.
* **Mourning (Hebrew, _qâdar'_):** From H6937, this verb means "to be ashy," "to be dark-colored," or "to be gloomy." By implication, it refers to the outward manifestations of deep grief, such as wearing dark or soiled garments, having a somber or disheveled appearance, or a general air of dejection. The continuous participle "I go mourning" emphasizes that this is not a fleeting emotion but a pervasive, ongoing state, a constant public and private expression of profound sorrow and despair that defines his daily existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am troubled;":** This initial clause immediately establishes the Psalmist's internal disquiet and instability. The use of "troubled" (derived from a word meaning "to be crooked" or "perverted") suggests a deep-seated agitation that goes beyond mere sadness, implying an inner turmoil that twists and distorts his sense of peace and well-being. His spirit is restless, unable to find equilibrium.
* **"I am bowed down greatly;":** This clause describes the physical manifestation of his distress, but it also carries strong metaphorical weight. The Psalmist is depicted as being physically bent over, perhaps from severe illness, extreme weakness, or the sheer crushing weight of his burdens. The intensity of "greatly" underscores the severity of this posture, indicating a complete lack of strength or dignity, a state of utter helplessness and submission to his affliction, whether it be physical pain, shame, or spiritual oppression.
* **"I go mourning all the day long.":** This final clause emphasizes the pervasive and unceasing nature of his sorrow. His mourning is not an occasional act but a continuous state that defines his daily existence. The phrase "all the day long" highlights the relentless, unending quality of his grief, indicating that his sorrow is a constant companion, overshadowing every moment and preventing any respite, joy, or escape from his profound despair.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 38:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the Psalmist's suffering. **Imagery** is central, as the verse paints a vivid picture of a person physically "bowed down greatly" and perpetually "mourning," allowing the reader to visualize the profound distress. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the day long," which emphasizes the unceasing and overwhelming nature of his grief, suggesting that his sorrow is constant and without relief, rather than literally every second of the day. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor** to describe the internal state of being "troubled," likening emotional agitation to a physical shaking or being twisted out of shape. This combination of physical and emotional descriptors creates a powerful sense of **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy for the Psalmist's intense and continuous suffering, drawing the reader into his experience of profound brokenness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, in its raw depiction of suffering, connects profoundly to the biblical understanding of human brokenness, the consequences of sin, and the legitimacy of lament before God. It reminds us that even righteous individuals can experience overwhelming distress, often linked to their own failings or the fallenness of the world. The Psalmist's experience validates the human cry for help and the expression of deep sorrow as a legitimate form of prayer. It underscores the theological truth that God is not distant from our pain but invites us to bring our full, unvarnished reality before Him, even when that reality is one of profound weakness and despair. This honest lament is a pathway to acknowledging our dependence on divine mercy and intervention, fostering a deeper trust in the God who hears and responds to the cries of His people.

* [Psalms 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalm 62:8 - Pour Out Your Heart to God")
* [Lamentations 3:19-20](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19-20 - Remembering Affliction and Hope")
* [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Helps in Our Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 38:6 offers a profound invitation to engage honestly with our own experiences of suffering and to cultivate profound empathy for others. In a world that often pressures us to mask our pain or present a facade of unwavering strength, this verse grants us sacred permission to be truly vulnerable about our struggles. It validates the deep sorrow, the physical and emotional burdens, and the sense of being utterly overwhelmed that are an undeniable part of the human condition. For believers, it is a powerful reminder that lament is not a lack of faith but an act of profound trust—trusting God enough to bring our brokenness, our twistedness, and our bowed-down state before Him without pretense. It encourages us to lean into Christ, who understands our weaknesses and bore our griefs, and to seek solace and strength in His presence, even when we feel utterly "bowed down" and our mourning seems unending. Furthermore, it compels us to look with compassion upon those who are similarly afflicted, extending practical and spiritual support, knowing that we are all susceptible to the crushing weight of life's burdens and that true ministry often begins with shared vulnerability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "troubled" or "bowed down greatly," either physically, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **How comfortable are you with expressing deep sorrow or lament before God and others? What cultural or personal barriers might hinder this expression?**
* **How might acknowledging your own profound vulnerability, as the Psalmist does, deepen your reliance on God and your connection with the body of Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to offer genuine support or compassionate presence to someone you know who appears to be "mourning all the day long"?**

### FAQ

**Does the Psalmist's suffering in this verse imply that all suffering is a direct consequence of personal sin?**

Answer: While Psalm 38 explicitly connects the Psalmist's suffering to his own sin, stating, "For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me" [Psalms 38:4](/psalms/38-4 "Psalm 38:4 - My Iniquities Overwhelm Me"), this verse itself primarily describes the *experience* of suffering rather than definitively stating its universal cause. The broader biblical narrative presents a more nuanced view of suffering. While some suffering is indeed a consequence of sin (both personal and corporate), not all suffering is a direct result of individual wrongdoing. The book of Job, for instance, powerfully challenges this simplistic correlation, as does the New Testament, where Jesus explicitly refutes the idea that a man's blindness was due to his or his parents' sin, declaring, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him" [John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Neither This Man Nor His Parents Sinned"). Therefore, while the context of Psalm 38 points to sin as a significant factor in *this specific instance*, we should be careful not to universalize this particular cause to all instances of human suffering. This verse primarily validates the raw expression of pain and despair, regardless of its origin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 38:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David's lament is born of his own sin and affliction, Christ, though perfectly sinless, perfectly embodied and transcended this experience of profound suffering. He was "troubled" in spirit in the Garden of Gethsemane, crying out, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death" [Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane"), and He was "bowed down greatly" under the crushing weight of the world's sin and the Father's righteous wrath on the cross, experiencing ultimate abandonment as He cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"). Jesus truly "went mourning all the day long" as He bore the full extent of human grief, rejection, and the ultimate separation from God for our sake, becoming "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant"). His perfect lament and suffering on our behalf mean that we, when "troubled" or "bowed down," can find solace and strength in Him, knowing that we have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, for He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest"). In Christ, our mourning is not without hope, for through His resurrection, He promises to turn our sorrow into joy and to wipe away every tear from our eyes [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears").

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

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.