Psalms 38:16

16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”

Psalms 38:16 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 For I said, "Only let them not rejoice over me, who boast against me when my foot slips!"
New Living Translation (NLT)
16 I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me or rejoice at my downfall.”
The Message Bible (MSG)
16 I wait and pray so they won't laugh me off, won't smugly strut off when I stumble.
American Standard Version (ASV)
16 For I said, Lest they rejoice over me: When my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
16 I said, "Do not let them gloat over me. When my foot slips, do not let them promote themselves at my expense."
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
16 For I said, "Don't let them rejoice over me- those who are arrogant toward me when I stumble."
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
16 I said, "Don't let my enemies have the joy of seeing me fall. Don't let them brag when my foot slips."

Psalms 38:16 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 38:16

For I said, [hear me]
This he had expressed in prayer to God; he had committed his cause to him, and entreated him that he would hear and answer him; giving this as a reason,

lest [otherwise] they should rejoice over me;
at his misfortunes and calamities, at the continuance of his trouble and distress, both of body and mind;

when my foot slippeth;
as it sometimes did through the corruptions of nature, the temptations of Satan, and the snares of the world; which is more or less the case of all the people of God, who are all subject to slips and falls, though they shall not finally and totally fall away;

they magnify [themselves] against me;
that is, his enemies exulted and triumphed over him: this was what he found by experience; and therefore makes use of it as an argument with God, that he would hear and answer and deliver him out of his trouble, and preserve him from falling.

Psalms 38:16 In-Context

14 I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”
17 For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Psalms 22:17; Psalms 35:26
  • 2. S Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalms 13:4
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