Psalms 38:20

20 Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.

Psalms 38:20 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good.
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good.
The Message Bible (MSG)
20 I give out good and get back evil from God-haters who can't stand a God-lover.
American Standard Version (ASV)
20 They also that render evil for good Are adversaries unto me, because I follow the thing that is good.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
20 They pay me back with evil instead of good, and they accuse me because I try to do what is good.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
20 Those who repay evil for good attack me for pursuing good.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
20 They pay me back with evil, even though I was good to them. They tell lies about me because I try to do what is good.

Psalms 38:20 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 38:20

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries
(See Gill on Psalms 35:12);

because I follow [the thing that] good [is];
or "follow good"; a good God, whom his soul followed hard after, ( Psalms 63:8 ) ; the good Shepherd of the sheep, who led him into green pastures, whither he followed him, ( Psalms 23:1-3 ) ; the good Spirit of God his guide, whom he walked after, ( Romans 8:1 ) ; good and holy men of God, whom he took for examples and copied after; and every good work, which he pursued with eagerness and pleasure; and all this drew upon him the hatred of his adversaries.

Psalms 38:20 In-Context

18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause ; those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.
21 LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Genesis 44:4; Psalms 35:12; 1 John 3:12
  • 2. Psalms 54:5; Psalms 59:10; Psalms 119:23
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