Psalms 38 (NLT)

22 verses · New Living Translation · Dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought)

The NLT renders the original texts into clear, natural English, prioritizing meaning over word-for-word correspondence. It is excellent for devotional reading and for those new to the Bible, making ancient truths immediately understandable.

Psalms Chapter 38 contains 22 verses and is presented here in the New Living Translation (NLT), which uses a dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 150 chapters in Psalms.

NIVKJVESVMSGNASB
Chapter 37Chapter 39

1O LORD, don’t rebuke me in your angeror discipline me in your rage!

2Your arrows have struck deep,and your blows are crushing me.

3Because of your anger, my whole body is sick;my health is broken because of my sins.

4My guilt overwhelms me —it is a burden too heavy to bear.

5My wounds fester and stinkbecause of my foolish sins.

6I am bent over and racked with pain.All day long I walk around filled with grief.

7A raging fever burns within me,and my health is broken.

8I am exhausted and completely crushed.My groans come from an anguished heart.

9You know what I long for, Lord;you hear my every sigh.

10My heart beats wildly, my strength fails,and I am going blind.

11My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease.Even my own family stands at a distance.

12Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me.Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me.All day long they plan their treachery.

13But I am deaf to all their threats.I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.

14I choose to hear nothing,and I make no reply.

15For I am waiting for you, O LORD.You must answer for me, O Lord my God.

16I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over meor rejoice at my downfall.”

17I am on the verge of collapse,facing constant pain.

18But I confess my sins;I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

19I have many aggressive enemies;they hate me without reason.

20They repay me evil for goodand oppose me for pursuing good.

21Do not abandon me, O LORD.Do not stand at a distance, my God.

22Come quickly to help me,O Lord my savior.

Chapter 37Read in NIVChapter 39

About This Translation

What is Psalms 38 in the NLT?

Psalms 38 in the New Living Translation (NLT) contains 22 verses. The NLT uses a dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) approach, first published in 1996 (rev. 2015).

How does the NLT translate Psalms 38 differently?

The New Living Translation uses dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought), balancing accuracy with modern readability. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Psalms 38 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Psalms 38 (NLT)?

Psalms Chapter 38 contains 22 verses in the New Living Translation. The book of Psalms has 150 chapters total.

Psalms (NLT) — All 150 Chapters