Psalms – Chapter 38

Old Testament • 14 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 38 opens with the words: "Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and sin and divine judgment. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David.

2I said: I will take heed to my ways: that I sin not with my tongue. I have set a guard to my mouth, when the sinner stood against me.

3I was dumb, and was humbled, and kept silence from good things: and my sorrow was renewed.

4My heart grew hot within me: and in my meditation a fire shall flame out.

5I spoke with my tongue: O Lord, make me know my end. And what is the number of my days: that I may know what is wanting to me.

6Behold thou hast made my days measurable. and my substance is as nothing before thee. And indeed all things are vanity: every man living.

7Surely man passeth as an image: yea, and he is disquieted in vain. He storeth up: and he knoweth not for whom he shall gather these things.

8And now what is my hope? is it not the Lord? and my substance is with thee.

9Deliver thou me from all my iniquities: thou hast made me a reproach to the fool.

10I was dumb, and I opened not my mouth, because thou hast done it.

11Remove thy scourges from me. The strength of thy hand hath made me faint in rebukes:

12Thou hast corrected man for iniquity. And thou hast made his soul to waste away like a spider: surely in vain is any man disquieted.

13Hear my prayer, O Lord, and my supplication: give ear to my tears. Be no silent: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner as all my fathers were.

14O forgive me, that I may be refreshed, before I go hence, and be no more.

Important Verses in Psalms 38

“Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David.”

Psalms 38:1

“I spoke with my tongue: O Lord, make me know my end. And what is the number of my days: that I may know what is wanting to me.”

Psalms 38:5

“And now what is my hope? is it not the Lord? and my substance is with thee.”

Psalms 38:8

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and my supplication: give ear to my tears. Be no silent: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner as all my fathers were.”

Psalms 38:13

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 38 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. It opens with the line: "Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David." It concludes: "O forgive me, that I may be refreshed, before I go hence, and be no more. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2105).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Psalms Chapter 38 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Psalms Chapter 38. At the moral level, the unity of Scripture and the Magisterium challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1502).

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the unity of Scripture and the Magisterium bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 38 about?

Psalms 38 contains 14 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David." and closes with "O forgive me, that I may be refreshed, before I go hence, and be no more. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 38?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 38?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Chronicles 6Shares people and themes with this chapterIsaiah 16Shares people and themes with this chapterMatthew 9Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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