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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 38:12 Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/38-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/19_Psa_038_012.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 38:12 - Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/38-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/38-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/38.htm">Chapter 38</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/38-11.htm" title="Psalm 38:11">◄</a> Psalm 38:12 <a href="/psalms/38-13.htm" title="Psalm 38:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/38.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/38.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. All day long they plan their treachery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay their snares; those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and meditate treachery all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They also that seek after my life lay snares <i>for me</i>: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Those also who seek my life lay snares <i>for me;</i> Those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, And plan deception all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares <i>for me;</i> And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, And they plot deception all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares for me; And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, And they devise treachery all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares <i>for me;</i> And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, And they devise treachery all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Those who search for my life lay snares <i>for me</i>; And those who seek <i>to do</i> me evil have threatened destruction, And they meditate on deception all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares <i>for me,</i> And those who seek to injure me threaten mischievous things <i>and</i> destruction; They devise treachery all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who intend to kill me set traps, and those who want to harm me threaten to destroy me; they plot treachery all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who seek my life set traps, and those who want to harm me threaten to destroy me; they plot treachery all day long. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, And meditate deceits all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />All who want me dead set traps to catch me, and those who want to harm and destroy me plan and plot all day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay traps for me. Those who are out to harm me talk about ruining me. All day long they think of ways to deceive me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who want to kill me lay traps for me, and those who want to hurt me threaten to ruin me; they never stop plotting against me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek to do me harm brag all day long about their wicked planning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Those who seek my life try to entrap me; those who want to harm me speak destructive words; all day long they say deceitful things. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And those seeking my soul lay a snare, "" And those seeking my evil "" Have spoken mischievous things, "" And they meditate [on] deceits all the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And those seeking my soul lay a snare, And those seeking my evil Have spoken mischievous things, And they do deceits meditate all the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My friends and my neighbors will stand from before my stroke, and my kindred stood from far off.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they that sought my soul used violence. And they that sought evils to me spoke vain things, and studied deceits all the day long. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 37:13>And those who sought evil accusations against me were speaking emptiness. And they practiced deceitfulness all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay snares for me; they seek my misfortune, they speak of ruin; they plot treachery every day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who seek my life lay their snares; those who seek to hurt me speak of ruin, and meditate treachery all day long.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They also that seek after my life and wish me evil lay hold on me and speak mischievous things and imagine deceits all the day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And those who seek my life and seek my affliction took me and have spoken lies and have been meditating deceit all day.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; And they that seek my hurt speak crafty devices, And utter deceits all the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />While they pressed hard upon me that sought my soul: and they that sought my hurt spoke vanities, and devised deceits all the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/38-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=4472" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/38.htm">Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: mə·ḇaq·šê (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">Those who seek</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">my life</a> <a href="/hebrew/5367.htm" title="5367: way·naq·šū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down. A primitive root; to entrap, literally or figuratively.">lay snares;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: wə·ḏō·rə·šê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">those who wish me</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘ā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">harm</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bə·rū (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/1942.htm" title="1942: haw·wō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Desire, chasm, destruction. From hava'; desire; also ruin.">destruction,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1897.htm" title="1897: yeh·gū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse. A primitive root; to murmur; by implication, to ponder.">plotting</a> <a href="/hebrew/4820.htm" title="4820: ū·mir·mō·wṯ (Conj-w:: N-fp) -- Deceit, treachery. From ramah in the sense of deceiving; fraud.">deceit</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day long.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a></span><br />Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-59</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20</a></span><br />So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-53.htm">John 11:53</a></span><br />So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a></span><br />When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a></span><br />For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-5.htm">Psalm 41:5-9</a></span><br />My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?” / My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad. / All who hate me whisper against me; they imagine the worst for me: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Psalm 56:5-6</a></span><br />All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. / They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/71-10.htm">Psalm 71:10-11</a></span><br />For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire, / saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-2.htm">Psalm 109:2-4</a></span><br />For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. / They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-2.htm">Proverbs 24:2</a></span><br />for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-20.htm">Isaiah 29:20-21</a></span><br />For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down— / those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-60.htm">Lamentations 3:60-61</a></span><br />You have seen all their malice, all their plots against me. / O LORD, You have heard their insults, all their plots against me—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Matthew 22:15</a></span><br />Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.</p><p class="hdg">lay snares</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9</a></b></br> He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Psalm 64:2-5</a></b></br> Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-110.htm">Psalm 119:110</a></b></br> The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.</p><p class="hdg">speak</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-20.htm">Psalm 35:20</a></b></br> For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against <i>them that are</i> quiet in the land.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Psalm 62:3,4</a></b></br> How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall <i>shall ye be, and as</i> a tottering fence… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-7.htm">2 Samuel 16:7,8</a></b></br> And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/15-5.htm">Crafty</a> <a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/psalms/10-7.htm">Deceits</a> <a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Deception</a> <a href="/psalms/35-20.htm">Designing</a> <a href="/psalms/38-9.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/psalms/37-38.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Devices</a> <a href="/psalms/35-20.htm">Devise</a> <a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/38-7.htm">Full</a> <a href="/job/9-4.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/psalms/35-26.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Imagine</a> <a href="/revelation/11-5.htm">Injure</a> <a href="/psalms/37-5.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/27-4.htm">Meditate</a> <a href="/psalms/31-12.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Mischievous</a> <a href="/psalms/35-8.htm">Nets</a> <a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Plot</a> <a href="/psalms/35-8.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/psalms/37-36.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/psalms/25-15.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/psalms/18-5.htm">Snares</a> <a href="/psalms/35-17.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/35-28.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/exodus/32-14.htm">Threatened</a> <a href="/joshua/23-13.htm">Traps</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-4.htm">Treachery</a> <a href="/job/33-3.htm">Utter</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/83-3.htm">Crafty</a> <a href="/psalms/40-4.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-14.htm">Deceits</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Deception</a> <a href="/psalms/41-7.htm">Designing</a> <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/psalms/40-2.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/81-12.htm">Devices</a> <a href="/psalms/41-7.htm">Devise</a> <a href="/psalms/38-20.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/38-18.htm">Full</a> <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/psalms/40-14.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/psalms/41-7.htm">Imagine</a> <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Injure</a> <a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/48-9.htm">Meditate</a> <a href="/psalms/44-20.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Mischievous</a> <a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Nets</a> <a href="/psalms/58-2.htm">Plot</a> <a href="/psalms/40-14.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/psalms/40-14.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/40-14.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/psalms/69-22.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Snares</a> <a href="/psalms/40-14.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/55-14.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/psalms/69-1.htm">Threatened</a> <a href="/psalms/140-5.htm">Traps</a> <a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Treachery</a> <a href="/psalms/49-3.htm">Utter</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 38</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">David moves God to take compassion on his pitiful case</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/38.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/38.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Those who seek my life lay snares;</b><br>This phrase reflects the intense persecution and danger faced by the psalmist, traditionally attributed to David. The imagery of laying snares suggests a deliberate and cunning attempt to trap or harm the psalmist, akin to hunters setting traps for animals. This can be connected to David's experiences with King Saul, who sought his life out of jealousy and fear (1 Samuel 18-24). The use of "snares" also evokes the spiritual warfare believers face, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11</a>, where Paul speaks of the "schemes of the devil."<p><b>those who wish me harm speak destruction,</b><br>The desire for harm and the speaking of destruction indicate malicious intent and verbal attacks. In the ancient Near Eastern context, words held significant power, and curses or slander could have devastating effects on one's reputation and social standing. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the power of the tongue, as seen in <a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a>, where the tongue is described as a fire capable of great destruction. The psalmist's experience can be seen as a type of Christ, who also faced false accusations and verbal abuse (<a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a>).<p><b>plotting deceit all day long.</b><br>The continuous nature of the plotting ("all day long") underscores the relentless and pervasive nature of the opposition. This mirrors the experience of many biblical figures who faced constant threats, such as Nehemiah, who dealt with persistent plots against his leadership (<a href="/nehemiah/4-7.htm">Nehemiah 4:7-8</a>). The deceitful plotting also points to the broader theme of spiritual deception, as seen in the warnings against false prophets and teachers throughout Scripture (<a href="/2_peter/2.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a>). This phrase can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, who plotted deceitfully against Him (<a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/38.htm">Psalm 38</a>, David is expressing his distress and seeking God's help amidst his suffering and the malice of his enemies.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>The individuals who are actively seeking to harm David, setting traps and plotting deceit against him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, God is the ultimate refuge and source of hope for David throughout the psalm.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_opposition.htm">The Reality of Opposition</a></b><br>Believers should be aware that opposition and deceit are part of the spiritual battle. Just as David faced enemies, Christians today may encounter those who wish to harm them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_deliverance.htm">Trust in God's Deliverance</a></b><br>Despite the plots against him, David's psalm ultimately reflects a trust in God's deliverance. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God when facing adversities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_deceit.htm">Responding to Deceit</a></b><br>The response to deceit and harm should be rooted in prayer and seeking God's guidance, rather than retaliation or despair.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>David's psalm is a prayer for help and healing. It teaches the importance of turning to God in times of distress and relying on His strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_trials.htm">Endurance in Trials</a></b><br>The persistence of David's enemies teaches believers the importance of endurance and faithfulness in the face of ongoing trials.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_38.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 38</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_paranoia.htm">What does the Bible say about paranoia?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_12_1-2_reflect_israel's_history.htm">Does the contrast in Psalm 12:1-2 between a faithful few and a deceitful majority align with historical evidence of Israel's religious practices at the time?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_there_chaos_if_god_isn't_its_author.htm">The Bible says God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), but the world is full of chaos and suffering.</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_hate.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on hate?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They also that seek after my life lay snares for me</span>. To the desertion of friends is added the persecution of enemies, who take advantage of the debility and prostration caused by sickness to plot against the writer's life, to "lay snares for him," and devise evil against him. Those who assign the psalm to David suppose the devices described in <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1-6</a> to he referred to. <span class="cmt_word">And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long</span>; literally, <span class="accented">speak malignity</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> calumniate me - bring false accusations against me (comp. <a href="/2_samuel/16-7.htm">2 Samuel 16:7, 8</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/38-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Those who seek</span><br /><span class="heb">מְבַקְשֵׁ֬י</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḇaq·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my life</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשִׁ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">lay snares;</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְנַקְשׁ֤וּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(way·naq·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5367.htm">Strong's 5367: </a> </span><span class="str2">To knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who wish me</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדֹרְשֵׁ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏō·rə·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">harm</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֭עָתִי</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘ā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speak</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבְּר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(dib·bə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">destruction,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַוּ֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(haw·wō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1942.htm">Strong's 1942: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, chasm, destruction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and plot</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶהְגּֽוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yeh·gū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1897.htm">Strong's 1897: </a> </span><span class="str2">To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">deceit</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝מִרְמ֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mir·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4820.htm">Strong's 4820: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deceit, treachery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day long.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּ֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/38-12.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 38:12 They also who seek after my life (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/38-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 38:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 38:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/38-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 38:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 38:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>