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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 38:13 But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/38-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/19_Psa_038_013.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 38:13 - Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth." /><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/38-13.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/38-13.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 13</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="/ad13.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/38-12.htm" title="Psalm 38:12">◄</a> Psalm 38:13 <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm" title="Psalm 38:14">►</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 />I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf <i>man</i>, heard not; and <i>I was</i> as a dumb man <i>that</i> openeth not his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But I, like a deaf <i>man,</i> do not hear; And <i>I am</i> like a mute <i>who</i> does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I, like a person who is deaf, do not hear; And <i>I am</i> like a person who cannot speak, <i>who</i> does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a dumb man who does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And <i>I am</i> like a mute man who does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am like a deaf person; I do not hear. I am like a speechless person who does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am like a deaf person; I do not hear. I am like a speechless person who does not open his mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf man, hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I am not able to hear or speak a word; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf man, hear not; and I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But I am like a person who cannot hear and like a person who cannot speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am like the deaf and cannot hear, like the dumb and cannot speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, and like the mute, who cannot open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But I am like a deaf man--I hear nothing; I am like a mute who cannot speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf man, do not hear. I am as a mute man who doesn't open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf man, don’t hear. I am as a mute man who doesn’t open his mouth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I, as deaf, do not hear. And as a mute one who does not open his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I, as deaf, hear not. And as a dumb one who openeth not his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they seeking my soul will lay snares: and they seeking my evil spake mischief, and they will meditate deceits all the day,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf man, heard not : and as a dumb man not opening his mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 37:14>But, like someone deaf, I did not hear. And I was like someone mute, not opening his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But I am like the deaf, hearing nothing, like the mute, I do not open my mouth, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But I am like the deaf, I do not hear; like the mute, who cannot speak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But I, like a deaf man, have not heard, and like a dumb man, I did not open my mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But I am as a deaf man, I hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and was as a dumb man not opening his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/38-13.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=4482" 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">12</span>Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2795.htm" title="2795: ḵə·ḥê·rêš (Prep-k:: Adj-ms) -- Deaf. From charash; deaf.">But like a deaf man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ’eš·mā‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">hear;</a> <a href="/hebrew/483.htm" title="483: ū·ḵə·’il·lêm (Conj-w, Prep-k:: Adj-ms) -- Mute (unable to speak). From 'alam; speechless.">and like a mute man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: yip̄·taḥ- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">open</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">my mouth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply.…<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="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></span><br />He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a></span><br />And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a></span><br />Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5</a></span><br />If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-28.htm">Lamentations 3:28</a></span><br />Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-7.htm">Micah 7:7</a></span><br />But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a></span><br />But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-9.htm">Luke 23:9</a></span><br />Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-61.htm">Mark 14:61</a></span><br />But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-9.htm">John 19:9</a></span><br />and he went back into the Praetorium. “Where are You from?” he asked. But Jesus gave no answer.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2,9</a></b></br> I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, <i>even</i> from good; and my sorrow was stirred… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">2 Samuel 16:10-12</a></b></br> And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></b></br> He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Deaf</a> <a href="/psalms/31-18.htm">Dumb</a> <a href="/psalms/34-15.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/psalms/34-2.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/34-17.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/18-44.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/psalms/38-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/31-18.htm">Mute</a> <a href="/psalms/38-9.htm">Open</a> <a href="/job/36-15.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/psalms/32-3.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Deaf</a> <a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Dumb</a> <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Mute</a> <a href="/psalms/39-9.htm">Open</a> <a href="/psalms/106-17.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/psalms/42-4.htm">Voice</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>But like a deaf man, I do not hear;</b><br>In this phrase, the psalmist expresses a sense of isolation and helplessness, akin to being deaf. This metaphor highlights the psalmist's inability to respond to his accusers or to hear their taunts. In biblical times, deafness was often seen as a significant disability, leading to social exclusion. The psalmist's choice to liken himself to a deaf man may indicate a deliberate decision to ignore the accusations and slander, choosing instead to focus on God. This reflects a theme found in <a href="/isaiah/42-19.htm">Isaiah 42:19</a>, where the servant of the Lord is described as blind and deaf, emphasizing trust in God over human judgment. The psalmist's silence can also be seen as a form of protest or a way to maintain dignity amidst false accusations.<p><b>and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.</b><br>Here, the psalmist compares himself to a mute man, emphasizing his decision not to defend himself verbally. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, speech was a powerful tool for defense and persuasion. By choosing silence, the psalmist demonstrates reliance on God for vindication rather than human means. This mirrors the behavior of Jesus Christ during His trial, as described in <a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a>, where He remained silent before His accusers, fulfilling the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>. The psalmist's silence can be seen as an act of faith, trusting that God will ultimately deliver justice. This approach underscores the biblical principle of leaving vengeance to God, as stated in <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</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 deep distress and sense of isolation due to his sin and the resulting consequences.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm includes adversaries who are taking advantage of David's weakened state.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Implicit in the psalm as the one David ultimately turns to for help and forgiveness, despite his current silence and suffering.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/silence_in_suffering.htm">Silence in Suffering</a></b><br>Sometimes, in our suffering, we may feel like we cannot express ourselves or that our cries are unheard. David's silence can teach us the value of waiting on God and trusting Him even when we feel isolated.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_restraint.htm">The Power of Restraint</a></b><br>David's choice to be like a "mute man" can be seen as an act of restraint, choosing not to retaliate or defend himself against his enemies. This can be a powerful example of self-control and reliance on God's justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_to_god.htm">Listening to God</a></b><br>In times of distress, it is crucial to listen for God's voice rather than being consumed by the noise of our circumstances. David's silence can be a reminder to seek God's guidance and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_reflection.htm">Repentance and Reflection</a></b><br>The context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/38.htm">Psalm 38</a> is one of repentance. David's silence may also reflect a period of introspection and acknowledgment of his sin, encouraging us to examine our own hearts before God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>David's silence and waiting can teach us about trusting in God's timing for deliverance and vindication, rather than taking matters into our own hands.<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/does_the_bible_address_birth_defects.htm">Does the Bible address birth defects?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_down_syndrome.htm">What does the Bible say about Down Syndrome?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_if_i_doubt_my_salvation.htm">What if I doubt my salvation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_disabilities.htm">Why does God permit disabilities in people?</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 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But I, as a deaf man, heard not</span>. I took no notice, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> I made as if I was deaf. <span class="cmt_word">And I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth</span>. So far this psalmist, whether David or another, was a type of Christ (see <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>; <a href="/matthew/26-63.htm">Matthew 26:63</a>; <a href="/matthew/27-14.htm">Matthew 27:14</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/38-13.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">But I,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a deaf man,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְ֭חֵרֵשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·ḥê·rêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2795.htm">Strong's 2795: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deaf</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hear,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶשְׁמָ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(’eš·mā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and like a mute man,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝כְאִלֵּ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·’il·lêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_483.htm">Strong's 483: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mute (unable to speak)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">open</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְתַּח־</span> <span class="translit">(yip̄·taḥ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my mouth.</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(pîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 38:13 But I as a deaf man don't (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/38-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 38:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 38:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/38-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 38:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 38:14" /></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>