Psalm 38 13

Psalm 38:13 kjv

But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

Psalm 38:13 nkjv

But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth.

Psalm 38:13 niv

I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak;

Psalm 38:13 esv

But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth.

Psalm 38:13 nlt

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

Psalm 38 verses

Psalm 38 13 Meaning

Psalm 38:13 expresses the Psalmist's chosen posture of silence and non-response in the face of intense verbal assaults, false accusations, and mockery from his enemies. Despite being targeted with malicious words and lies, he deliberately refrains from hearing their slander or opening his mouth to defend himself or retaliate. This intentional silence is not born of weakness or inability, but of profound trust in God to be his defender and judge, representing a humble submission to the divine will and an active decision to await the Lord's intervention.

Psalm 38 13 Context

Psalm 38 is a profound penitential psalm where David pours out his heart in deep distress. It describes the physical affliction, spiritual burden, and social isolation resulting from his sin, which he sees as divine discipline. Prior to verse 13, David laments his diseased body, which he links to his iniquity (v. 3-5). He describes his friends and loved ones standing aloof (v. 11), while his enemies set snares, speak malicious falsehoods, and plot against him, desiring his downfall (v. 12). Verse 13, therefore, presents his remarkable response to this barrage of accusations and ill-will. Instead of defending himself or engaging in argument, he adopts a stance of absolute non-engagement. This silence is followed by a confession of his expectation from God (v. 15), indicating his trust that the Lord, not his own words, will provide defense and deliverance. Historically, such a psalm could reflect periods of great suffering and public humiliation in David's life, such as during Absalom's rebellion when he was openly cursed (2 Sam 16:5-12).

Psalm 38 13 Word analysis

• "But I" (וַאֲנִי, wa'ani): The initial waw (wa-) acts as a connective, meaning "and" or "but," highlighting a sharp contrast with the actions of his enemies described in the preceding verses. The emphatic personal pronoun "I" (ani) places emphasis on the Psalmist's personal choice and unique stance in the face of his adversaries, distinguishing his response from typical human retaliation.
• "like a deaf man" (כְּחֵרֵשׁ, k'kheres): The prefix k' (kě-) means "like" or "as." cheresh (חֵרֵשׁ) means "deaf" or "silent/dumb." The imagery here implies a deliberate disengagement. It is not that he literally cannot hear, but that he chooses not to heed or be affected by the slanderous words. This active posture of intentional indifference removes power from his accusers' words.
• "do not hear" (לֹא אֶשְׁמָע, lo' eshma): Lo' (לֹא) is the negative particle "not." Eshma (אֶשְׁמָע) is the first-person singular imperfect form of shama (שָׁמַע), meaning "to hear," "listen," or "understand." This explicitly states his active refusal to give audience or attention to their accusations, reinforcing the "deaf man" simile. He does not internalize their insults.
• "and like a mute man" (וְכֶאִלֵּם, v'khe'illem): The waw (וְ, vĕ-) means "and," linking this second simile to the first. k' (kě-) again means "like" or "as." illem (אִלֵּם) means "mute" or "dumb." This intensifies the portrayal of his non-response, moving beyond simply not listening to actively not speaking.
• "I do not open my mouth" (לֹא יִפְתַּח פִּיו, lo' yiftach piy): Lo' (לֹא) is "not." Yiftach (יִפְתַּח) is the third-person masculine singular imperfect form of patach (פָּתַח), meaning "to open." Piy (פִּיו) means "his mouth." While most English translations render this as "I do not open my mouth" for fluid poetic connection to "I," the Hebrew technically says, "he does not open his mouth," referring back to the "mute man." This strengthens the comparison: just as a mute man naturally cannot open his mouth to speak, so too does the Psalmist deliberately make himself as one who will not speak. This is a profound image of complete, unresisting silence.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth": The powerful use of parallel similes ("like a deaf man," "like a mute man") emphasizes the thoroughness of the Psalmist's chosen non-response. The chiastic structure (A-B-A'-B' if considered roughly as "I am like a deaf man" / "I hear not" / "and like a mute man" / "I open not my mouth") further enhances the poetic quality and reinforces the message. It is a comprehensive choice: he neither listens to their malicious words nor offers a retort or defense. This stance highlights not an inability, but a deliberate act of will rooted in faith.

Psalm 38 13 Bonus section

The deliberate choice of silence, as exemplified in Psalm 38:13, is often viewed in biblical wisdom literature as a sign of discernment and strength rather than weakness. In a spiritual battle, silence can be a powerful weapon, thwarting the enemy's intent to provoke a sinful reaction. This silence aligns with the concept of waiting on the Lord, acknowledging that God’s timing and method of deliverance are perfect. It reflects a radical trust that the Creator knows all things, judges righteously, and will act in due course. The contrast between the furious accusations of the enemies and the calm, chosen silence of the afflicted believer speaks volumes, testifying to a deeper spiritual reality where ultimate authority rests with God.

Psalm 38 13 Commentary

Psalm 38:13 unveils a profound spiritual discipline and an exemplary posture in suffering. David's choice to be "like a deaf man" and "like a mute man" is a powerful counterpoint to the clamor and deceit of his enemies described in the preceding verses. This silence is not passive resignation but an active decision. By refraining from hearing or responding, David effectively defuses the attacks. He does not validate the false accusations by engaging with them, nor does he succumb to the temptation to retaliate or defend himself in human terms. This requires immense self-control and deep spiritual maturity.

This strategic silence stems from David's primary focus on God (as evidenced in verse 15, "For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will answer, O Lord my God"). He understands that true vindication comes from the Lord, not from winning a verbal debate or defending his name against slander. His silence under suffering beautifully prefigures the conduct of the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, who was silent before His accusers (Isa 53:7, Matt 26:63, Mark 15:5). David’s humility here serves as a potent example for believers: in moments of intense unjust attack, entrusting one's defense to God is often the most righteous and powerful response, demonstrating faith over fleshly reaction. It denies the accuser the satisfaction of a response and places the entire matter squarely in the hands of divine justice.