Bible Commentaries

Title. A Psalm = Mizmor. See App-65.

of David = by David, and relating to the true David. The Psalm is a continuation of the subject of this last group of four Psalms. Psalms 39:2:9 link it on to Psalms 38:13; and Psalms 39:1 to Psalms 38:17. See note on Title of Psalms 38:1.

I said = I formed this resolution (Psalms 38:7).

take heed = observe, keep, or guard.

sin. Hebrew. chata". App-44.

keep: same as "take heed to", above. Septuagint and Vulgate read "I did put".

a bridle = a muzzle.

the wicked = a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha". App-44.

dumb: as if tongue-tied.

good. Perhaps the Ellipsis (App-6) may be supplied "from good [words]". See P.B.V.

frail = short lived.

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

age = lifetime. Hebrew. heled. See note on "world" (Psalms 49:1).

at his best state = though standing fast, or firmly established.

altogether vanity = only all vanity. Some codices, with Syriac, omit "all".

Selah. Connecting the vanity of Psalms 39:5 with the expansion and explanation of it in Psalms 39:6. See App-66.

every man. Hebrew. "Ish. App-14.

walketh: i.e. walketh to and fro, or habitually.

in a vain shew = only in a mere form. Hebrew. zelem. Occurs thirty-three times. Always rendered image, except here and Daniel 3:19 ("form").

LORD*. The primitive text read "Jehovah". This is one of the 134 places where the Sopherim altered Jehovah to "Adonai". See App-32.

is = "it [is]"

transgressions. Hebrew. pasha".

the foolish = a foolish one.

blow = pressure.

hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

man. Hebrew. "ish. App-14. See note on "moth", below.

moth. Hebrew. "ash. Forming the Figure of speech Paronomasia (App-6), connecting man ("ish) with a moth ("ash).

Selah. Connecting human vanity with an abiding reality and a divinely provided resource prayer, and hope in Jehovah. See App-66.

recover strength = be comforted. Hebrew "brighten up".