What does Psalms 38:18 mean?
"For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." - Psalms 38:18

Psalms 38:18 (KJV) says, "For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." This verse comes from a psalm of David, who is expressing his deep anguish and grief over his sins and the resulting consequences. The verse reflects on the importance of confession, remorse, and repentance in the face of one's wrongdoing.
To truly understand the deep meaning and commentary of Psalms 38:18, it's important to consider the context of the entire psalm. In Psalms 38, David paints a vivid picture of his suffering and distress as a result of his sins. He describes physical and emotional pain, feelings of abandonment by friends and family, and the heavy burden of guilt and shame. This psalm serves as a powerful expression of human frailty and the need for God's mercy and forgiveness.
In verse 18, David acknowledges his own iniquity and expresses a deep sense of sorrow for his sins. This declaration of guilt and remorse is a crucial step in the process of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God. David recognizes the gravity of his wrongdoing and takes responsibility for his actions, demonstrating humility and contrition before the Lord.
This verse carries timeless themes of sin, repentance, and restoration that are relevant to all people, regardless of time or culture. It speaks to the universal human experience of making mistakes, feeling regret, and seeking forgiveness. It also highlights the importance of taking ownership of one's sins and acknowledging them openly before God.
The act of declaring one's iniquity and expressing sorrow for sin is a powerful statement of humility and honesty. It requires a willingness to confront the reality of one's wrongdoing and to face the consequences with a contrite spirit. This act of confession and repentance is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing the need for humility and a genuine desire to turn away from sin and seek God's forgiveness.
The verse also conveys a message of hope and redemption. Despite the deep remorse and guilt expressed by David, his acknowledgement of his sin is a step toward healing and restoration. By taking responsibility for his actions and expressing genuine sorrow, David opens the door for God's mercy and grace to enter into his life. This reflects the biblical theme of God's unfailing love and willingness to forgive those who come to Him with a humble and repentant heart.
In addition to its thematic significance, Psalms 38:18 carries symbolic and theological implications. It teaches us about the nature of sin and its impact on our relationship with God and others. It also reminds us of the importance of humility, honesty, and the pursuit of righteousness in the Christian life.
In conclusion, Psalms 38:18 (KJV) is a powerful and poignant expression of David's confession and remorse for his sins. It communicates timeless themes of sin, repentance, and restoration, and it serves as a reminder of the need for humility and genuine contrition before God. This verse offers a profound insight into the human experience of guilt and forgiveness, and it points us toward the hope and redemption found in God's grace.
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Psalms 38:18 - "For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin."
"For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." - Psalms 38:18
Psalms 18:38 - "I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet."
"I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet." - Psalms 18:38
Psalms 136:18 - "And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
Psalms 38:14 - "Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs."
Psalms 38:5 - "My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness."
"He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease." - Psalms 107:38
Psalms 38:19 - "But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied."
Psalms 38:7 - "For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh."
Psalms 38:22 - "Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation."
Psalms 22:18 - "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."
Psalms 105:38 - "Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them."
Psalms 37:38 - "But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off."
Psalms 38:17 - "For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me."
"They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay." - Psalms 18:18
Psalms 38:21 - "Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me."
Psalms 107:38 - "He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease."
Psalms 119:38 - "Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear."
Psalms 38:13 - "But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth."
Psalms 38:2 - "For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore."
Psalms 38:9 - "Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee."
Psalms 38:4 - "For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me."
Psalms 38:20 - "They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is."
Psalms 89:38 - "But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed."
Psalms 38:1 - "O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure."
Psalms 38:8 - "I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart."
"The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies." - Psalms 104:18
"O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure." - Psalms 38:1
Psalms 38:15 - "For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God."