My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is how David's "lovers and friends" and even "kinsmen" don't just leave, but actively "stand aloof" from his "plague." This suggests a deliberate distancing, not just a fading away, as if they viewed him as contagiously sinful or divinely judged, fearing they too might be tainted by his suffering.
My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is in a state of deep suffering, both physical and emotional, describing his body as afflicted by a "plague" or "sore." In this desperate situation, not only are his enemies actively plotting against him, but even those closest to him—his friends, companions, and relatives—are keeping their distance, likely out of fear, disgust, or a belief that he is being punished by God.
David feels abandoned, not just by acquaintances, but by those closest to him. What makes people pull away when someone is suffering deeply?
A Social Quarantine
David describes his friends and even his family keeping their distance. The word used for 'plague' or 'sore' here strongly suggests a deep, possibly infectious, ailment – perhaps even like the leprosy mentioned elsewhere in Scripture.
This wasn't just a lack of help; it was an active withdrawal, a social quarantine imposed by those who should have offered comfort. It reveals how suffering can alienate us, not just physically but socially, marking us as 'other.'
When your whole support system vanishes, where do you turn? This verse sets the stage for David's ultimate plea.
The Great Contrast
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David details the painful desertion by his social circle. But this isn't the end of the story. The psalms often move from deep despair to an unwavering trust in God's faithfulness.
This verse isn't just a lament; it's the setup for David's profound dependence on God, who remains present even when all human comfort recedes.
Understand the original words
'oheb · Hebrew Noun
A general term for those associated with another, often implying mutual affection or common interest. Biblically, it refers to those expected to provide support and loyalty, yet who may fail in times of crisis.
nega' · Hebrew Noun
A term describing a chronic, smiting, or severe affliction, often viewed as a judgment or a divine disciplinary stroke. In a broad biblical context, it connotes a state of physical or spiritual misery that isolates the sufferer.
qarob · Hebrew Noun
A general term for kin or blood relatives who are obligated by covenantal or familial bonds to provide protection and support. When they "stand far off," it indicates a betrayal of these social and moral expectations.
The overwhelming sense of abandonment in Psalm 38 isn't just about physical illness, but a reflection of profound betrayal during a time of deep personal crisis, likely stemming from rebellions and political instability within his own family and kingdom.
c. 1000 BC - 930 BC— this verse
David's Reign and Later Years
King David experiences significant personal and political turmoil, including rebellion from his son Absalom and serious illness. These events likely form the backdrop for his laments.
c. 970 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
David is forced to flee Jerusalem as his own son, Absalom, attempts to usurp the throne. This period of intense betrayal and displacement deeply impacts David.
c. 970 BC
David's Flight from Jerusalem
David and his loyal followers leave the capital during Absalom's rebellion, a time of profound isolation and fear. The king experiences the sting of abandonment by those he trusted.
This passage echoes the same profound loneliness of affliction, where even those closest by blood and friendship have become distant strangers.
Psalms 69:8Here, the psalmist expresses a similar abandonment by his closest relations, feeling like a stranger to his own family due to the suffering he endures.
Isaiah 53:3This prophetic verse describes the suffering Servant as despised and avoided by men, directly paralleling the experience of being shunned by society and even loved ones due to suffering.
Matthew 26:56In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus' disciples, his closest companions, all fled and abandoned him when he was arrested, mirroring David's experience of desertion by friends in a time of crisis.
clarkePsalms 38:11: "My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off."
My lovers - Those who professed much affection for me; my friends, רעי reai, my companions, who never before left my company, stand aloof. My kinsmen - קרובי kerobai, my neighbors, stand afar off. I am deserted by all, and they stand off because of נגעי nigi, my plague. They considered me as suffering under a Divine judgment; and, thinking me an accursed being, they avoided me lest they should b…
jfbPsalms 38:11: "My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off."
11, 12. Friends desert, but foes increase in malignity.
What's striking here is how David's "lovers and friends" and even "kinsmen" don't just leave, but actively "stand aloof" from his "plague." This suggests a deliberate distancing, not just a fading away, as if they viewed him as contagiously sinful or divinely judged, fearing they too might be tainted by his suffering.
David is in a state of deep suffering, both physical and emotional, describing his body as afflicted by a "plague" or "sore." In this desperate situation, not only are his enemies actively plotting against him, but even those closest to him—his friends, companions, and relatives—are keeping their distance, likely out of fear, disgust, or a belief that he is being punished by God.
David is in a state of deep suffering, both physical and emotional, describing his body as afflicted by a "plague" or "sore." In this desperate situation, not only are his enemies actively plotting against him, but even those closest to him—his friends, companions, and relatives—are keeping their distance, likely out of fear, disgust, or a belief that he is being punished by God.
"My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off." — What's striking here is how David's "lovers and friends" and even "kinsmen" don't just leave, but actively "stand aloof" from his "plague." This suggests a deliberate distancing, not just a fading aw…
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Last reviewed October 2026