I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "I go mourning" doesn't just mean he's sad; it suggests a public display of grief, as if he's walking around in the outward appearance of a mourner, possibly even wearing dark clothes. This highlights how deeply his suffering impacts his entire presentation to the world, not just his inner feelings.
I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is in a state of deep distress, experiencing overwhelming grief and physical suffering that he believes is a consequence of his sin. He feels utterly broken and afflicted, going about his days in a state of mourning, displaying outward signs of his inner anguish. This lament continues a theme of intense personal suffering and confession that dominates the first part of the psalm.
The Psalmist describes himself as 'utterly bowed down and prostrate.' What does this intense physical posture tell us about the depth of his inner turmoil?
David's language isn't just poetic; it paints a vivid picture of how profound emotional and spiritual distress can manifest physically.
A Body in Anguish
The words "bowed down" and "prostrate" suggest a physical weight pressing down on him, making it difficult to stand or even move. This isn't just sadness; it's a crushing burden that affects his very posture and ability to function.
Signs of Mourning
"Go about mourning" points to outward expressions of grief. This could include a somber appearance, a slow and heavy gait, or even neglecting personal grooming, all outward signs that reflect the inner state of deep suffering and regret.
David says he mourns 'all the day long.' How does this phrase reveal the relentless grip of his sorrow?
The phrase 'all the day long' emphasizes that David's grief is not fleeting or occasional; it's a constant state.
No Respite
This isn't a sorrow that allows for breaks or moments of relief. It permeates every hour, every activity, leaving no room for joy or peace. His entire existence is colored by this deep mourning.
A Persistent Reality
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It suggests a state where outward appearances and inward feelings are consistently aligned in sorrow. Whether he's trying to go about his duties or simply exist, the mourning is ever-present, a heavy cloak he cannot shed.
Understand the original words
avah · Hebrew Verb
A physical posture of being bent over or collapsed, often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe a state of deep humiliation, affliction, or heavy sorrow before God or enemies.
shachach · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
To be cast down or brought to a state of utter helplessness, often representing a position of total surrender or extreme physical and emotional exhaustion.
qadar · Hebrew Verb/Participle
A state of intense grief or sorrow, often expressed through visible acts of lamentation such as wearing sackcloth, weeping, or walking with a heavy heart.
Psalm 38 portrays David at the height of his personal suffering, likely stemming from the consequences of his sins and the ensuing turmoil in his life and kingdom. The physical and emotional distress described reflects a deep spiritual crisis, illustrating how personal failings can manifest in profound suffering.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King of Israel
David is king of Israel, having established a united monarchy, but faces numerous personal and political challenges throughout his reign.
c. 1000-970 BC
David's Sins and Consequences
David commits significant sins, such as his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah, leading to profound guilt and divine discipline.
c. 1000-970 BC
Prophetic Rebuke and Confession
Prophets like Nathan confront David, leading to deep repentance and confession of sin, which shapes many of the Psalms.
c. 1000-970 BC
Rise of Internal Strife and Rebellion
David's reign is marked by internal conflicts, including the rebellion of his son Absalom, causing him immense personal anguish and sorrow.
This passage echoes the physical suffering and outward signs of distress described in Psalm 38:6, connecting the internal anguish with its external manifestation.
Isaiah 21:3This verse uses similar imagery of being 'bowed down' or 'writhed' in response to distress, highlighting a shared concept of overwhelming suffering.
Lamentations 3:4This passage speaks of flesh and skin being 'wasted away,' which resonates with the 'go mourning' aspect, implying a visible deterioration due to deep sorrow.
Lamentations 3:8Here, the cry for help is hindered, much like the psalmist's internal state in Psalm 38:6 makes outward petition difficult, showing a parallel in being trapped by affliction.
1 Peter 5:6This verse speaks of humbling oneself, connecting to the profound sense of dejection and brokenness that the psalmist expresses in Psalm 38:6.
clarkePsalms 38:6: "I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long."
I am troubled - In mind. I am bowed down in body. I am altogether afflicted, and full of distress.
ellicottPsalms 38:6: "I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long."
(6) I am troubled. —Better, I am made to writhe (see margin), I am bowed down exceedingly, All day long I go about squalid. (See Psalm 35:14, and comp. Isaiah 21:3.) The usual Oriental signs of mourning are alluded to in the last clause.
The phrase "I go mourning" doesn't just mean he's sad; it suggests a public display of grief, as if he's walking around in the outward appearance of a mourner, possibly even wearing dark clothes. This highlights how deeply his suffering impacts his entire presentation to the world, not just his inner feelings.
The psalmist is in a state of deep distress, experiencing overwhelming grief and physical suffering that he believes is a consequence of his sin. He feels utterly broken and afflicted, going about his days in a state of mourning, displaying outward signs of his inner anguish. This lament continues a theme of intense personal suffering and confession that dominates the first part of the psalm.
The psalmist is in a state of deep distress, experiencing overwhelming grief and physical suffering that he believes is a consequence of his sin. He feels utterly broken and afflicted, going about his days in a state of mourning, displaying outward signs of his inner anguish. This lament continues a theme of intense personal suffering and confession that dominates the first part of the psalm.
"I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning." — The phrase "I go mourning" doesn't just mean he's sad; it suggests a public display of grief, as if he's walking around in the outward appearance of a mourner, possibly even wearing dark clothes. Thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026