Psalms 38:18For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.
The setting
Ancient Jerusalem, ~1000 BC. David, having committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged Uriah's death, finally breaks his year-long silence and admits his guilt publicly in Jerusalem, Israel.
The emotion here: broken and ready to come clean
The original word
nagad (נָגַד) — to declare openly, make known publicly, not whisper privately
Why it matters
In ancient Israel, public confession was required for restoration to the community
Read with care
What most readers miss in Psalms 38:18
This isn't private repentance — David is going public with his sin
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about feeling sorry. But 'declare' means David went public — this isn't private guilt, it's public confession and accountability.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Psalms 38:18
Bible Genome reading
Psalms 38:18 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Psalms 38:18 comes from the book of Psalms, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to David. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the psalm genre of biblical literature. Key themes include confession, repentance, honesty. Notable phrases: I will declare my iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. This verse is a prayer.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Psalms 38:18 mean to you, today?
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