New International Version Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. New Living Translation They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good. English Standard Version Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good. Berean Standard Bible Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. Berean Literal Bible And those repaying evil for good, they oppose me, because of my pursuing good. King James Bible They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. New King James Version Those also who render evil for good, They are my adversaries, because I follow what is good. New American Standard Bible And those who repay evil for good, They become my enemies, because I follow what is good. NASB 1995 And those who repay evil for good, They oppose me, because I follow what is good. NASB 1977 And those who repay evil for good, They oppose me, because I follow what is good. Legacy Standard Bible And those who repay evil for good, They accuse me, for I pursue what is good. Amplified Bible They repay evil for good, they attack and try to kill me, Because I follow what is good. Berean Annotated Bible Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. Christian Standard Bible Those who repay evil for good attack me for pursuing good. Holman Christian Standard Bible Those who repay evil for good attack me for pursuing good. American Standard Version They also that render evil for good Are adversaries unto me, because I follow the thing that is good. Contemporary English Version and they repay evil for good because I try to do right. English Revised Version They also that render evil for good are adversaries unto me, because I follow the thing that is good. GOD'S WORD® Translation They pay me back with evil instead of good, and they accuse me because I try to do what is good. Good News Translation Those who pay back evil for good are against me because I try to do right. International Standard Version They reward my good with evil, opposing me because I seek to do good. NET Bible They repay me evil for the good I have done; though I have tried to do good to them, they hurl accusations at me. New Heart English Bible They who also render evil for good are adversaries to me, because I follow what is good. Webster's Bible Translation They also that render evil for good are my adversaries; because I follow the thing that is good. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThose who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. World English Bible They who render evil for good are also adversaries to me, because I follow what is good. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd those paying evil for good accuse me, "" Because of my pursuing good. Berean Literal Bible And those repaying evil for good, they oppose me, because of my pursuing good. Young's Literal Translation And those paying evil for good accuse me, Because of my pursuing good. Smith's Literal Translation And mine enemies living, they were strong: and they hating me with falsehood were multiplied. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey that render evil for good, have detracted me, because I followed goodness. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Repaying me evil for good, accusing me for pursuing good. New Revised Standard Version Those who render me evil for good are my adversaries because I follow after good. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey reward me evil for good; they reproach me because I seek after good things. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated They have paid me evil for good and have regarded me with malice because I have sought good. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917They also that repay evil for good Are adversaries unto me, because I follow the thing that is good. Brenton Septuagint Translation They that reward evil for good slandered me; because I followed righteousness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger…19Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason. 20Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. 21Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God.… Cross References Those who repay my good with evil Psalm 109:5 They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love. Jeremiah 18:20 Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them. Proverbs 17:13 If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house. attack me Psalm 56:2 My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. Psalm 59:3 See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. Psalm 69:4 Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay. for pursuing the good 1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 2:20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Luke 6:27-28 But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. John 15:18-19 If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” Treasury of Scripture They also that render evil for good are my adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. render Psalm 7:4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) Psalm 35:12 They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. Psalm 109:3-5 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause… because Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 1 Peter 3:13,17,18 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? … Jump to Previous Accuse Adversaries Evil Follow Good Haters Oppose Paying Pursue Pursuing Render Repay Right SlanderJump to Next Accuse Adversaries Evil Follow Good Haters Oppose Paying Pursue Pursuing Render Repay Right SlanderPsalm 38 1. David moves God to take compassion on his pitiful caseThose who repay my good with evil This phrase reflects a common theme in the Psalms and other biblical texts, where the righteous suffer unjustly at the hands of the wicked. The concept of repaying good with evil is seen in the story of David and Saul, where David spared Saul's life, yet Saul continued to pursue him (1 Samuel 24:17). This phrase highlights the moral and ethical tension between the actions of the righteous and the responses of the wicked. It underscores the biblical principle that the world is often unjust, and the righteous may suffer despite their good deeds. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches to love one's enemies and do good to those who hate you (Luke 6:27). Psa 109:5 They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love. attack me The word "attack" suggests a hostile and aggressive action, indicating that the psalmist is under severe distress and persecution. This can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual warfare that believers face, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. The psalmist's experience can be likened to the trials faced by Jesus, who was attacked and persecuted despite His sinless life and good works (John 15:18-20). Psa 56:2 My enemies pursue me all day long, for many… for pursuing the good. "Pursuing the good" implies a deliberate and continuous effort to live righteously and in accordance with God's will. This pursuit is a central tenet of the Christian faith, as believers are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). The psalmist's commitment to pursuing good, despite opposition, mirrors the life of Jesus, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). This phrase also resonates with the call to persevere in doing good, as encouraged in Galatians 6:9, where believers are urged not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season they will reap a harvest if they do not give up. 1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 38, David is expressing his anguish and seeking God's help amidst his suffering and the betrayal he faces. 2. Enemies The individuals who repay David's good deeds with evil actions, representing those who oppose righteousness. 3. God The ultimate source of justice and refuge for David, to whom he cries out for deliverance. 4. Pursuit of Good The righteous actions and intentions of David, which are met with hostility from his adversaries. 5. Betrayal The central event where David's good intentions are met with evil, highlighting the theme of unjust suffering. Teaching Points The Reality of Unjust SufferingBelievers may face hostility even when pursuing righteousness. This is a common experience for those who follow God's ways. Responding to Betrayal Like David, we should turn to God in prayer and seek His justice rather than retaliating against those who wrong us. Pursuing Good Despite Opposition Continue to do good and trust in God's ultimate justice, even when faced with opposition or betrayal. Trusting God's Justice God sees the injustices we face and will ultimately vindicate those who pursue righteousness. Loving Our Enemies Following Christ's example, we are called to love and pray for those who oppose us, reflecting God's love and grace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 38:20?2. How can we respond to those who "repay evil for good" in Psalm 38:20? 3. What does Psalm 38:20 teach about the cost of following righteousness? 4. How does Psalm 38:20 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving enemies? 5. In what ways can we "pursue good" despite opposition, as in Psalm 38:20? 6. How can Psalm 38:20 guide our prayers for those who oppose us? 7. How does Psalm 38:20 address the concept of enemies repaying good with evil? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 38:20? 9. How does Psalm 38:20 challenge the idea of unconditional forgiveness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 38? What Does Psalm 38:20 Mean Those who repay my good with evilDavid is shocked that kindness can provoke hostility. Psalm 35:12 already echoed his complaint: “They repay me evil for good and hatred for my love”. This reversal of moral order breaks God’s design (Proverbs 17:13). We, too, may find that generosity is met with suspicion or deceit. Christ Himself asked, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of these do you stone Me?” (John 10:32). Whenever evil answers goodness, the believer is encouraged to keep trusting God’s justice (Romans 12:19) and keep reflecting His character (Matthew 5:44–45). attack me The opposition is not passive; it is active, even violent. David feels besieged—“They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause” (Psalm 109:3). Attacks can be verbal, relational, or physical; all are wounds to the soul. Jesus foretold that “you will be hated by everyone because of My name” (Matthew 10:22). Peter reminds suffering saints that Christ “left you an example” when He “did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats” (1 Peter 2:21–23). Like David, we take refuge in God rather than in self-defense (Psalm 62:5–6). for pursuing the good The irony deepens: David is targeted precisely because he “pursues the good.” Doing the right thing can provoke those who cherish darkness (John 3:19–20). Paul told the Galatians, “Let us not grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9), while Peter observed, “Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed” (1 Peter 3:14). The promise stands: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). When persecution arises for righteousness, the believer remains steadfast, trusting that God vindicates integrity (Psalm 37:5–6). summary Psalm 38:20 captures the sting of betrayal: good deeds met with evil, relentless attacks, and suffering precisely because one chooses what is right. David’s lament validates our own experiences, yet also steers us toward patient endurance, confident that the God who sees will ultimately reward every pursuit of the good. Verse 20. - They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries (comp. Psalm 35:12). Because I follow the thing that good is; literally, because I follow good.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Those who repayוּמְשַׁלְּמֵ֣י (ū·mə·šal·lə·mê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate my good טוֹבָ֑ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good with תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of evil רָ֭עָה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil attack יִ֝שְׂטְנ֗וּנִי (yiś·ṭə·nū·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular Strong's 7853: To be or act as adversary me for תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of pursuing רָֽדְפִי־ (rā·ḏə·p̄î-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute the good. 0 (0) 0 Strong's Hebrew Additonal Resources Psalm 38:20 Blue Letter BiblePsalm 38:20 Bible Gateway Psalm 38:20 Bible.com Psalm 38:20 NIV |
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