Where the Fathers quote Psalms 38

127 citations across the Patrologia Graeca — from the printed citations of the English pass; every reference opens the page with its facsimile one tap away. · trace across the Tradition ›

Verses1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 21 114 139

Expounded by the Fathers

John ChrysostomPG 55:559expounds v.12“εν ελεγμοις υπερ ανομιας επαιδευσας ανθρωπον και εξετηξας ως αραχνην την ψυχην αυτου· πλην ματην ταρασσεται πας ανθρωπος. (διαψαλμα).”On Psalm 38: «Surely every man walks about like a shadow; in vain they busy themselves»

1Ps 38:1

2Ps 38:2

Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 31:361A…id saying: When the sinner stood against me, I was not provoked, nor did I take revenge, but I was dumb and was humbled, and I kept silence from good things (Ps. XXXVIII, 2, 3). But you are provoked by insult as… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 52:577C…"I was dumb and was humbled, and I kept silent from good, and my pain was renewed. My heart was hot within me, and in my meditation a fire shall be kindled." (Ps. 38. 2-4). He designates that fire, which is mor… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 56:923B…e fear, at your mouth, that you may say with the prophet: I said: I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I have set a guard to my mouth (Psal. 38. 2). Wisdom says: Shut up your [ears] wi… Cosmas Indicopleustes fl. c. 535–550PG 88:851C…nerves of vainglory. When Peter spoke a word, he wept bitterly, forgetting Him who said: "I said: I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue" (Ps. XXXVIII, 2); and the other who held it better to f… Cosmas Indicopleustes fl. c. 535–550PG 88:1041C…ll keep silence in that time, for it is an evil time" (Amos v, 13). And in another place again, "I set a guard upon my mouth when the sinner stood against me" (Ps. xxxviii, 2). And according to the person, as when… John of Damascus c. 675–749PG 95:1341B…se of them, and my tongue destroy me?» Eccli. xix, 5.—«He who hates talkativeness, lessens evil.» Eccli. xxx, 18.—«Good things poured out upon a closed mouth.» Psal. xxxviii, 2.—«I said, I will guard my ways, that I…

3Ps 38:3

Origen c. 185–c. 253PG 12:1137…being afflicted through the consideration of these things there is no peace in my bones because of my sin for my iniquities have passed over my head as a heavy burden they have weighed heavily upon… Origen c. 185–c. 253PG 15:77B…at these words psalmon edun, Symmachus translates lyran heleian, sweet lyre, where some copies, with Δ changed into Λ, have auran, breeze. E into Σ. Psalm xxxviii, 3, in the version of Aquila, one codex ha… Athanasius of Alexandria c. 296–373PG 27:795…i went about sorrowful because my loins are filled with illusions and there is no soundness in my flesh i have been afflicted and humbled exceedingly i roared with the groaning of my heart lord before… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:83…contained in the present psalm are similar to those for he said there is no soundness in my flesh and there is no peace in all my bones from the face of my sins for my… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:85…fast in me and thou hast laid thine hand heavy upon me there is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger neither is there any peace in my bones because of my sins that… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 56:693…all the day because my loins have been filled with illusions and there is no soundness in my flesh ps if therefore according to the prophet there is no soundness in our flesh how many eyes… Severian of Gabala 4th–5th c.PG 65:27…at only that song of prophetic lamentation may resound, which says: I was dumb and was humbled, and kept silence from good things, and my sorrow was renewed (Ps. XXXVIII, 3). The sorrow of a Christian bishop is r… Nilus of Sinai d. c. 430PG 79:485…let the man of great experience persuade you of this crying out there is no soundness in my flesh because of your anger there is no peace in my bones because of my sins for my… Maximus the Confessor c. 580–662PG 91:439B…with excessive curiosity. Seeing the many who rejoice and take pleasure in such trifles, I was dumb and was humbled, and kept silence from good things (Ps. XXXVIII, 3); for I judged that for every prudent a… Theophylact of Ohrid c. 1055 – after 1107PG 126:897A…g this life here to be a pilgrimage—which I myself also consider to be such. Thus David also says: "I am a sojourner and a pilgrim, just as all my fathers," ⟦7 Psal. XXXVIII, 3.⟧ allusively pointing out the patriarch…

4Ps 38:4

Dionysius the Areopagite fl. c. 500PG 3:283A…the fire of elevation and perfection will not be kindled, according to that saying: "My heart was hot within me, and in my meditation a fire shall be kindled" (Ps. XXXVIII, 4): which will also square with the heave… Theophylact of Ohrid c. 1055 – after 1107PG 126:545A…ies, from which the fire of love toward virtue is kindled—if David is a trustworthy witness of this matter, saying: In my meditation a fire shall be kindled (Ps. XXXVIII, 4). This fire, which devours all wooden a… Nicephorus Callistus Xanthopoulos c. 1256–c. 1335PG 147:735D…been said—from which a certain ardor is born in the heart, according to that: "My heart was warmed within me, and in my meditation, a fire shall be kindled." (Ps. XXXVIII, 4).… Gregory Palamas c. 1296–1359PG 151:129A…, and provides sanctification to the body, according to the words of him who said: "My heart grew hot within me, and in my meditation a fire shall be kindled" (Ps. XXXVIII, 4). This is what one of our God-bearing F… Gregory Palamas c. 1296–1359PG 151:273C…on to the soul, and provides sanctification to the body, according to him who said: "My heart grew hot within me, and in my meditation a fire will be kindled" (Ps. xxxviii, 4). And this is what one of the God-beari… Constantine Harmenopoulos c. 1320 – c. 1385PG 150:655D…gance. This is the fire that was kindled in the soul of the Prophet from the meditation on God. "And in my meditation," he says, "a fire shall be kindled" (Ps. XXXVIII, 4). Because he shows elsewhere concerning… Symeon of Thessalonica d. 1429PG 155:343B…h it also represents the Divine. "For our God is a consuming fire," he says (Heb. XII, 29); and "God is light" (1 John I, 5); and "My heart was hot within me" (Ps. XXXVIII, 4). There is, furthermore, the thurible…

5Ps 38:5

Origen c. 185–c. 253PG 13:47…with a foul odor for the penitent says my scars have stank and are corrupt because of my foolishness it is not the intention of the holy spirit to speak now of physical nard nor does… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:93…sort confesses it from a healthy conscience saying my wounds have stunk and are corrupt because of my foolishness since therefore my iniquities have been multiplied and have risen above my head and have been heavy… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 31:1291…heavy burden they have become heavy upon me my scars have stunk and are corrupt because of my foolishness i have become miserable and am bowed down even to the end i walked sorrowful all the… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 55:591…for my iniquities have gone over my head my wounds have stunk and are corrupt because of my foolishness v and you yourself also by gathering it together will find that most of those things which… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 59:281D…to foretell his own death. Behold then also David saying: Make me to know, O Lord, my end, and the number of my days what it is, that I may know what I lack (Ps. 38:5). And in short, there is no one who has… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 61:787C…those words where a man, who is very anxious about the end of his own life, thus addresses God: Make known to me, O Lord, my end, and the number of my days (Ps. XXXVIII, 5). CONCERNING FASTING I cry wi… Theodoret of Cyrrhus c. 386–458PG 80:1139…heavy burden they have weighed heavily upon me my stripes have putrefied and are corrupt because of my foolishness i have been troubled and bowed down until the end i went about mourning the whole day… Theodoret of Cyrrhus c. 386–458PG 83:87…who has sinned and is making confession says my wounds have stunk and are corrupt because of my foolishness ps xxxvii but the lord was without sin being the human element from incorruptible woods that is… Euthymius Zigabenus d. after 1118PG 128:431…as those do who carry some weight b my scars have stunk and are corrupt because of my foolishness the scars of my soul he says which were made by the fiery arrows of the devil… Asterius of AmaseaPG 40:189B…to God, while examining the deadline for his own end: "Make known to me, O Lord, my end, and what is the number of my days, that I may know what I am lacking" (Ps. XXXVIII, 5). Do you see how, as in an image, the d…

6Ps 38:6

Athanasius of Alexandria c. 296–373PG 28:667…me not forth in the midst of my days" (Ps. ci, 25)? But if there is no limit, how does the same person say again, "Behold, thou hast made my days measurable" (Ps. xxxviii, 6)? And if, again, there is a limit, what… Gregory of Nyssa c. 335–c. 395PG 45:951C…udged against the universe? Just as the great David also says, having well contemplated the infirmity of mortals, "For my substance is as nothing before thee" (Ps. XXXVIII, 6), not saying that it is absolutely noth… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 56:559C…generated from that image into the likeness of brutes. For Vanity of vanities, all is vanity (Eccle. I, 2). And David: But yet all is vanity, every man living (Ps. XXXVIII, 6). To this vanity, therefore, to corrupt… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 64:95B…VIII, 20). To what vanity? From the time man turned away from God, it is called vanity. Hear David singing: 'Surely, vanity is the whole of every living man' (Ps. XXXVIII, 6). Every man is vain who leaves God and… John of Damascus c. 675–749PG 95:1099A…flesh; and with bones and nerves Thou hast knit me together. Remember that Thou hast fashioned me as clay; and Thou shalt bring me back again into the earth.› Psal. xxxviii, 6, 7. — ‹Verily all things are vanity, ev… Photius of Constantinople c. 810–c. 891PG 101:841B…To what vanity? From the moment a man turns away from God, he is called vanity. Hear David singing: "Surely everything is vanity, every man who is living" (Ps. XXXVIII, 6). Every man is vain who abandons God an…

7Ps 38:7

Melito of Sardis fl. c. 170, d. c. 180PG 5:1245…is guarded, as the Holy Spirit says through the prophet: "Every man is troubled in vain, he heapeth up, and knoweth not for whom he shall gather these things" (Ps. XXXVIII, 7). Naked did the throes of women bring u… Athanasius of Alexandria c. 296–373PG 27:795…day i went about sorrowful because my loins are filled with illusions and there is no soundness in my flesh i have been afflicted and humbled exceedingly i roared with the groaning of my heart lord… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:83…contained in the present psalm are similar to those for he said there is no soundness in my flesh and there is no peace in all my bones from the face of my sins for my… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:85…fast in me and thou hast laid thine hand heavy upon me there is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger neither is there any peace in my bones because of my sins that… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:93…and your indignation all the day long i went about mourning b for my loins are filled with illusions and there is no health in my flesh i am afflicted and humbled exceedingly i roared by… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 49:39C…trength, and glory in the multitude of their riches" (Ps. 48:7). Tell me, why "Woe"? "He treasures up," he says, "and knows not for whom he shall gather them" (Ps. 38:7); since the labor is certain, but the f… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 55:325A…nstrated from every side, says: "Every man is a liar," that is to say: Man is nothing. Therefore he also said elsewhere: "Nevertheless, man walks in an image" (Ps. XXXVIII, 7). "What shall I render to the Lord for… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 55:789…was created upright by God. 549-558 MONITION to the following homily. 559-560 HOMILY on that prophetic text, Surely every man living is disquieted in vain (Ps. 38:7), and on almsgiving. 559-564 MONITION… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 56:693…sorrowful all the day because my loins have been filled with illusions and there is no soundness in my flesh ps if therefore according to the prophet there is no soundness in our flesh how many… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 60:701…er our death, do not eat and drink and spend the fruit of our labor, singing: "The wealthy man stores up, and knows not for whom he shall gather these things" (Ps. 38. 7); and again, "Behold the man who did no… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 60:709D…will receive no reward, and they revel in them? Have you not heard the prophet saying, The rich man stores up, and does not know for whom he will gather them (Ps. 38.7)? And again elsewhere the same man says… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 61:603D…; but he is also troubled in vain; and again, Our days have declined like a shadow. And in another place he calls human things smoke, and the flower of hay (Ps. XXXVIII, 7; ibid. CII, 12, et IV). And also the sa… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 62:89C…gain, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Eccles. 2:5 et seq.). Hear also the Prophet saying: “He stores up, and knows not for whom he shall gather them” (Ps. 38:7). In this regard [there is] vanity of v… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 62:643A…e Corinthians, says: "A man ought not to have his head covered, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God" (1 Cor. 11:7); and in the image man passes away (Ps. 38:7); and the Scripture sometimes takes the… Nilus of Sinai d. c. 430PG 79:485…let the man of great experience persuade you of this crying out there is no soundness in my flesh because of your anger there is no peace in my bones because of my sins for my… Theodoret of Cyrrhus c. 386–458PG 83:1169D…eserves in himself, as an image, the likeness of Him whose image he is. But he is inferior as a product and a creature. Yet he is not alien. Num. XXI, 22. † Ps. XXXVIII, 7. ‡ Joan. XIV, 23.… Theophylact of Ohrid c. 1055 – after 1107PG 125:1179B…and because all our labor is consumed in repelling temporal evils. Whence David says: Verily, he says, man passes by in an image, but in vain he is troubled (Ps. XXXVIII, 7); that is, regarding that which is not… OrigenesPG 16:747…the hebrew for my loins are filled with ignominy i roared from the moaning of my heart my lovers and my friends stood over against my… PG 61:3D…ut also he is disquieted in vain; and again, Our days have declined like a shadow. And in another place he calls human affairs smoke, and the flower of hay (Ps. 38:7; ibid. 101:12, and 4), and even sad thi…

8Ps 38:8

John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 61:85B…For we belong to Him in a double way, by the logic of creation and by the logic of faith. It is for this reason that David says: "My substance is before Thee" (Ps. 38. 8); and Paul: "In Him we live and move an…

9Ps 38:9

Origen c. 185–c. 253PG 14:1119…himself from the face of god gen iii but holy david says my groaning is not hid from thee ps xxxvii but let us see what it is that he says the spirit himself asketh for… Origen c. 185–c. 253PG 17:187…friendship those who are his friends are also friends of one another lord all my desire is before thee says david that is whatever is pleasing to god and is fitting for the just that must… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:93…humbled exceedingly i roared by reason of the groaning of my heart lord all my desire is before thee and my groaning is not hidden from thee in place of my loins are filled with illusions… Theodoret of Cyrrhus c. 386–458PG 80:1139…it a servant of the divine will for he subjoined this vers lord all my desire is before thee for since i once abused it badly ever after i will dedicate it to thy commandments and… Symeon Metaphrastes fl. c. 960, d. c. 1000PG 116:749…do with me a sign for good and fulfill my desire for all my desire is before thee and my groaning is not hidden from thee help me and let not a stain be found in… Bartholomew the Younger of Grottaferrata c. 980 - c. 1055PG 120:85…leaving even one thus he taught them to sing from the heart lord all my desire is before thee and thou art my portion o lord and the portion to be desired b there is in… Andronicus I Comnenus c. 1118–1185PG 133:867…thee which he intimates through the reins as he explains himself elsewhere lord all my desire is before thee and again my loins are filled with illusions noting by these contrary desires and calling the son… Ephraem of Ainos fl. c. 1313PG 143:399…hand by love she is securely glued to christ and cries out lord all my desire is before thee always gazing toward christ she cries my eyes are always toward the lord speaking with christ through…

10Ps 38:10

Nicolaus V Papa 1397-1455 (pope 1447-1455)PG 160:1177…o lord rebuke me not in thy wrath of the second and the light of mine eyes it also is not with me o god my god unto thee of the third in the morning shall…

11Ps 38:11

John of Damascus c. 675–749PG 96:313A…d, and your instruction." Psal. XVII, 35. "Anger is in his wrath, and life in his will." Psal. XXIX, 5. "With rebukes you have disciplined man for iniquity." Psal. XXXVIII, 11. "Blessed is the man whom you shall in…

12Ps 38:12

John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 59:365…images of many people hung in their houses, do we not mourn all the more? The Prophet truthfully and well said: Surely every man living is troubled in vain (Ps. XXXVIII, 12). For such zeal regarding these things… John of Damascus c. 675–749PG 95:1511A…ince, therefore, we are all in turmoil amid these evils, the prophet, disregarding human life, cries out, saying: "Truly every man living is troubled in vain" (Ps. XXXVIII, 12). Is man alone, O prophet, troubled… John of Damascus c. 675–749PG 96:185A…TITLE XIV. — Concerning those who labor in vain. Job xx, 18. — "In vain has he labored, gathering riches, from which he shall not taste." Psal. xxxviii, 12. — "Verily, every man living is vainly…

13Ps 38:13

Athanasius of Alexandria c. 296–373PG 26:883…dumb and was humbled and kept silence from good things and again but i as a deaf man heard not and as a dumb man not opening his mouth and i became as a man not… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:99…a vers but i as a deaf man heard not and as a dumb man who openeth not his mouth and i became as a man… Gregory of Nyssa c. 335–c. 395PG 46:837D…ot prepare a private tomb for my body; for I have an agreement with God to lodge with the strangers. I am a sojourner and a stranger, as all my fathers were (Ps. xxxviii, 13 [LXX])." You have, therefore, in abunda… Didymus the Blind c. 313–398PG 39:1755…of the soul, which he wishes to be recognized as a sojourner. Whence it is also said: "I am a stranger in the earth and a sojourner, as all my fathers were," (Ps. XXXVIII, 13) and again: "Woe is me, that my sojourn… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 56:791D…ll, who both went out from God and hasten toward God. Whence the prophet also said: For I am a sojourner with thee on earth, and a guest, as were my fathers (Ps. 38:13). As therefore a traveler on the way is… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 56:943C…he world. For all souls are rightly pilgrims in this world, who can say: For I am a sojourner before Thee in the earth, and a pilgrim as all my fathers were (Ps. 38. 13). Preaching the word of faith, they… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 63:167B…e himself, too, was convinced; but David confessed it openly, as everyone knows: hear him saying, "For I am a sojourner and a pilgrim, as all my fathers were" (Ps. 38:13). For those who lived in tents, who eve… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 63:169B…en of David? Was he not a king? Was he not a prophet? Did he not dwell in his own fatherland? For what reason then does he say: "I am a guest and a sojourner" (Ps. 38:13)? How are you a guest? "As," he says, "… Antiochus of St. Sabas fl. c. 614-620PG 89:1763A…the Mother of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. And David himself: "Hear my prayer, O Lord, and my supplication: give ear to my tears: be not silent" (Psal. xxxviii, 13). And being heard, he says: "The Lord i… Nicetas Stethatos c. 1005–c. 1090PG 120:931…the silence of labors so that it too may say with david but i as a deaf man heard not and as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth it is necessary however that it… Germanus II of Constantinople d. c. 1240PG 140:657…deaf to slander and injuries and sing with david in your mind i as a deaf man heard not and as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth c bind your hands so that they… Nicephorus Blemmydes 1197–c. 1272PG 142:1453…were insulting me and in these things they were plotting against me but i as a deaf man heard not and as a dumb man not opening his mouth the remainder is missing b i said…

14Ps 38:14

Origen c. 185–c. 253PG 12:1147…that vengeance is mine i will repay saith the lord i became as a man that heareth not and in whose mouth are no reproofs thou shalt answer o lord my god if i was as… Basil the Great c. 329–379PG 30:99…as a dumb man who openeth not his mouth and i became as a man that heareth not and that hath no reproofs in his mouth after those who sought my life had found it then… John Chrysostom c. 349–407PG 47:493…ill confess to Him (Ps. 41:5). And again, turning from considerations to prayers: Give me rest, he says, that I may be refreshed before I go and be no more (Ps. 38:14); and from prayers to considerations: …

17Ps 38:17

Athanasius of Alexandria c. 296–373PG 28:693…christ in the thirty sixth psalm for i am ready for scourges and my sorrow is continually before me regarding the sale of christ the prophet jeremiah says and they took the thirty pieces of silver… Gregory of Nazianzus c. 329–390PG 36:889B…er one. F. 320, v. m.: (ad: garment) I mean the body of humiliation. P. 482, C. But you are not a stranger and sojourner? Elias f. 320, v. i.: He appeals to Psalm 38:17, where "sojourner" and "stranger" are p… Nicetas Choniates c. 1155–1217PG 139:1201…in the person of christ thus for i am ready for scourges and my sorrow is continually before me h of christ sold h concerning his sale also jeremiah does speak in this manner and they…

21Ps 38:21

Theodoret of Cyrrhus c. 386–458PG 80:2001…up my soul o my god ps to thee will i cry o lord o my god be not thou silent to me ps a hymn o god becometh thee in sion and a vow shall… Nicephorus Blemmydes 1197–c. 1272PG 142:1497…watching he means those who observe and plot against him o god my god be not far from me o my god attend to my help god withdraws not according to essence for he is infinite…

114Ps 38:114

Theodoret of Cyrrhus c. 386–458PG 80:2003…XXX, 1077 on Psalm XXXI, 1087 on Psalm XXXII, 1093 on Psalm XXXIII, 1102 on Psalm XXXIV, 1110 on Psalm XXXV, 1119 on Psalm XXXVI, 1125 on Psalm XXXVII, 1138 on Psalm XXXVIII, 1143 on Psalm XXXIX, 1151 on Psalm XL, 1161…

139Ps 38:139

Origen c. 185–c. 253PG 12:1707…II on same 1329 Homily III on same 1356 Homily IV on same 1319 Homily V on same 1359 Homily I on Psalm XXXVII 1369 Homily II on same 1380 Homily I on Psalm XXXVIII 1391 Homily II on same 1400 On Psalm XXXIX 1410 On Psalm XL 141…