Psalms 38:20 Cross References

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

Previous Verse
« Psalms 38:19
Next Verse
Psalms 38:21 »

Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse

Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Psalms 38:20. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.

Psalms 38:20 Cross Reference Verses

This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Psalms 38:20 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Psalms 35:12 KJV Bible Verse Image
Psalms 35:12 (KJV) »
They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.

1 John 3:12 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 John 3:12 (KJV) »
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Jeremiah 18:20 KJV Bible Verse Image
Jeremiah 18:20 (KJV) »
Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.

1 Peter 3:13 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Peter 3:13 (KJV) »
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

1 Peter 3:17 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Peter 3:17 (KJV) »
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 4:14 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Peter 4:14 (KJV) »
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

John 10:32 KJV Bible Verse Image
John 10:32 (KJV) »
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

Matthew 5:10 KJV Bible Verse Image
Matthew 5:10 (KJV) »
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 Samuel 25:21 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Samuel 25:21 (KJV) »
Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.

1 Samuel 25:16 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Samuel 25:16 (KJV) »
They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.

Psalms 7:4 KJV Bible Verse Image
Psalms 7:4 (KJV) »
If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

Psalms 109:3 KJV Bible Verse Image
Psalms 109:3 (KJV) »
They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.

1 Samuel 23:5 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Samuel 23:5 (KJV) »
So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

1 Samuel 23:12 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Samuel 23:12 (KJV) »
Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.

1 Samuel 19:4 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Samuel 19:4 (KJV) »
And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:

Psalms 38:20 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses

Psalms 38:20 states: "They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is." This verse reflects a theme of betrayal and the trials faced by the faithful, which resonate throughout the Scripture. Here, we explore its meaning through the insights of various public domain commentaries.

Understanding Psalms 38:20

The verse captures a profound emotion experienced by the psalmist: the pain of being wronged despite one’s commitment to righteousness. This is a common motif in the Psalms, showcasing the struggle between good and evil.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the contrast between the psalmist’s goodness and the evil wrought upon him by his enemies. He notes that while the psalmist seeks to do good, he faces adversaries who respond to good with evil—a poignant reminder of the challenges one may experience while living a righteous life.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes points out that the psalmist feels isolated in his pursuit of goodness. He highlights the distress caused by those who repay kindness with hostility. This paints a picture of loyalty met with enmity, serving as an encouraging reminder for believers to persevere despite opposition.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke remarks on the emotional turmoil reflected in this verse. He interprets it as an acknowledgment of personal betrayal, where the psalmist laments being targeted for acts of righteousness. Clarke suggests this personal lament serves as a universal cry for those facing injustice or hardship in their lives.

Key Themes and Connections

This verse can be connected to multiple biblical themes, including justice, betrayal, and the consequences of good deeds. It addresses the sorrow of being wronged in the pursuit of righteousness, an experience that resonates throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

  • Justice - Psalms 7:4, where accusations of wrongdoing countered by innocence mirror the psalmist’s pleas.
  • Betrayal - Matthew 5:11, which speaks about being reviled for righteousness' sake.
  • Endurance under Trial - James 1:12, offering a blessing for those who persevere amidst difficulties.
  • Faithfulness - Romans 12:20-21, advising not to repay evil for evil, thus showing the higher moral ground.
  • God's Justice - Psalms 37:1-2, discussing the fate of evildoers juxtaposed against the righteous.
  • Kindness in Adversity - Proverbs 17:13, reminding us of the consequences of returning evil for good.
  • Righteous Recompense - Galatians 6:7, emphasizing that one reaps what they sow—an encouragement to remain steadfast in goodness.

Bible Cross-References

Cross-referencing Psalms 38:20 illuminates its significance in the broader biblical narrative. Here are key related verses:

  • Psalms 109:5 - "And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love."
  • 1 Peter 3:9 - "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing."
  • Luke 6:27-28 - "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you."
  • Proverbs 24:29 - "Say not thou, I will do so to him as he hath done to me."

Final Thoughts

Psalms 38:20 illustrates the deep pain experienced when one is wronged despite their commitment to goodness. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to hold firm in their faith and actions, even when faced with adversity. Through its connections and echoed themes among various scriptures, it encourages a commitment to righteousness and love amidst trials.