Psalms 38:22

Make haste to helpe mee, O Lord my saluation. Psalms 38:22 (KJV)

Make haste to help me, O Lord my rock. The phrase “Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.” is not a verbatim quotation from the King James Version of the Bible. The closest verse is Psalm 70:1, which reads: “Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.” The words “my salvation” do not appear in that verse. Consequently, the wording that adds “my salvation” is not found in the KJV text of Psalm 70:1. The citation of Psalm 38:22 with the words “my salvation” therefore represents a variation rather than a direct scriptural quotation. This observation highlights the importance of checking the exact wording of biblical passages before quoting them. When a phrase is presented as a direct quotation, the reader expects it to match the canonical text precisely. In this case, the phrase differs from the nearest KJV verse, Psalm 70:1, both in the addition of “my salvation” and in the identification of the speaker as “my rock” rather than “my salvation.” The distinction is significant for accurate biblical study and for maintaining fidelity to the Scripture. Scholars and students alike should verify the source of a quotation, compare it with the authorized version, and note any discrepancies. By doing so, one preserves the integrity of the text and avoids unintentionally introducing non‑biblical language into teaching or preaching. The careful comparison of the quoted phrase with the actual KJV wording demonstrates a disciplined approach to Scripture, ensuring that every citation reflects the true biblical record.