Psalms 6:3
Psalms 6:3 in Multiple Translations
My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long?
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
My soul also is sore troubled: And thou, O Jehovah, how long?
My soul is in bitter trouble; and you, O Lord, how long?
I'm shaking all over in fear. How long will it be, Lord, before you do something?
My soule is also sore troubled: but Lord how long wilt thou delay?
And my soul hath been troubled greatly, And Thou, O Jehovah, till when?
My soul is also in great anguish. But you, LORD—how long?
My soul is also greatly disquieted: but thou, O LORD, how long?
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
Yahweh, I am greatly distressed. How long ◄must I endure this/will it be before you help me► [RHQ]?
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 6:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 6:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָנֵּ֥/נִי
יְהוָה֮
כִּ֤י
אֻמְלַ֫ל
אָ֥נִי
רְפָאֵ֥/נִי
יְהוָ֑ה
כִּ֖י
נִבְהֲל֣וּ
עֲצָמָֽ/י
חָנֵּ֥/נִי
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֻמְלַ֫ל
ʼumlal
H536
weak
Adj
אָ֥נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
רְפָאֵ֥/נִי
râphâʼ
H7495
to heal
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִבְהֲל֣וּ
bâhal
H926
to dismay
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
עֲצָמָֽ/י
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 6:3
חָנֵּ֥/נִי
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֻמְלַ֫ל
ʼumlal
H536
"weak"
Adj
This word means weak or sick, describing someone who is feeble, like King Asa in 1 Kings 15:23 who was weak in his old age.
Definition: weak, feeble
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: weak. See also: Psalms 6:3.
אָ֥נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
רְפָאֵ֥/נִי
râphâʼ
H7495
"to heal"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to heal or mend, often referring to God's power to cure physical or emotional hurts, as seen in Psalm 103:3.
Definition: 1) to heal, make healthful 1a) (Qal) to heal 1a1) of God 1a2) healer, physician (of men) 1a3) of hurts of nations involving restored favour (fig) 1a4) of individual distresses (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be healed 1b1) literal (of persons) 1b2) of water, pottery 1b3) of national hurts (fig) 1b4) of personal distress (fig) 1c) (Piel) to heal 1c1) literal 1c2) of national defects or hurts (fig) 1d) (Hithpael) in order to get healed (infinitive)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole. See H7503 (רָפָה). See also: Genesis 20:17; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 6:3.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִבְהֲל֣וּ
bâhal
H926
"to dismay"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Definition: 1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious 1a2) to be in haste, be hasty 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened 1b2) to dismay, terrify 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to hasten 1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste 1d2) to dismay, terrify
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. See also: Genesis 45:3; Psalms 6:4; Psalms 2:5.
עֲצָמָֽ/י
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 6:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 6:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 6:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 6:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 6:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 6:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
- Sermons on Psalms 6:3
Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
1O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath.
2Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long?
4Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion. 5For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 90:13 | Return, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on Your servants. |
| 2 | John 12:27 | Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour. |
| 3 | Psalms 42:11 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. |
| 4 | Psalms 13:1–2 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? |
| 5 | Luke 18:7 | Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? |
| 6 | Psalms 77:2–3 | In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah |
| 7 | Psalms 42:5 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. |
| 8 | Psalms 77:7 | “Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? |
| 9 | Psalms 38:8 | I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. |
| 10 | Psalms 22:14 | I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. |
Psalms 6:3 Summary
In Psalms 6:3, the psalmist is feeling deeply sad and troubled, and he cries out to God, asking how long he will have to endure this pain. This verse shows us that it's okay to be honest with God about our feelings and to trust in His love and care for us (as seen in Psalms 13:5-6 and Jeremiah 31:3). We can bring our troubles and sorrows to God, just like the psalmist, and trust that He will deliver us and bring us comfort (Psalms 34:17-18). By pouring out our hearts to God, we can experience His peace and presence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the soul to be deeply distressed?
In Psalms 6:3, the psalmist's soul is deeply distressed, meaning he is experiencing intense emotional and spiritual pain, as seen in other scriptures like Psalms 42:6 and Psalms 143:4, where the writers also express deep sorrow and longing for God's presence.
How long is the psalmist asking God to intervene?
The psalmist is not asking for a specific length of time but rather expressing his desperation and desire for God's immediate deliverance, similar to the cry of the psalmist in Psalms 13:1-2, where he asks God how long He will forget him.
Is it okay to express our emotions to God like the psalmist does?
Yes, it is okay to express our emotions to God, as seen in Psalms 6:3, where the psalmist pours out his heart to God, and in other scriptures like Psalms 62:8, where we are encouraged to trust in God at all times and pour out our hearts to Him.
What can we learn from the psalmist's cry to God?
We can learn that it's essential to be honest with God about our feelings and to trust in His loving devotion, as expressed in Psalms 6:4, where the psalmist asks God to turn and deliver his soul because of His loving devotion, and in other scriptures like Romans 8:28, where we are reminded that God works all things together for our good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel deeply distressed, and how can I bring them before God in prayer?
- In what ways can I express my emotions to God, and what scriptures can I turn to for encouragement and comfort?
- How can I trust in God's loving devotion, even when I don't see immediate answers to my prayers?
- What are some things that I can do to pour out my heart to God, like the psalmist does in Psalms 6:3, and how can I make this a regular part of my prayer life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 6:3
My soul is also sore vexed,.... Or "exceedingly troubled" (c), and even frightened and thrown into a consternation with indwelling sin, and on account of actual transgressions, and by reason of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 6:3
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? My soul is ... sore vexed - as well as my body, of which the "bones are vexed" (Psalms 6:2). Compare the transfer of the "sore vexed" to his enemies (Psalms 6:10). How long?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
My soul is also sore vexed; partly by sympathy with my body; and partly with the burden of my sins, and the sense of thine anger, and my own danger and misery. How long wilt thou suffer me to lie and languish in this condition? It is a figure called aposiopesis, very agreeable to men in pain or anguish, who use to cut their words short.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
Psalms 6:3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?Ver. 3. My soul is also sore vexed] This was worse than all the rest. A light load to a raw shoulder is very grievous; a little water in a leaden vessel is heavy, so is a little outward grief to a laden soul. Hence Job so complaineth; and Jeremiah prayeth, Be not thou a terror unto me, O Lord; and then I much matter not what becomes of me. But thou, O Lord, how long] sc. Wilt thou stand off, and not haste to my help? This is plena affectus reticentia, an emphatic and affectionate aposiopesis, such as is ordinary with those that are in pain and durance.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
(3) But thou, O Lord, how long?—Comp. Psalms 90:13. This is “belief in unbelief.” Domine quousque was Calvin’s motto. The most intense grief, it was said, could never extract from him another word. In its national form this faith amid despair is shown in Zechariah 1:12. (Comp Revelation 6:10.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
Verse 3. How long?] How long shall I continue under this malady? How long will it be before thou speak peace to my troubled heart?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 6:3
3. Mind as well as body, the inner self as well as its outer organism, is dismayed. Our Lord appropriates these words, in view of His approaching Passion (John 12:27), using the Greek word (ταράσσειν) employed by the LXX. how long?] Cp. Psalms 90:13. How pregnant is the aposiopesis! How long wilt Thou be angry? How long wilt Thou hide Thy face and refuse to hear me? Cp. Psalms 13:1. It is recorded of Calvin in his last painful illness that he uttered no word of complaint unworthy of a Christian man; only raising his eyes to heaven he would say Usquequo Domine (Lord, how long?) for even when he was in health, this was a kind of watchword with him, in reference to the troubles of the brethren (Vita: Opp.
Tom. 1).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 6:3
My soul is also sore vexed - The word “soul” here is used in the sense in which it is commonly with us, as denoting the mind. The idea is, that his sorrows were not merely those of the bodily frame.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 6:3
3, 4. My soul is… sore vexed—Causes of mental, not less than of physical, trouble existed. Body and soul lay under the consuming force of the wrathful judgment.
Sermons on Psalms 6:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes |
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Our Daily Homily - Psalms by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of rooting ourselves in God's Word to maintain spiritual vitality and resilience against life's challenges. He draws parallels between the flou |
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(John) 17 - the Light Shinning by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." The sermon is divided into three main points: |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:29-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the showbread in the Bible. The showbread was made of grain and symbolized Christ. The preacher draws parallels between t |
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(Basics) 56. Praying About God's Interests by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of immediately obeying God's commands. He contrasts the delay and reluctance of humans to obey with the promptness and joyful |
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Tokens of His Compassion - Part 9 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the deep desire to see the world through God's eyes, acknowledging the need for divine revelation to expose hidden corruption and hypocrisy. It emphasizes t |
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House Group Movement in the Uk by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares about a conference where they had a communion service and a meeting with other believers. During the meeting, one of the attendees, Peter Hill, e |