Psalms 6:4

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Psalms 6:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion.

King James Version KJV

Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.

American Standard Version ASV

Return, O Jehovah, deliver my soul: Save me for thy lovingkindness’ sake.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Come back, O Lord, make my soul free; O give me salvation because of your mercy.

Free Bible Version FBV

Turn, Lord, and rescue me! Save me because of your trustworthy love!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Returne, O Lord: deliuer my soule: saue me for thy mercies sake.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Turn back, O Jehovah, draw out my soul, Save me for Thy kindness' sake.

World English Bible WEB

Return, LORD. Deliver my soul, and save me for your loving kindness’ sake.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: Oh save me for thy mercies sake.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but thou, O Lord, how long?

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh, please come and rescue me. Save me because you faithfully love me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 6:4

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 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ֭/נַפְשִׁ/י נִבְהֲלָ֣ה מְאֹ֑ד ו/את וְ/אַתָּ֥ה יְ֝הוָ֗ה עַד מָתָֽי

וְ֭/נַפְשִׁ/י nephesh H5315 soul Conj | N-cs | Suff

נִבְהֲלָ֣ה bâhal H926 to dismay V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv

ו/את ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

וְ/אַתָּ֥ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

יְ֝הוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

מָתָֽי mâthay H4970 how Part

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 6:4

וְ֭/נַפְשִׁ/י nephesh H5315 "soul" Conj | N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

נִבְהֲלָ֣ה bâhal H926 "to dismay" V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

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.

מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv

Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.

Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness

Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.

ו/את ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

וְ/אַתָּ֥ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

יְ֝הוָ֗ה 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.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

מָתָֽי mâthay H4970 "how" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.

Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.

Study Notes — Psalms 6:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 6:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 6:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 6:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 6:4
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 6:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 6:4
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 6:4
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 6:4
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 6:4
Sermons on Psalms 6:4

Context — Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger

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? 6I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 9:18	Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion.
2	Psalms 116:4	Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, deliver my soul!”
3	Ephesians 2:7–8	in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,
4	Psalms 17:13	Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,
5	Malachi 3:7	Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’
6	Psalms 22:20	Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs.
7	Psalms 80:14	Return, O God of Hosts, we pray! Look down from heaven and see! Attend to this vine—
8	Psalms 121:7	The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.
9	Psalms 90:13	Return, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on Your servants.
10	Psalms 116:8	For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.

Psalms 6:4 Summary

This verse is a heartfelt cry to God for help in a time of great distress. The speaker is asking God to turn His attention to their situation and save them because of His loving and faithful nature. This reminds us that we can trust in God's love and mercy, even when things seem hopeless, just as it says in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for good. By calling out to God and trusting in His love, we can find comfort and strength in our darkest moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'turn' to the Lord in Psalms 6:4?

In this context, 'turn' means for God to turn His attention to the speaker's situation and intervene on their behalf, as seen in Psalms 90:13 where Moses asks God to turn and have compassion on His people.

What is 'loving devotion' in Psalms 6:4?

The 'loving devotion' referred to here is God's loyal and steadfast love, similar to what is described in Psalms 136:1-3, where His love endures forever.

Why does the speaker ask to be saved 'because of Your loving devotion'?

The speaker is appealing to God's character of love and faithfulness, trusting that God will save them because of who He is, as expressed in Exodus 34:6-7 where God describes Himself as a God of love, mercy, and faithfulness.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us that we can call upon God in times of distress, trusting in His loving devotion to deliver us, just as the Psalmist does here and as encouraged in Philippians 4:6 to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need God to 'turn' and deliver me, and how can I express those needs to Him in prayer?
How does remembering God's loving devotion impact my faith and trust in Him during difficult times?
In what ways can I reflect God's loyal love to those around me, especially when they are going through hardships?
What does it mean for me to trust in God's loving devotion, and how can I apply that trust in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 6:4

Return, O Lord,.... By this it seems that the Lord had withdrawn himself, and was departed from the psalmist, wherefore he entreats him to return unto him, and grant him his gracious presence.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 6:4

Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. Return - back to favour toward me. Deliver my soul - or life, from "death," which I am on the point of (Psalms 6:5). Save me for thy mercies' sake!

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 6:4

Return unto me, from whom thou hast withdrawn thyself, and thy smiling countenance, and thy helping hand. Deliver my soul, i.e. save me or my life, as the soul oft signifies, as 12:5 . David and other good men in those times were much afraid of death, partly because the manifestations of God’ s grace to his people were then more dark and doubtful, and partly because thereby they were deprived of all opportunities of advancing God’ s glory and kingdom in the world. Compare .

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 6:4

Psalms 6:4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.Ver. 4. Return, O Lord, deliver my soul] He calleth hard upon Jehovah, which sweet name of God he hath now five times in these four first verses made use of, as one that knew, and could improve, the full import of it. Here David begs of him to return, not by change of place, for God filleth all places (being Enter, praesenter Deus hic et ubique potenter), but miserationis serenitate, by a beam of his mercy, and by a dispensation of his gracious providence, altering his condition for the better, Deuteronomy 30:9 Acts 15:16. Oh save me for thy mercies’ sake] Quam pulcherrime ista supplicatio propriis et profieientibus sermonibus explicatur, saith Cassiodore concerning this text, i.e. How finely and fitly is this request set forth! David pleaded not merit, but humbly craveth mercy. The heart (that piece of proud flesh) must be brought to such a temper and tameness, as to crouch to God for the crumbs that fall from his table.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 6:4

Verse 4. Return, O Lord] Once I had the light of thy countenance, by sin I have forfeited this; I have provoked thee to depart: O Lord, return! It is an awful thing to be obliged to say, Return, O Lord, for this supposes backsliding; and yet what a mercy it is that a backslider may RETURN to God, with the expectation that God will return to him!

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 6:4

4–7. He renews his prayer, and in a calmer tone, reasons with God.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 6:4

Return, O Lord, deliver my soul - As if he had departed from him, and had left him to die.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 6:4

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 6:4

	Sermon	Description
	A Life of Victory in the Midst of Troubles by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and not compromising with the world. He warns against trying to win people over by conforming
	Praying for Revival by Byron Paulus	In this sermon, the speaker shares two stories that illustrate the power of obedience and surrender to God. The first story is about a man who noticed a police car stationed at the
	A Test: Do You Have the True Jesus? by Matt Slick	Matt Slick preaches about the importance of recognizing the true Jesus of the Bible, distinguishing Him from distorted versions presented in cult theologies like Mormonism and Jeho
	Decisions by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making decisions in life. He uses examples from biblical stories such as Jonah and Pilate to illustrate the consequences o
	Your First Love by Chuck Smith	This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 2, focusing on the message to the church of Ephesus about their loss of first love for Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of repentance,
	Houston Colonial Hills Conference 1995-05 Joshua 24:14 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making decisions in life, particularly decisions that align with God's will. He encourages listeners to be people of prayer
	Yosemite Bible Conference 1991-13 Heaven by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the wonders of God's creation and how everything in the universe reflects His glory. He mentions a specific example of a medication derived fr