CINXE.COM

Psalm 6:3 My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long?

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 6:3 My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/6-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/19_Psa_006_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 6:3 - Do not Rebuke Me in Your Anger" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/6-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/6-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/6-2.htm" title="Psalm 6:2">&#9668;</a> Psalm 6:3 <a href="/psalms/6-4.htm" title="Psalm 6:4">&#9658;</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;</a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible">&nbsp;Study&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comm&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Heb&nbsp;</a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I am sick at heart. How long, O LORD, until you restore me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD&#8212;how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O LORD&#8212;how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And my soul is greatly horrified; But You, LORD&#8212;how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O LORD&#8212; how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And my soul is greatly dismayed; But Thou, O LORD&#8212;how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O Yahweh&#8212;how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My soul [as well as my body] is greatly dismayed. But as for You, O LORD&#8212;how long [until You act on my behalf]?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />my whole being is shaken with terror. And you, LORD&#8212;how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />my whole being is shaken with terror. And You, LORD&#8212;how long? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My soul also is sore troubled: And thou, O Jehovah, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and I am in deep distress. How long will it be? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My soul also is sore vexed: and thou, O LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/6.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />My soul has been deeply shaken with terror. But you, O LORD, how long...?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and my whole being is deeply troubled. How long, O LORD, will you wait to help me? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />And my soul is deeply distressed. But you, LORD, how long do I wait? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I am absolutely terrified, and you, LORD--how long will this continue? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And my soul is greatly troubled. But you, LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My soul is also greatly disquieted: but thou, O LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My soul is also in great anguish. But you, Yahweh&#8212;how long? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And my soul has been troubled greatly, "" And You, O YHWH, until when?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And my soul hath been troubled greatly, And Thou, O Jehovah, till when?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My soul trembled exceedingly: and thou, O Jehovah, how long?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but thou, O Lord, how long? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 6:4>and my soul has been very troubled. But as for you, Lord, when?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My soul too is shuddering greatly&#8212; and you, LORD, how long. . .? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O LORD&#8212;how long?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My soul is also troubled exceedingly but thou, O LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My soul is very troubled, and you, LORD JEHOVAH, how long?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My soul also is sore affrighted; And Thou, O LORD, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />My soul also is grievously vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/6-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=398" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/6.htm">Do not Rebuke Me in Your Anger</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">2</span>Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: w&#601;&#183;nap&#772;&#183;&#353;&#238; (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">My soul</a> <a href="/hebrew/926.htm" title="926: ni&#7687;&#183;ha&#774;&#183;l&#257;h (V-Nifal-Perf-3fs) -- To disturb, terrify. A primitive root; to tremble inwardly, i.e. be alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously.">is deeply distressed.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: m&#601;&#183;&#8217;&#333;&#7695; (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: &#8216;a&#7695;- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">How long,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: w&#601;&#183;&#702;at (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">O</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah&#183;weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4970.htm" title="4970: m&#257;&#183;&#7791;&#257;y (Interrog) -- When?. From an unused root meaning to extend; properly, extent; but used only adverbially, when.">how long?</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38</a></span><br />Then He said to them, &#8220;My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-27.htm">John 12:27</a></span><br />Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? &#8216;Father, save Me from this hour&#8217;? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-34.htm">Mark 14:34</a></span><br />Then He said to them, &#8220;My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-44.htm">Luke 22:44</a></span><br />And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">2 Corinthians 1:8</a></span><br />We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Hebrews 5:7</a></span><br />During the days of Jesus&#8217; earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-26.htm">Romans 8:26</a></span><br />In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a></span><br />We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-26.htm">Philippians 2:26-27</a></span><br />For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. / He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">2 Timothy 4:6</a></span><br />For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14</a></span><br />I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-3.htm">Job 7:3-4</a></span><br />So I am allotted months of futility, and nights of misery are appointed to me. / When I lie down I think: &#8216;When will I get up?&#8217; But the night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/10-1.htm">Job 10:1</a></span><br />&#8220;I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-27.htm">Job 30:27</a></span><br />I am churning within and cannot rest; days of affliction confront me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/45-3.htm">Jeremiah 45:3</a></span><br />You have said, &#8216;Woe is me because the LORD has added sorrow to my pain! I am worn out with groaning and have found no rest.&#8217;&#8221;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My soul is also sore vexed: but you, O LORD, how long?</p><p class="hdg">My</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-14.htm">Psalm 22:14</a></b></br> I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">Psalm 31:9,10</a></b></br> Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, <i>yea</i>, my soul and my belly&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/38-8.htm">Psalm 38:8</a></b></br> I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.</p><p class="hdg">how</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/13-1.htm">Psalm 13:1,2</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/77-7.htm">Psalm 77:7</a></b></br> Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-13.htm">Psalm 90:13</a></b></br> Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/6-2.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/job/26-5.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/psalms/4-4.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/psalms/6-2.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-9.htm">Disquieted</a> <a href="/job/3-22.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/psalms/5-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/psalms/2-5.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-15.htm">Sorely</a> <a href="/psalms/3-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/job/40-23.htm">Trembleth</a> <a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/psalms/6-2.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/psalms/6-2.htm">Vexed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/psalms/25-17.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/psalms/21-11.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Disquieted</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/psalms/12-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Sorely</a> <a href="/psalms/6-4.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/104-32.htm">Trembleth</a> <a href="/psalms/6-7.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Vexed</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/6-1.htm">David's complaint in his sickness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/6-8.htm">He triumphs over his enemies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/psalms/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>My soul is deeply distressed.</b><br>This phrase reflects a profound emotional and spiritual turmoil. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, expresses a deep sense of anguish. In the Hebrew context, the "soul" (nephesh) encompasses the entire being, indicating that this distress affects every aspect of the psalmist's life. This mirrors other biblical instances where individuals experience deep sorrow, such as Hannah in <a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10</a> and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (<a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38</a>). The distress could be due to personal sin, external persecution, or a sense of divine abandonment, all common themes in the Psalms. This expression of deep distress is a reminder of the human condition and the need for divine intervention.<p><b>How long, O LORD, how long?</b><br>This plea is a common refrain in the Psalms, reflecting a sense of waiting and longing for God's intervention. The repetition of "how long" emphasizes the intensity of the psalmist's impatience and desperation. This question is not just about the passage of time but also about the perceived delay in God's response. It echoes the cries of other biblical figures, such as Habakkuk (<a href="/habakkuk/1-2.htm">Habakkuk 1:2</a>) and the martyrs in <a href="/revelation/6-10.htm">Revelation 6:10</a>, who also question the timing of God's justice. This phrase highlights the tension between faith and experience, where believers trust in God's promises but struggle with the reality of their current suffering. It also points to the eschatological hope of ultimate deliverance and justice, a theme that runs throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, David is expressing his deep emotional turmoil and seeking God's intervention.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, whom David is addressing in his plea for relief and deliverance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/distress.htm">Distress</a></b><br>The emotional and spiritual state of David, indicating a period of intense suffering or trial.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The broader context of the Psalm is within the life and struggles of the nation of Israel, often reflecting communal as well as individual lament.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prayer.htm">Prayer</a></b><br>The act of communicating with God, which is central to this Psalm as David pours out his heart in supplication.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_distress.htm">The Reality of Distress</a></b><br>Acknowledge that even the most faithful believers, like David, experience deep emotional and spiritual distress. It is a part of the human condition and the journey of faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/crying_out_to_god.htm">Crying Out to God</a></b><br>Encourage believers to bring their honest emotions and questions before God. David's example shows that God welcomes our cries for help and our questions about His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>While the question "How long?" reflects impatience and longing for relief, it also demonstrates a trust that God will act in His perfect timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_lament_in_faith.htm">The Role of Lament in Faith</a></b><br>Lament is a biblical practice that allows believers to express sorrow and seek God's presence in the midst of suffering. It is a vital part of a healthy spiritual life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_deliverance.htm">Hope in God's Deliverance</a></b><br>Despite the distress, there is an underlying hope that God will deliver and restore. This hope is rooted in God's character and past faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_the_psalmist_ask_'how_long'.htm">Psalm 6:3 &#8211; If God is all-knowing, why is the Psalmist left in anxious uncertainty, asking &#8220;How long?&#8221; </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_mental_illness.htm">What does the Bible say about mental illness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_feel_abandoned_if_god_is_with_you.htm">Why do you feel abandoned when God is with you?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_faith_help_overcome_despair.htm">How can faith help overcome despair?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">But thou, O Lord, how long?</span>--Comp. <a href="/psalms/90-13.htm" title="Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent you concerning your servants.">Psalm 90:13</a>. This is "belief in unbelief." <span class= "ital">Domine quousque </span>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 <a href="/zechariah/1-12.htm" title="Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long will you not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which you have had indignation these three score and ten years?">Zechariah 1:12</a>. (Comp <a href="/revelation/6-10.htm" title="And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?">Revelation 6:10</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">My soul is also sore vexed</span>. It is not, however, the body alone which suffers; the soul also is vexed, and vexed greatly (<span class="hebrew">&#x5de;&#x5b0;&#x5d0;&#x5b9;&#x5d3;</span>). Clearly the main emphasis is intended to be laid on the mental suffering. But thou, O Lord, how long! We may fill up the ellipse in various ways: "How long wilt thou look on?" "How long wilt thou hide thyself?" "How long wilt thou be angry?" (see <a href="/psalms/34-17.htm">Psalm 34:17</a>; <a href="/psalms/79-5.htm">Psalm 79:5</a>; <a href="/psalms/89-46.htm">Psalm 89:46</a>). Or again, "How long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear?" (<a href="/habakkuk/1-2.htm">Habakkuk 1:2</a>). The cry is that of one wearied out with long suffering (comp. <a href="/psalms/90-13.htm">Psalm 90:13</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/6-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">My soul</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1453;&#1504;&#1463;&#1508;&#1456;&#1513;&#1473;&#1460;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;nap&#772;&#183;&#353;&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Noun - feminine singular construct &#124; first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">is deeply distressed.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1504;&#1460;&#1489;&#1456;&#1492;&#1458;&#1500;&#1464;&#1443;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(ni&#7687;&#183;ha&#774;&#183;l&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously</span><br /><br /><span class="word">How long,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1506;&#1463;&#1491;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8216;a&#7695;-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1488;&#1463;&#1514;&#1468;&#1464;&#1445;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;&#8217;at&#183;t&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1437;&#1492;&#1493;&#1464;&#1431;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(Yah&#183;weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how long?</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1464;&#1514;&#1464;&#1469;&#1497;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#257;&#183;&#7791;&#257;y)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4970.htm">Strong's 4970: </a> </span><span class="str2">Extent, when</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/6-3.htm">Psalm 6:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/6-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 6:3 My soul is also in great anguish (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/6-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 6:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 6:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/6-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 6:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 6:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10