Psalms 6:1 Meaning and Explanation
“O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not punish me in your anger.
The Context of Psalms 6:1
An opening cry for mercy before revealing what caused the anguish.
What Does Psalms 6:1 Mean?
The psalmist opens with an urgent appeal, using parallel phrases (rebuke/chasten, anger/displeasure) to convey desperation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, divine judgment could manifest as sudden calamity, disease, or defeat. The plea is not for exemption from all correction, but for mercy rather than wrath.
God's character includes both justice and compassion. The psalmist trusts that God can distinguish between punitive judgment and redemptive correction. This sets the tone for the entire psalm: suffering is real, but the sufferer appeals to God's merciful nature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 6:1
What does Psalms 6:1 mean?
Do not punish me in your anger.
What is the context of Psalms 6:1?
An opening cry for mercy before revealing what caused the anguish.