Psalms 6:3 Meaning and Explanation
“My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →My inner being is deeply troubled; how long until you act?
The Context of Psalms 6:3
The emotional and spiritual dimension of the suffering.
What Does Psalms 6:3 Mean?
The shift from body (bones) to soul (nephesh) indicates total distress—physical, emotional, and spiritual. The repeated word 'vexed' (also used in verse 2) ties body and spirit together. The implicit contrast ('but thou') sets human suffering against divine power and presence.
'How long?' is the cry of faith under strain. The psalmist does not ask 'if' God will help, but 'when'—assuming divine care while wrestling with divine timing. This question echoes through the entire Hebrew psalter and reflects genuine anguish, not lack of faith.
Psalms 6:3 in the Original Language
soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) — often translated as life-force or self; the seat of emotion, will, and desire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 6:3
What does Psalms 6:3 mean?
My inner being is deeply troubled; how long until you act?
What is the context of Psalms 6:3?
The emotional and spiritual dimension of the suffering.