Psalms 79:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist calls on God to turn His anger against the nations that do not know or worship Him.
The Context of Psalms 79:6
The psalmist petitions God to execute judgment upon the godless nations.
What Does Psalms 79:6 Mean?
Here the psalmist shifts from lament to petition, calling on God to redirect His wrath from Israel toward the foreign invaders. The distinction is crucial: the heathen have 'not known' God and have 'not called upon thy name.' Their guilt consists not primarily in their invasion, but in their fundamental rejection of and indifference to God.
This prayer appeals to God's justice: those who rebel against Him should face His judgment, not His people. The psalmist reasons that God's character demands vindication—His wrath should fall upon those who openly oppose and deny His existence and authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 79:6
What does Psalms 79:6 mean?
The psalmist calls on God to turn His anger against the nations that do not know or worship Him.
What is the context of Psalms 79:6?
The psalmist petitions God to execute judgment upon the godless nations.