Psalms 79:8 Meaning and Explanation
“O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to forgive past sins and show mercy to His humbled people.
The Context of Psalms 79:8
The psalmist confesses sin and appeals for God's swift compassion.
What Does Psalms 79:8 Mean?
The prayer now moves from complaint and petition for judgment to confession and appeal for mercy. The psalmist acknowledges that Israel bears 'former iniquities'—past sins that may have invited God's judgment. This is not self-pity but honest acknowledgment of corporate guilt and a humble plea for grace.
'Let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us' means 'let your compassion come to meet us quickly.' The people are 'brought very low'—humiliated and broken. The psalmist appeals to God's merciful nature, asking Him to act with haste before despair consumes them entirely. Mercy is requested not on the basis of worthiness, but on God's character.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 79:8
What does Psalms 79:8 mean?
The psalmist asks God to forgive past sins and show mercy to His humbled people.
What is the context of Psalms 79:8?
The psalmist confesses sin and appeals for God's swift compassion.