Psalms 85:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people ask God to restore them so they can experience joy in His presence.
The Context of Psalms 85:6
The people ask for spiritual revival and the joy that follows.
What Does Psalms 85:6 Mean?
The petition moves from anxiety about endless punishment to longing for revival. To be 'revived' means to be brought back to life, health, and fullness—spiritual renewal after a period of hardship. The expectation is that renewed life will naturally produce joy, suggesting that sorrow and distance characterize the current state.
The phrase 'that thy people may rejoice in thee' reveals the ultimate purpose: restored joy in God's presence is not merely personal happiness but relational healing. The people's rejoicing is 'in God' themselves, indicating that restoration is fundamentally about restored fellowship and worship rather than external benefit alone.
Psalms 85:6 in the Original Language
revive (חַיָּה, chayah) — to give life, make alive; here used metaphorically for spiritual renewal and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 85:6
What does Psalms 85:6 mean?
The people ask God to restore them so they can experience joy in His presence.
What is the context of Psalms 85:6?
The people ask for spiritual revival and the joy that follows.