Verse
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Psalm 6:3

ESV My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord — how long?
NIV My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?
NASB And my soul is greatly horrified; But You, Lord—how long?
CSB my whole being is shaken with terror. And you, Lord —how long?
NLT I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me?
KJV My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?
NKJV My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord—how long?

What does Psalm 6:3 mean?

Not only was David languishing physically, but he was also languishing spiritually. The Hebrew word translated "troubled" here is translated as "dismayed" in Genesis 45:3, where it describes the trouble felt by Joseph's conscience-stricken brothers when Joseph revealed himself to them in Egypt. It is also used in Judges 20:41 as the word "dismayed": "Then the men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed, for they saw that disaster was close upon them." The Septuagint uses the word tarasso for troubled, which is also used in John 12:27 where Jesus says, "Now is my soul troubled." At the time, Jesus was anticipating His crucifixion, to which He would voluntarily submit.

We're not sure why David is asking for forgiveness or a reprieve. Nor do we know exactly what he is experiencing. All we know is that David wonders how long he would suffer before being rescued. Of course, the Lord's timing is always right. He removes His chastening when it has taught His children a valuable lesson and caused them to turn back to Him (Hebrews 12:7–11).
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Context Summary
Psalm 6:1–3 begins with a mournful expression of David's grief. He asks the Lord to withdraw His hand of discipline from him, and he describes the misery he is experiencing under that discipline. David is distressed physically and spiritually. His bones ache and his soul is greatly troubled.
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Chapter Summary
David begins Psalm 6 by asking the Lord to withhold discipline from him. He describes the anguish he is experiencing. His bones are in pain and his soul is troubled. It's not clear whether David is literally experiencing some illness, sorrow for his sin, danger from enemies, or some combination of all these concerns. Whatever the situation, David's health is failing and so is his confidence. And yet, he is ultimately assured that God will intervene. The psalm begins in repentance and ends in confidence.
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