King James Version

What Does Psalms 6:1 Mean?

Psalms 6:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chaste...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Sheminith: or, upon the eight”

Psalms 6:1 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Sheminith: or, upon the eight

2

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

3

My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This penitential psalm opens with a cry for measured discipline. David doesn't deny deserving punishment but pleads for mercy in its administration. The Hebrew 'yakach' (rebuke) means to correct or reprove, while 'yasar' (chasten) suggests disciplinary instruction. David distinguishes between God's 'anger' and 'hot displeasure' (fury), asking for correction without consuming wrath. This reflects understanding that God's discipline of His children differs from His judgment of enemies. Hebrews 12:6-11 confirms that God's chastening proves sonship and produces righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

One of seven penitential psalms, likely written during serious illness or national crisis. The superscription links it to David, possibly during the aftermath of his sin with Bathsheba or during plague. Jewish tradition used this psalm in times of corporate repentance. It captures the believer's proper response to divine discipline - humble submission, not defiant rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when you recognize God's corrective discipline in your life?
  2. Can you distinguish between God's loving correction and Satan's condemning accusations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יְֽהוָ֗ה1 of 7

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אַל2 of 7
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

בְּאַפְּךָ֥3 of 7

“me not in thine anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

תוֹכִיחֵ֑נִי4 of 7

“rebuke”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

וְֽאַל5 of 7
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

בַּחֲמָתְךָ֥6 of 7

“me in thy hot displeasure”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

תְיַסְּרֵֽנִי׃7 of 7

“neither chasten”

H3256

to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 6:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:18Psalms 38:1Jeremiah 46:28Jeremiah 10:241 Corinthians 11:31-32Isaiah 57:16

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