Psalms 6:1
O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
Original Language Analysis
יְֽהוָ֗ה
O LORD
H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
בְּאַפְּךָ֥
me not in thine anger
H639
בְּאַפְּךָ֥
me not in thine anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
תוֹכִיחֵ֑נִי
rebuke
H3198
תוֹכִיחֵ֑נִי
rebuke
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
4 of 7
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
וְֽאַל
H408
וְֽאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Psalms 38:1O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.Psalms 118:18The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.Jeremiah 46:28Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.Jeremiah 10:24O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.Isaiah 57:16For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.1 Chronicles 15:21And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.Isaiah 54:9For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.Psalms 4:1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.Psalms 12:1Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.Psalms 2:5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when you recognize God's corrective discipline in your life?
- Can you distinguish between God's loving correction and Satan's condemning accusations?
Analysis & 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.