Psalms 6:2
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
Original Language Analysis
חָנֵּ֥נִי
Have mercy
H2603
חָנֵּ֥נִי
Have mercy
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רְפָאֵ֥נִי
heal
H7495
רְפָאֵ֥נִי
heal
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Hosea 6:1Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.Psalms 31:10For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.Psalms 30:2O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.Jeremiah 17:14Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.Deuteronomy 32:39See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.Psalms 51:8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.Psalms 32:3When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.Psalms 38:3There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.Psalms 38:7For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.Genesis 20:17So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites understood physical illness as often connected to spiritual condition, though not in simplistic one-to-one correlation. David's illness could have been punishment for sin, enemy attack, or simply the frailty of creation under the curse. His appeal to God for healing shows faith that Yahweh controls both spiritual and physical realms.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you bring your physical weaknesses to God or only your spiritual struggles?
- How does your weakness create opportunity for God's power to be displayed?
Analysis & Commentary
David's physical weakness becomes the basis for his plea for mercy. The Hebrew 'amal' (weak) suggests withering or languishing, while 'bahal' (vexed) means terrified or dismayed. The mention of 'bones' represents his entire being - physical and emotional anguish. This teaches that believers can honestly bring their frailty before God as a reason for His compassion, not stoic denial. God's mercy is directed precisely toward the weak (2 Corinthians 12:9). The prayer for healing acknowledges God as the ultimate physician of body and soul.