Psalms 6:3
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭נַפְשִׁי
My soul
H5315
וְ֭נַפְשִׁי
My soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
נִבְהֲלָ֣ה
vexed
H926
נִבְהֲלָ֣ה
vexed
Strong's:
H926
Word #:
2 of 7
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
מְאֹ֑ד
is also sore
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
is also sore
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
but thou O LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
but thou O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The 'how long' formula appears throughout Psalms and prophetic literature, showing it was a legitimate prayer form. It assumes God will act but questions the timing. This reflects Israel's experience of prolonged suffering - exile, oppression, delayed promises - while maintaining covenant hope. Christians still pray this way, awaiting Christ's return.
Questions for Reflection
- What prolonged trial has led you to cry 'how long' to God?
- How can you maintain faith and hope when God's timing differs from your expectations?
Analysis & Commentary
The distress deepens from bones to soul. 'Sore vexed' (Hebrew 'bahal me'od') intensifies the previous verse - not just troubled but utterly dismayed. The soul ('nephesh' - life, being) encompasses the inner person. 'How long?' is not doubt but the cry of faith under trial, echoing Job and Habakkuk. This rhetorical question acknowledges God's sovereignty over timing while expressing honest anguish. It teaches that authentic faith includes lament, not just praise. Jesus Himself asked 'How long?' of His generation (Mark 9:19).