Psalms 6:8
Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
Original Language Analysis
מִ֭מֶּנִּי
H4480
מִ֭מֶּנִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי
from me all ye workers
H6466
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי
from me all ye workers
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
4 of 10
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
H205
אָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
5 of 10
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁמַ֥ע
hath heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֥ע
hath heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 145:18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.Luke 13:27But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.Psalms 119:115Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.Psalms 3:4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.Matthew 7:23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:Psalms 139:19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.Isaiah 30:19For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.Psalms 56:8Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Historical Context
The sudden change from verse 7 to 8 likely reflects either a prophetic assurance received during prayer or the psalmist's liturgical movement from lament to trust. This psalm's structure taught Israel that God hears the prayers of His afflicted people, encouraging persevering prayer. Christians find this pattern in Christ's experience - from Gethsemane's anguish to resurrection triumph.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced the shift from desperate prayer to confident assurance of God's response?
- How does knowing God hears your prayers affect your persistence in prayer?
Analysis & Commentary
Sudden shift from lament to confidence - the Lord has heard! This pattern (lament to assurance) is common in psalms and reflects prayer's transformative power. 'Workers of iniquity' identifies enemies by their character and actions. David's command 'Depart from me' shows renewed authority and confidence. The certainty that God 'hath heard' (perfect tense in Hebrew) indicates assurance of answered prayer, not just hopeful wishing. This foreshadows Jesus's words to evildoers in Matthew 7:23.