Old Testament
Psalms 30:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For his anger endures but a moment; in his favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
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For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
What Psalms 30:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the temporary nature of God's anger compared to His enduring favor. It suggests that while God may be displeased for a short time, His love and support bring life and hope. The imagery of weeping at night symbolizes sorrow and struggles that we all face, but it reassures us that joy and relief will come with the dawn. This reflects the cycle of hardship followed by renewal and happiness, emphasizing that difficult times are not permanent. The verse encourages believers to hold on through their trials, as brighter days are ahead, filled with joy and God's blessings. It serves as a reminder of the hope and restoration that God offers, reinforcing the idea that after every night of weeping, there is a morning filled with joy.
How to apply Psalms 30:5 to your life
In times of distress, remember that your struggles are temporary. Trust in God's favor and look forward to the joy that follows hardship. This verse encourages you to maintain hope during tough times, knowing that brighter days are ahead and that God is with you through it all.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary · Psalms 30:5 Meaning
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Plain Meaning
This verse sets up a contrast between two things: God's anger and God's favour. His anger does not last — it is over in a moment. His favour, by contrast, is where life is found. The second half applies this to human experience: a night of weeping does not last forever. Morning comes, and with it, joy. The point is that hard times under God's displeasure are short, while what He gives in favour is lasting.
Read It in Context
The psalm opens with the writer praising God for healing him and pulling him back from the edge of death. Verse 5 gives the reason — the word "for" points back to that rescue. The writer is explaining why God deserves praise: even when He is angry, it does not last long.
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At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 30:5 mean?
Psalms 30:5 conveys that God's anger is brief, while His favor brings life. It reassures us that although we may experience sorrow and struggles, joy will eventually come, symbolizing hope and renewal after difficult times.
What is the meaning of 'weeping may endure for a night' in Psalms 30:5?
The phrase 'weeping may endure for a night' symbolizes temporary sorrow and struggles that everyone faces. It emphasizes that these difficult moments are not permanent and that joy will follow, representing hope for better days ahead.
How does Psalms 30:5 relate to hope?
Psalms 30:5 relates to hope by reminding us that even in our darkest moments of sorrow, joy is promised to return. It encourages us to trust in God's favor and look forward to brighter days after our struggles.
What themes are present in Psalms 30:5?
The themes in Psalms 30:5 include God's anger, temporary suffering, divine favor, joy after sorrow, hope and renewal, and endurance in trials. These themes highlight the assurance that difficult times will pass and joy will come.
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