Old Testament
Psalms 6:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Psalm 6:3, the psalmist expresses deep emotional pain and distress.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
My soul is also deeply troubled. But you, LORD — how long?
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Psalm 6:3, the psalmist expresses deep emotional pain and distress. The phrase "my soul is also deeply troubled" indicates a profound sense of anguish, suggesting that the psalmist is experiencing both physical and spiritual suffering. This turmoil leads to a heartfelt plea to God, questioning, "how long?" This reflects a common human experience of feeling overwhelmed and seeking relief from suffering. The psalmist's cry is not just a complaint but a call for divine intervention, highlighting the importance of turning to God in times of distress. The use of the word "LORD" emphasizes a personal relationship with God, indicating trust despite the pain. This verse captures the essence of lament, where one acknowledges their suffering while still reaching out to God for help and understanding. It serves as a reminder that it is okay to express our struggles and seek God's presence during difficult times, reinforcing the belief that God hears our cries and is with us in our suffering.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 6:3 to your life
When facing deep distress, it's important to express your feelings to God honestly. Like the psalmist, don't hesitate to ask for help and seek comfort in prayer. Remember that God is present in your struggles and cares for your pain.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 6:3 mean?
Psalms 6:3 expresses the psalmist's deep emotional pain and distress, highlighting a sense of anguish and a plea for God's help. The question 'how long?' reflects a longing for relief from suffering.
What is the meaning of 'deeply troubled' in Psalms 6:3?
'Deeply troubled' in Psalms 6:3 signifies intense emotional and spiritual distress. It indicates that the psalmist is experiencing significant pain and is reaching out to God for comfort and intervention.
How does Psalms 6:3 relate to suffering?
Psalms 6:3 relates to suffering by acknowledging the psalmist's emotional turmoil and the desire for relief. It emphasizes that it's natural to feel overwhelmed and to seek God's presence in difficult times.
What can we learn from Psalms 6:3?
From Psalms 6:3, we learn the importance of being honest about our struggles and reaching out to God for support. It encourages us to express our pain and trust that God is listening.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
Unlock the full Psalms summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.