Psalms – Chapter 6

Old Testament • 11 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 6 opens with the words: "Unto the end, in verses, a psalm for David, for the octave." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 11 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and God's mercy and forgiveness. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Unto the end, in verses, a psalm for David, for the octave.

2O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy wrath.

3Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.

4And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but thou, O Lord, how long?

5Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for thy mercy's sake.

6For there is no one in death, that is mindful of thee: and who shall confess to thee in hell?

7I have laboured in my groanings, every night I will wash my bed: I will water my couch with my tears.

8My eye is troubled through indignation: I have grown old amongst all my enemies.

9Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity: for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.

10The Lord hath heard my supplication: the Lord hath received my prayer.

11Let all my enemies be ashamed, and be very much troubled: let them be turned back, and be ashamed very speedily.

Important Verses in Psalms 6

“Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.”

Psalms 6:3

“For there is no one in death, that is mindful of thee: and who shall confess to thee in hell?”

Psalms 6:6

“Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity: for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.”

Psalms 6:9

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 6 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 11 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "Unto the end, in verses, a psalm for David, for the octave." The chapter ends with: "Let all my enemies be ashamed, and be very much troubled: let them be turned back, and be ashamed very speedily. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 3: "Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1604).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • ✓True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 6 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). Here the believer is invited to ponder worship as the heart of the Christian life.

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 6 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 6 about?

Psalms 6 contains 11 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, in verses, a psalm for David, for the octave." and closes with "Let all my enemies be ashamed, and be very much troubled: let them be turned back, and be ashamed very speedily. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 6?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 6?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Isaiah 16Shares people and themes with this chapterMark 11Shares people and themes with this chapterHebrews 4Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering🙏Divine Mercy Chaplet🙏Act of Contrition

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