Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity
This phrase reflects a strong rejection of those who practice evil. In the context of the Psalms, David often finds himself surrounded by adversaries and those who oppose God's ways. The call to "depart" signifies a separation from sin and a desire for holiness. This echoes the biblical theme of separation from evil, as seen in passages like Psalm 1:1, where the righteous man does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. The phrase also anticipates the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:23, where He declares to the evildoers, "Depart from me, I never knew you." This highlights the ultimate separation between righteousness and wickedness at the final judgment.

for the LORD has heard my weeping
This part of the verse emphasizes God's responsiveness to the cries of His people. In the ancient Near Eastern context, weeping was a common expression of deep sorrow and repentance. David's assurance that the LORD has heard him reflects a personal relationship with God, who is attentive to the prayers of the faithful. This is consistent with other scriptures, such as Psalm 34:15, which states that the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry. The mention of weeping also points to the sincerity and depth of David's plea, reminiscent of Jesus' own weeping over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41, showing compassion and a desire for repentance.

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 6, David is expressing his deep distress and seeking God's mercy.

2. Workers of Iniquity
This term refers to those who commit evil acts and oppose the righteous, often causing distress to the faithful.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is attentive to the cries and prayers of His people.

4. Weeping
Represents the deep sorrow and repentance of the psalmist, indicating a heartfelt plea for divine intervention.God Hears the Righteous
The psalmist's confidence that God has heard his weeping assures believers that God is attentive to their cries and prayers.

Separation from Evil
The call to "depart" from workers of iniquity underscores the importance of distancing oneself from sinful influences and aligning with God's righteousness.

Repentance and Sorrow
Genuine repentance is often accompanied by deep sorrow, as seen in the psalmist's weeping, which God acknowledges and responds to.

Confidence in God's Justice
Believers can trust that God will ultimately deal with those who practice iniquity, providing justice and vindication for the righteous.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 6:8?

2. How does Psalm 6:8 encourage us to reject negative influences in life?

3. What does "the LORD has heard my weeping" reveal about God's responsiveness?

4. How can Psalm 6:8 strengthen our prayer life and trust in God?

5. Which other scriptures emphasize God's attentiveness to our cries and prayers?

6. How can we apply the assurance of God's hearing to daily challenges?

7. What does Psalm 6:8 reveal about God's response to human suffering and prayer?

8. How does Psalm 6:8 reflect the theme of divine justice and protection?

9. In what ways does Psalm 6:8 challenge believers to trust in God's deliverance?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 6?

11. Why do you feel abandoned when God is with you?

12. What does iniquity mean?

13. If, according to 1 Corinthians 8:6, there is only 'one God,' how do we reconcile this with other passages where divine beings or 'gods' are mentioned (e.g., Psalm 82)?

14. How can I effectively memorize Bible verses?Depart from me

• David moves from pleading to decisive action. Separation from evil is the fruit of faith, not self-righteousness.

• Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” That blessing begins with a holy “no.”

• Psalm 119:115 echoes the same stance: “Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.”

• The New Testament carries the thread—2 Corinthians 6:17: “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.”

Takeaway: When God answers, obedience often starts with distance from influences that drag us backward.

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all you workers of iniquity

• “Workers” highlights ongoing practice, not an occasional lapse. David addresses habitual rebels.

• Psalm 5:5: “You hate all workers of iniquity.” God’s hatred of sin undergirds David’s firmness.

• Matthew 7:23: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Christ applies the same language to final judgment.

• Ephesians 5:11 calls believers to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

Takeaway: Identifying persistent sin is necessary; refusing fellowship with it is obedience.

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for the LORD

• Confidence rests on God’s covenant name, the personal God who binds Himself to His people.

• Psalm 34:4: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”

• Psalm 18:6: “In my distress I called upon the LORD… my cry came before Him, into His ears.”

Takeaway: The shift from fear to firmness is anchored in who the LORD is, not in David’s resolve.

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has heard

• Past tense assurance: the prayer has already reached heaven.

• Psalm 4:3: “The LORD hears when I call to Him.”

• 1 John 5:15: “And if we know that He hears us… we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

• Waiting ends when faith grasps God’s response; David speaks as though the answer is delivered.

Takeaway: Faith converts petitions into proclamations.

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my weeping

• Tears are not wasted currency; they move the heart of God.

• Psalm 56:8: “You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle.”

• Revelation 21:4 foreshadows the ultimate comfort: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

• God’s hearing turns private anguish into public testimony, emboldening David to dismiss the wicked.

Takeaway: Honest sorrow before God becomes strength against sin.

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summary

Psalm 6:8 shows David pivoting from despair to decisive faith. Because the LORD personally hears the earnest tears of His own, the believer can command sin and its proponents to leave. Separation from evil is not isolation but allegiance—confidence that the prayer-hearing God has acted and will continue to vindicate His people.

(8) Depart from me.--After the night of sorrow comes the morning of revived faith and confidence, if not of joy. The poet can turn to address his maligners with the assurance that God has heard his prayer, which in his agony he poured out, as he feared at the time, into deaf and unsympathising ears.

Verse 8. - Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity! Note the sudden change of tone, very characteristic of the Davidical psalms. The psalmist, having offered his prayer, is so certain of its acceptance that he at once turns upon his adversaries with words of reproach, and almost of menace. "Depart from me!" he exclaims; "get ye gone! do not dare any more to persecute me or plot against me! Your efforts are in vain." For the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. David speaks from an inward conviction. He knows that he has prayed sincerely and fervently. He is certain, therefore, that his prayer is heard and accepted.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Depart
ס֣וּרוּ (sū·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from me,
מִ֭מֶּנִּי (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you workers
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי (pō·‘ă·lê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6466: To do, make, to practise

of iniquity,
אָ֑וֶן (’ā·wen)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205: Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְ֝הוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has heard
שָׁמַ֥ע (šā·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

my weeping.
בִּכְיִֽי׃ (biḵ·yî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1065: A weeping, a dripping


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OT Poetry: Psalm 6:8 Depart from me all you workers (Psalm Ps Psa.)