What is the meaning of Psalm 6:3?

My soul is deeply distressed.

In this opening line David exposes the full weight of inner anguish. The “soul” points to the whole person—mind, heart, and will—so the distress is total (Psalm 42:5; 2 Corinthians 1:8).

• He feels chastened: Psalm 6:1 shows he is under the Lord’s rebuke, like Psalm 38:3-4 and Hebrews 12:6 portray.

• He feels frail: “Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony” (Psalm 6:2), echoing Job 3 and Psalm 102:3-5.

• He feels opposed: later verses speak of enemies, recalling Psalm 31:13 and 1 Samuel 30:6.

Takeaway: God invites this honesty (Psalm 62:8; 1 Peter 5:7). Distress becomes the setting where faith clings to God’s sure love (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

---

How long, O LORD, how long?

The cry that follows expresses both pain and trust.

• Waiting feels unending; the same lament appears in Psalm 13:1-2 and Habakkuk 1:2.

• David appeals to the covenant LORD—“compassionate and gracious… abounding in loving devotion” (Exodus 34:6). Asking “How long?” assumes He cares.

• Biblical lament is tethered to hope: “The LORD has heard my weeping” comes only a few verses later (Psalm 6:8-9). Revelation 6:10 shows the same pattern for believers awaiting vindication.

Living in the meantime:

• Trust His timing (James 5:7-8; Galatians 4:4).

• Keep crying out; persistent prayer is honored (Luke 18:7-8).

• Fix eyes on future glory; every “how long” ends in Christ’s return (2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Romans 8:18).

---

summary

Psalm 6:3 captures a believer’s deepest valley and brightest hope. David’s soul is crushed, yet he brings his anguish directly to the Lord. His honest “How long?” leans on God’s character and perfect timing. We are invited to do the same—pour out our pain, wait with expectant trust, and rest assured that the God who hears will answer in mercy and deliverance.