For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

PSALMS 32:6KJV
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Psalms 32:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 32:6 mean?

Psalms 32:6 says that everyone who is faithful to God should pray to Him while He is near and can be found, because even when overwhelming troubles come—described as “floods of great waters”—those troubles will not reach or harm the one who seeks God. The verse encourages timely prayer and trust in God’s protection.

David, the writer of this psalm, is speaking from personal experience about forgiveness and the safety found in turning to God. He urges others who want to live rightly (“the godly”) to pray to God before trouble comes, highlighting that God is approachable and willing to help. The “floods of great waters” is a picture for overwhelming difficulties, and the verse reassures that those who seek God will be kept safe from being overtaken by them.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 32:6

  • “godly” (חָסִיד, ḥāsîd): This word means someone who is loyal or faithful to God, not just outwardly religious but genuinely devoted. The verse is not about everyone in general, but specifically about those who seek to live in close relationship with God.
  • “pray” (פָּלַל, pālal): This word often means to intercede or plead, not just a casual prayer but a heartfelt seeking of God’s help. It highlights the seriousness and urgency of the prayer being encouraged here.
  • “time” (עֵת, ‘ēt): This word means a specific, favorable moment or opportunity. The verse is urging people to pray while there is still a chance, suggesting that there are times when God is especially near and ready to respond.
  • “floods” (שֶׁטֶף, sheṭef) and “great” (רַב, rav) “waters” (מַיִם, mayim): Together, these words paint a vivid picture of overwhelming disaster or chaos, not just literal water but any kind of trouble that feels like it could sweep someone away.

Why Psalms 32:6 matters

  • Psalms 32:6 clarifies that seeking God is not something to put off; there is a special urgency to pray while God is near and ready to help.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s protection is real and personal for those who are faithful, even when life feels overwhelming.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, which is about forgiveness and restoration, showing that turning to God brings not only pardon but also safety in times of trouble.

Where else these words appear

“floods” Hebrew H7858 · used in 6 verses

  • Job 38:25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;
  • Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
  • Daniel 11:22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

“godly” Hebrew H2623 · used in 32 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
  • Psalms 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
  • Psalms 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

“pray” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

“nigh” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:18 And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.