To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

PSALMS 6:1KJV
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Psalms 6:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 6:1 mean?

Psalms 6:1 is a prayer from David asking the LORD not to correct or discipline him in anger or intense displeasure. David is appealing for mercy, wanting God’s correction to be gentle rather than harsh or driven by wrath.

David, the writer, is speaking directly to the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible) during a time of distress or trouble. The verse shows David’s awareness of God’s authority to rebuke (correct) and chasten (discipline), but also his hope that God’s response will be tempered with compassion rather than anger. This sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which is a plea for relief and mercy.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 6:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenant name for God, highlighting a close relationship between David and God.
  • rebuke (יָכַח, yakach): This word means to correct or prove wrong, often in a way that exposes fault. David is asking that God’s correction not come from a place of anger.
  • anger (אַף, aph): Literally “nose” or “nostril,” this word is often used for anger, picturing the flaring of nostrils. It emphasizes the intensity of emotion David is concerned about.
  • chasten (יַסַּר, yasar): This word means to discipline or instruct, often with the idea of training through hardship. David is not refusing discipline, but asking that it not be driven by God’s hot displeasure.
  • displeasure (חֵמָה, chemah): This word means burning anger or wrath. David is specifically asking that God’s discipline not come from a place of intense, consuming anger.

Why Psalms 6:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David does not reject God’s correction but is concerned about the manner in which it comes—he desires mercy rather than punishment fueled by anger.
  • The verse highlights the difference between discipline meant to teach and anger that can destroy, showing a nuanced understanding of God’s character.
  • Psalms 6:1 sets the emotional and spiritual tone for the rest of the psalm, which is a heartfelt plea for God’s compassion in a time of suffering.

Where else these words appear

“Sheminith” Hebrew H8067 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

“Neginoth” Hebrew H5058 · used in 14 verses

  • Job 30:9 And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
  • Psalms 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

“chasten” Hebrew H3256 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 26:18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.
  • Job 4:3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
  • Proverbs 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

“rebuke” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
  • Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.