Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

PSALMS 6:2KJV
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Psalms 6:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 6:2 mean?

Psalms 6:2 is a plea from the psalmist, asking the LORD for mercy and healing because he feels physically and emotionally weak, describing his bones as "vexed" or deeply troubled. The verse shows a person in distress, turning to God for compassion and relief from suffering.

King David is speaking directly to the LORD, using personal language to express his vulnerability and pain. The context is one of deep anguish—David feels overwhelmed both in body and spirit, and he openly admits his weakness. This verse sets a tone of honesty and dependence on God, showing that even a strong leader can feel broken and in need of help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 6:2

  • mercy (חָנַן, ḥānan): This word means to show favor or be gracious. David is not demanding from God but asking for undeserved kindness, highlighting his humility.
  • weak (אֻמְלַל, 'umlal): This word often describes being faint, feeble, or worn out, pointing to both physical and emotional exhaustion.
  • heal (רָפָא, rapha): This verb means to restore or make whole, which can refer to physical healing or a broader sense of being made well.
  • bones (עֶצֶם, etsem): In Hebrew thought, bones represent the deepest part of a person. Saying his bones are "vexed" means David feels troubled to his very core.
  • vexed (בָּהַל, bahal): This word means to be disturbed or terrified, showing the depth of David's inner turmoil.

Why Psalms 6:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that it is normal to feel weak and ask God for help, even for someone as prominent as David.
  • The language shows that suffering can affect both body and spirit, and the Bible does not separate physical pain from emotional distress.
  • Psalms 6:2 sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, where David continues to express his struggles honestly and seeks comfort from God.

Where else these words appear

“vexed” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 4:5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
  • Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

“heal” Hebrew H7495 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
  • Jeremiah 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

“mercy” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.

“bones” Hebrew H6106 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • 1 Kings 13:31 And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:
  • Proverbs 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.