Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.

PSALMS 7:6KJV
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Psalms 7:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 7:6 mean?

Psalms 7:6 is a plea from the psalmist, asking God to rise up in anger against his enemies and to bring about the judgment that God has already decided. The verse shows the psalmist’s trust that God is just and will act on his behalf against those who are hostile to him.

In this psalm, David is speaking directly to the LORD, asking for God’s intervention because his enemies are raging against him. The language is urgent and emotional, showing David’s distress and his confidence that God’s judgment is both right and already determined. The verse fits into a larger prayer where David seeks protection and justice, trusting God to respond to wrongs done against him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 7:6

  • "Arise" (קוּם, qum): This word often means to stand up or take action. Here, it is a call for God to actively respond, not remain passive.
  • "Anger" (אַף, aph): This Hebrew word literally means "nose," but is often used for anger or wrath, suggesting a strong emotional response. David is asking God to be moved with righteous anger.
  • "Rage" (עֶבְרָה, evrah): This word refers to overflowing fury or wrath, describing the intensity of David’s enemies’ hostility.
  • "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word means a legal decision or verdict. David is appealing to God’s role as judge, asking for a fair and decisive ruling.

Why Psalms 7:6 matters

  • Psalms 7:6 clarifies that the psalmist is not seeking personal revenge, but is appealing to God’s justice and timing, trusting God to handle the situation rightly.
  • The verse highlights the emotional reality of facing opposition and the biblical practice of bringing honest feelings—like fear and anger—directly to God.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of the psalm, where David repeatedly relies on God’s judgment rather than taking matters into his own hands, showing a model of faith under pressure.

Where else these words appear

“rage” Hebrew H5678 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 49:7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
  • Proverbs 22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
  • Ezekiel 7:19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

“enemies” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:28 If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

“awake” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 78:38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
  • Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.