Psalms 85:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 85:3 mean?

Psalms 85:3 describes God putting aside His anger and no longer expressing fierce judgment toward His people. The verse highlights a turning point where God’s wrath is withdrawn, showing a move from punishment to mercy.

In this psalm, the speaker is addressing God, reflecting on a time when God was angry with Israel but has now chosen to relent. The verse sits within a prayer for restoration, recalling how God has forgiven and turned away from punishing the nation, which sets up the hope for continued mercy.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 85:3

• "away" (אָסַף, asaf): This word means to gather in or remove. Here, it suggests that God has actively taken away His wrath, not just letting it fade but purposefully removing it.
• "wrath" (עֶבְרָה, evrah): This word refers to overflowing anger or fury. Its use emphasizes the seriousness of God’s previous anger toward the people.
• "turned" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or return. In this context, it highlights God’s deliberate decision to change course and withdraw His anger.
• "fierceness" (חֵמָה, chemah): This word means heat or burning anger. It adds intensity, showing that God’s anger was not mild but fierce.
• "anger" (אַף, af): This word literally means "nose" or "face," but is often used for anger, picturing the flaring of nostrils in rage. It gives a vivid image of strong emotion.

Why Psalms 85:3 matters

• The verse clarifies that God’s mercy is not automatic but follows a real period of anger and judgment, making His forgiveness more meaningful.
• By using strong words for anger and then describing God’s turning away from it, the verse emphasizes the depth of both God’s justice and His compassion.
• This turning point in the psalm connects to the wider theme of restoration, helping readers understand that hope for renewal is based on God’s willingness to forgive.