Psalms 85:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 85:5 mean?

Psalms 85:5 is a question from the people to God, asking if His anger will last forever and if He will remain angry with them and their descendants for all time. The verse expresses a deep concern about whether God’s displeasure will continue without end, affecting future generations.

In this psalm, the speaker is likely a leader or representative of Israel, speaking on behalf of the nation after a time of trouble or judgment. The people are aware of God’s anger due to their actions and are pleading for His mercy and restoration. The verse highlights their fear that God’s anger might not just be temporary, but could extend to all generations, which shows both their sense of guilt and their hope for reconciliation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 85:5

• "Angry" (אָנַף, ’anaph): This word often means to be enraged or to show strong displeasure. Its use here emphasizes the seriousness of God’s response to the people’s actions.
• "Ever" (לְעוֹלָם, le‘olam): This word can mean "forever" or "for a long duration." The question asks if God’s anger will truly be without end, showing the people’s anxiety about the future.
• "Anger" (אַף, ’aph): This word literally means "nose" or "nostrils," but in Hebrew, it is a common way to refer to anger, especially God’s anger. It adds a vivid, almost physical sense to the emotion being described.
• "All generations" (דּוֹר וָדֹר, dor va-dor): This phrase means "generation to generation," highlighting the fear that God’s anger could affect not just the current people, but their children and grandchildren as well.

Why Psalms 85:5 matters

• Psalms 85:5 clarifies that the people are not just worried about their own situation, but about the lasting effects of God’s anger on future generations.
• The verse shows the seriousness with which the people view God’s displeasure, recognizing that it is not a light or passing matter.
• This question sets up the rest of the psalm, which moves toward hope and restoration, making the plea for mercy more urgent and heartfelt.