Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?

PSALMS 85:5KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“angry” Hebrew H599 · used in 14 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:37 Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.
  • 1 Kings 8:46 If they sin against thee,(for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?

“out” Hebrew H4900 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
  • Nehemiah 9:30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
  • Isaiah 13:22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

“all” Hebrew H1755 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 15:21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
  • Psalms 79:13 So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.