Psalms 30:5
What does Psalms 30:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 30:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 30:5 means
This verse offers profound comfort, contrasting the transient nature of God's anger with the permanence of His favor. "His anger is but for a moment" suggests that divine displeasure, though real, is temporary and often serves a corrective purpose. In contrast, "his favor is for a lifetime" highlights God's enduring grace and steadfast love for His people. The imagery of "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" is a powerful metaphor for suffering and deliverance. Just as the darkness and sorrow of night give way to the dawn's light and hope, so too does God bring joy and relief after periods of hardship. This verse reassures believers of God's ultimate goodness and faithfulness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For his wrath is only for a minute; in his grace there is life; weeping may be for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For--a moment <FI>is<Fi> in His anger, Life <FI>is<Fi> in His good-will, At even remaineth weeping, and at morn singing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou wilt bring me out of this snare, which they have hidden for me: for thou art my protector.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For a moment [is passed] in his anger, a life in his favour; at even weeping cometh for the night, and at morn there is rejoicing.
Context
Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely written by David after God delivered him from a life-threatening situation, possibly a severe illness or a hostile attack. Prior to verse 5, David recounts his deliverance, praising God for lifting him out of despair and preventing his enemies from rejoicing over him. He cries out to the Lord in distress (verses 1-3) and celebrates God's healing power. Following verse 5, David continues to express his gratitude, recalling his former complacency and how God's hand brought him low, only to restore him and turn his mourning into dancing. Thus, verse 5 serves as a theological anchor within his personal testimony, explaining the character of the God who delivered him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 46:5
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God will help her, and that right early.
- Psalms 6:6
I am weary with my groaning; Every night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
- Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
- Psalms 103:9
He will not always chide; Neither will he keephis angerfor ever.
- Matthew 5:4
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;
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