Psalms 30:5

For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

For his anger {H639} endureth but a moment {H7281}; in his favour {H7522} is life {H2416}: weeping {H1065} may endure {H3885} for a night {H6153}, but joy {H7440} cometh in the morning {H1242}.

For his anger is momentary, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Tears may linger for the night, but with dawn come cries of joy.

For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.

For 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.

Context

Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed by David, possibly for the dedication of his house or the temple area after a time of severe trouble or sickness. The psalm begins with praise for being lifted out of trouble and rescued from death. Verse 5 serves as a reflection on the nature of God's discipline and favor, contrasting temporary affliction with enduring blessing and hope. It speaks to the experience of moving from despair to relief, a common theme in the Psalms.

Key Themes

  • The Brevity of God's Anger: The verse highlights that while God's anger or discipline may be experienced, it is temporary, lasting only "a moment." This contrasts sharply with His enduring favor.
  • The Endurance of God's Favor: In contrast to His fleeting anger, God's favor brings "life." This isn't just physical existence but encompasses well-being, blessing, and spiritual vitality.
  • The Promise of Joy After Sorrow: The powerful imagery of "weeping" enduring for a "night" but "joy" coming in the "morning" is a central message of hope. It assures the listener that periods of sorrow are temporary and will be followed by restoration and gladness. This speaks to the cyclical nature of hardship and relief in the life of faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "anger" (אף - 'aph) can also refer to the nose or nostrils, often used metaphorically for anger that causes heavy breathing. The word for "favor" (רָצוֹן - ratson) signifies delight, pleasure, or acceptance. The stark contrast between the momentary nature of 'aph and the enduring nature of ratson bringing "life" (חַיִּים - chayyim) is central to the verse's message. The imagery of "night" (לַיְלָה - laylah) representing sorrow and "morning" (בֹקֶר - boqer) representing joy is a vivid poetic contrast found throughout scripture.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully captures the biblical truth that our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory. The theme of moving from weeping to joy is echoed in the promises of future restoration, where God Himself will wipe away every tear. It reminds us that even Jesus spoke of sorrow turning to joy (see John 16:20).

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse offers immense comfort and hope during times of suffering, grief, or difficulty. It encourages us to endure through the "night" of trials, trusting that God's discipline is not His final word and that His lasting disposition towards His children is favor and blessing. It is a powerful reminder to look beyond present circumstances to the certainty of God's restorative joy that "comes in the morning," whether that morning is a new day, a season of relief, or the ultimate "morning" of eternity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 54:7

    For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

  • Isaiah 54:8

    In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17

    For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

  • Psalms 126:5

    They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

  • Psalms 126:6

    He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].

  • Matthew 5:4

    Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

  • Isaiah 26:20

    ¶ Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

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