What does Psalms 79:6 mean?
"Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name." - Psalms 79:6

The Bible verse Psalms 79:6 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name."
This verse is a cry for justice and vengeance against the enemies of God and his people. The psalmist is calling upon God to pour out His wrath on the heathen nations that have not acknowledged Him and His authority. The use of the word "heathen" signifies those who are outside of the covenant relationship with God, often associated with those who are idolatrous or pagan. The mention of the kingdoms that have not called upon God's name further emphasizes the widespread rejection of God's sovereignty and the refusal to recognize His divine authority.
This verse reflects the psalmist's deep sense of injustice and the desire to see God's righteousness prevail. Throughout the Psalms, there is a recurring theme of God's justice and judgment on the wicked. The psalmist acknowledges that those who do not know or acknowledge God will ultimately face His wrath and be held accountable for their rejection of Him. This theme of divine justice is woven throughout the Bible and emphasizes the belief that God is a just and righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to the world.
In its historical context, this verse likely reflects the psalmist's experience of seeing God's people suffer at the hands of pagan nations. The mention of the heathen and kingdoms that have not called upon God's name suggests a time when the Israelites were surrounded by hostile nations who opposed their faith and sought to undermine their relationship with God. In this context, the psalmist's plea for God to pour out His wrath on the heathen reflects the desire for deliverance and justice in the face of persecution and oppression.
The symbolism in this verse is powerful and reflects the psalmist's understanding of God's role as a divine protector and avenger. The pouring out of God's wrath symbolizes His righteous judgment and the punishment of those who reject Him. It also symbolizes the psalmist's trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and the belief that God will ultimately bring about justice for His people.
The themes of justice, divine sovereignty, and the vindication of God's people are central to this verse. It speaks to the deep-seated belief in God's righteousness and the expectation that He will ultimately bring about justice for those who have been oppressed and persecuted. The psalmist's plea for God to pour out His wrath on the heathen reflects a profound trust in God's ability to bring about justice and vindication for His people.
Overall, Psalms 79:6 in the King James Version is a powerful and impassioned plea for justice and vindication. It reflects the psalmist's deep sense of the righteousness of God and the belief that He will ultimately bring about justice for His people. The themes of divine sovereignty, justice, and the vindication of God's people are central to this verse, and it serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority and righteousness.
Have questions about Psalms 79:6?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 79:6 Artwork
Psalms 79:6 - "Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name."
"Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name." - Psalms 79:6
Psalms 79:7 - "For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place."
Psalms 79:3 - "Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them."
Psalms 79:4 - "We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us."
Psalms 119:79 - "Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies."
Psalms 79:5 - "How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?"
Psalms 79:12 - "And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord."
"Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies." - Psalms 119:79
Psalms 79:11 - "Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;"
Psalms 79:1 - "O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps."
"How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?" - Psalms 79:5
"And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord." - Psalms 79:12
Psalms 79:8 - "O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low."
"For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place." - Psalms 79:7
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."
Psalms 79:10 - "Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed."
"O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low." - Psalms 79:8
1 Chronicles 6:79 - "Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:"
"Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake." - Psalms 79:9
"We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us." - Psalms 79:4
"Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them." - Psalms 79:3
Psalms 126:6
"Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;" - Psalms 79:11
"O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps." - Psalms 79:1
"Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:" - 1 Chronicles 6:79
Psalms 115:6 - "They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:"
"The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth." - Psalms 79:2
Psalms 30:6 - "And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved."
"So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations." - Psalms 79:13