What does Psalm 30:5 mean?

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

Psalms 30:5 → BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Quick answer

‘Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning’—sorrow is real but not the end; God brings renewed joy.

What it means

David contrasts a brief night of weeping with the morning of joy, framing grief as temporary under God’s favor.

It offers hope to the hurting: God’s anger is momentary, ‘but his favor lasts a lifetime.’

Common questions
Does Psalm 30:5 promise grief always ends quickly?

It assures that sorrow is not the final word; in God’s care, joy returns, though the ‘night’ may feel long.

Key words in this verse

Hebrew word studies — original-language background to the verse.

Keep exploring

Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.