What does Psalm 6:3 mean?

Not only was David languishing physically, but he was also languishing spiritually. The Hebrew word translated "troubled" here is translated as "dismayed" in Genesis 45:3, where it describes the trouble felt by Joseph's conscience-stricken brothers when Joseph revealed himself to them in Egypt. It is also used in Judges 20:41 as the word "dismayed": "Then the men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed, for they saw that disaster was close upon them." The Septuagint uses the word tarasso for troubled, which is also used in John 12:27 where Jesus says, "Now is my soul troubled." At the time, Jesus was anticipating His crucifixion, to which He would voluntarily submit.

We're not sure why David is asking for forgiveness or a reprieve. Nor do we know exactly what he is experiencing. All we know is that David wonders how long he would suffer before being rescued. Of course, the Lord's timing is always right. He removes His chastening when it has taught His children a valuable lesson and caused them to turn back to Him (Hebrews 12:7–11).