LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

PSALMS 10:17KJV
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Psalms 10:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 10:17 mean?

Psalms 10:17 says that the LORD listens to the longings of those who are humble, shaping their hearts and paying attention to their prayers. The verse assures that God is attentive to the needs and desires of people who approach Him with humility.

In this psalm, the writer is speaking to God, reflecting on how God responds to those who are oppressed or overlooked. The verse highlights that God not only hears the requests of the humble but also prepares their hearts, suggesting a close, caring involvement. This reassurance comes in the context of a prayer for justice and help, showing God's personal concern for the lowly.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 10:17

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship rather than a distant deity.
  • humble (עָנָו, ‘anav): This word describes those who are lowly, afflicted, or meek, not just in attitude but often in their circumstances. It points to people who are vulnerable or powerless.
  • prepare (כּוּן, kun): This verb means to establish, make firm, or set right. Here, it suggests that God shapes or steadies the hearts of the humble, not just listening but also strengthening them from within.
  • desire (תַּאֲוָה, ta’avah): This word refers to deep longing or yearning, not just casual wishes. It shows that God is attentive to the heartfelt needs of the humble.

Why Psalms 10:17 matters

  • Psalms 10:17 clears up the idea that God is distant or indifferent; it emphasizes that God is personally attentive to those who are humble and in need.
  • The verse highlights that God’s response is not only to hear but also to prepare or steady the hearts of the humble, showing a deeper involvement than just listening.
  • In the wider context of the psalm, this verse reassures the reader that even when injustice seems unchecked, God is aware and actively caring for those who trust Him.

Where else these words appear

“desire” Hebrew H8378 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 78:29 So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;
  • Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

“humble” Hebrew H6035 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
  • Psalms 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
  • Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

“hear” Hebrew H7181 · used in 45 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
  • Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
  • Isaiah 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.