I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

PSALMS 140:6KJV
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Psalms 140:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 140:6 mean?

Psalms 140:6 shows the writer, David, personally calling out to the LORD and declaring his trust in God as his own God, asking God to listen to his prayers for help. The verse is a direct, heartfelt plea for God’s attention and care in a time of trouble.

David is speaking to the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible), making his relationship with God clear and personal by saying, “Thou art my God.” The situation is one of distress, as seen in the rest of the psalm, where David faces threats from enemies. Here, David’s words highlight both his dependence on God and his belief that God hears the sincere prayers (“supplications”) of those who trust Him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 140:6

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, used here to show David’s direct and intimate address to God, not just a general term for deity.
  • God (אֵל, El): This word emphasizes God’s power and might, reminding the reader that David is appealing to the one who is strong enough to help.
  • Supplications (תְּחִנָּה, teḥinnah): This word means earnest, humble requests for mercy or favor, showing that David’s prayer is not just routine but comes from deep need.

Why Psalms 140:6 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that prayer is only formal or distant; David’s words are personal and urgent, showing that anyone can speak honestly and directly to God.
  • The verse emphasizes that God is not just a distant ruler but someone who listens to individual cries for help, especially in hard times.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse is a turning point where David shifts from describing his troubles to actively seeking God’s help, modeling honest faith in crisis.

Where else these words appear

“supplications” Hebrew H8469 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 6:21 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.
  • Psalms 86:6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
  • Jeremiah 31:9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

“hear” Hebrew H238 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Job 37:14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
  • Psalms 141:1 A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.