Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

PSALMS 142:6KJV
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Psalms 142:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 142:6 mean?

Psalms 142:6 is a plea for help, where the writer asks God to listen to his desperate cry because he feels overwhelmed and powerless against those who are pursuing him. The verse highlights the psalmist’s sense of deep need and his recognition that his enemies are too strong for him to handle alone.

The speaker is David, calling out to God while hiding from those who want to harm him—likely during a time he was fleeing from King Saul. David’s words show honest vulnerability, admitting he is “brought very low” and cannot save himself. The verse is part of a prayer for rescue, showing both David’s distress and his trust that God can deliver him when he is at his weakest.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 142:6

  • “Attend” (קַשֵּׁב, qashév): This word means to pay close attention or listen carefully. David is not just asking God to hear, but to really focus on his cry, showing how urgent and personal his request is.
  • “Brought very low” (דָּלַל, dalál; מְאֹד, me’od): The phrase uses a word that means to be made weak, thin, or humbled, paired with “very” to intensify it. David is saying he is at his lowest point, both physically and emotionally.
  • “Persecutors” (רָדַף, radáf): This word refers to those who are chasing or hunting him. It paints a picture of relentless pursuit, not just casual opposition.
  • “Stronger” (עָז, az): This word means mighty or powerful. David admits openly that his enemies have the upper hand, emphasizing his helplessness without God’s intervention.

Why Psalms 142:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even strong, faithful people like David can feel overwhelmed and admit their weakness, making the psalm relatable to anyone facing hardship.
  • The emphasis on God’s attentive listening and rescue highlights a core biblical theme: God responds to honest cries for help, especially from those who know they cannot save themselves.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse deepens the sense of urgency and dependence, setting up the hope for deliverance that follows in the rest of the prayer.

Where else these words appear

“brought” Hebrew H1809 · used in 9 verses

  • Judges 6:6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
  • Psalms 79:8 O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
  • Isaiah 17:4 And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.

“cry” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

“stronger” Hebrew H553 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • 2 Samuel 22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
  • Psalms 18:17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.

“Attend” 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.