A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

PSALMS 143:1KJV
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Psalms 143:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 143:1 mean?

Psalms 143:1 is a prayer where David asks the LORD to listen to his plea and respond out of God’s faithfulness and righteousness. David is appealing to God’s character, trusting that God will hear and answer him because God is trustworthy and just.

David is speaking directly to the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible), expressing deep need and dependence. The verse comes from a time of distress, with David seeking help not on his own merit but because of who God is. The focus is on God’s faithfulness (keeping promises) and righteousness (doing what is right), showing David’s confidence in God’s nature even when he feels desperate.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 143:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is God’s personal name, used here to show David’s direct and personal relationship with God.
  • Faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, ’emunah): This word points to God’s reliability and trustworthiness. David is not just asking for help; he is asking because he knows God keeps His promises.
  • Righteousness (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This means doing what is right and just. David appeals to God’s moral character, trusting that God’s actions will be fair and good.

Why Psalms 143:1 matters

  • This verse shows that David’s hope is not in his own goodness but in God’s character, which helps clear up the idea that prayer depends on the person praying rather than on God’s nature.
  • The emphasis on both faithfulness and righteousness highlights that God is both dependable and just, which is a comfort for anyone feeling wronged or in trouble.
  • Psalms 143:1 sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which is a cry for help during a time of crisis, and helps the reader see that honest, direct prayer is welcomed by God.

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.

“ear” 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 140:6 I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

“faithfulness” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
  • Psalms 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 77:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.