To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

PSALMS 40:1KJV
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Psalms 40:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 40:1 mean?

Psalms 40:1 describes how David patiently waited for the LORD to respond to his troubles, and the LORD listened and answered his cry for help. The verse highlights both David’s persistence in waiting and God’s attentive response.

David is speaking directly about his own experience, addressing God as the one who hears and cares. The situation is one of distress or need, where David did not give up but continued to hope in God. The verse sets a tone of trust and expectation, showing that waiting on God is not passive but involves hope and faith that God will act.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 40:1

  • "Waited" and "patiently" both use the Hebrew word קָוָה (qavah), which means to wait with hope or expectation. The repetition in Hebrew adds emphasis, showing David’s deep persistence and hopeful waiting.
  • "Inclined" comes from נָטָה (natah), meaning to stretch out or bend toward. This paints a picture of God leaning in to listen closely, suggesting personal attention and care.
  • "Cry" is שַׁוְעָה (shav'ah), which refers to a call for help or a desperate plea. This word shows that David’s prayer was earnest and urgent.

Why Psalms 40:1 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that waiting on God is passive; the original language shows it is an active, hopeful expectation.
  • The emphasis on God inclining to listen highlights God’s personal involvement and willingness to respond, not just distant approval.
  • This verse introduces the rest of the psalm, setting up a story of rescue and gratitude that unfolds in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H7775 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
  • Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

“waited” Hebrew H6960 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Psalms 52:9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
  • Isaiah 49:23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

“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 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.