To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

PSALMS 5:1KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 5:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 5:1 mean?

Psalms 5:1 is a request from David, asking the LORD to listen closely to his words and to pay attention to his inner thoughts or prayers. David is appealing to God not just to hear what he says out loud, but also to consider the quiet reflections and concerns of his heart.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to the LORD, showing both respect and a sense of need. The setting is one of prayer or meditation, where David is seeking God’s attention and understanding. The verse highlights that God is invited to notice not only spoken prayers but also the silent, inward struggles and desires that may not be put into words.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 5:1

  • "ear" (אָזֵן, 'ozen): This word means to give attention or listen carefully. David is asking God to be attentive, not just passively hearing but actively listening.
  • "words" (אִמְרָה, 'imrah): This refers to spoken words or utterances. David wants God to hear what he is saying directly.
  • "consider" (בִּין, bin): This word means to understand or pay careful attention. David is asking God not just to hear, but to thoughtfully consider his situation.
  • "meditation" (הָגִיג, haggig): This word points to murmuring, sighing, or inward thoughts. It highlights that David’s prayer includes both what he says and what he feels or thinks quietly inside.

Why Psalms 5:1 matters

  • Psalms 5:1 shows that prayer is not limited to spoken words; God is attentive to both our outward speech and our silent thoughts or worries.
  • The verse emphasizes the personal relationship between David and the LORD, where David feels free to ask God to notice even his unspoken struggles.
  • This opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, framing it as a heartfelt plea for God’s attention and understanding in a time of need.

Where else these words appear

“meditation” Hebrew H1901 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,

“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 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.

“words” Hebrew H561 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
  • Job 33:3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
  • Proverbs 5:7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

“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 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
  • 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.