Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

PSALMS 5:2KJV
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Psalms 5:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 5:2 mean?

Psalms 5:2 is a plea from the psalmist, asking God—addressed as both King and God—to listen closely to his desperate prayer. The verse shows the psalmist turning to God with a sense of urgency and dependence, expressing that his prayers are directed to God alone.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to God, recognizing Him as both his ruler ("my King") and his deity ("my God"). The setting is one of personal distress or need, where David is not just making a quiet request but crying out with emotion. The verse highlights David’s trust that God hears and cares about his prayers, and it sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which is a morning prayer for guidance and protection.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 5:2

  • "Hearken" (קַשֵּׁב, qashshev): This word means to pay close attention or listen carefully. The psalmist is not just asking God to hear, but to give special attention to his cry, emphasizing the intensity of his need.
  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qol): This word often refers to sound or utterance, here pointing to the audible nature of David’s prayer. It suggests that David is not praying silently but is lifting his voice to God.
  • "Cry" (שַׁוְעָה, shav'ah): This word means a cry for help, often used in situations of distress. It shows that David’s prayer is urgent and heartfelt, not routine or casual.
  • "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): By calling God "my King," David acknowledges God’s authority and rule over his life, which adds a sense of reverence and loyalty to his prayer.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and majesty. David’s use of both "King" and "God" shows a personal relationship as well as respect for God’s greatness.
  • "Pray" (פָּלַל, palal): This word means to intercede or make a request, often with the idea of seeking a favorable response. David is expressing his intention to keep turning to God in prayer.

Why Psalms 5:2 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that prayer must be formal or unemotional; David’s cry is raw and honest, showing that God welcomes heartfelt prayers.
  • By calling God both King and God, the verse highlights the personal and relational aspect of faith, not just a distant or formal worship.
  • The verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, showing that David’s confidence in God’s attention is the foundation for his requests and trust throughout the prayer.

Where else these words appear

“Hearken” 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.

“pray” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.