The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

PSALMS 6:9KJV
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Psalms 6:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 6:9 mean?

Psalms 6:9 says that the LORD has listened to the speaker’s plea and will accept his prayer. The verse expresses confidence that God has heard and will respond to the psalmist’s cry for help.

King David is speaking in Psalms 6:9, addressing God during a time of distress and seeking mercy. After pouring out his troubles, David now declares that God has heard his "supplication"—his earnest request for help—and will "receive" his prayer. This marks a turning point in the psalm, shifting from sorrow to assurance that God is attentive and compassionate.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 6:9

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a direct and covenant relationship between God and the speaker.
  • "heard" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word often means not just hearing sounds, but actively listening and paying attention. It suggests that God is not distant but fully aware of David’s needs.
  • "supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, teḥinnah): This refers to a heartfelt plea or request for mercy, highlighting the deep emotion and urgency in David’s prayer.
  • "receive" (לָקַח, laqach): This word can mean to take, accept, or receive. Here, it shows that God is not just hearing the prayer but is willing to accept and respond to it.
  • "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): This is a general word for prayer, covering requests, praise, and communication with God. Its use here reinforces that David is bringing his whole situation before God.

Why Psalms 6:9 matters

  • Psalms 6:9 clarifies that God is not indifferent or far away; the verse emphasizes God’s willingness to listen and respond, even when the speaker feels overwhelmed.
  • The verse marks a shift in the psalm from lament to hope, showing that honest prayer can lead to renewed confidence in God’s care.
  • By using both "supplication" and "prayer," Psalms 6:9 highlights the depth and variety of ways people can approach God, whether in desperation or in regular conversation.

Where else these words appear

“supplication” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.