To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

PSALMS 64:1KJV
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Psalms 64:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 64:1 mean?

Psalms 64:1 is a prayer from David asking God to listen to his voice and protect his life from the fear caused by his enemies. David is not only asking for safety from physical harm but also for relief from the anxiety and dread that his enemies bring.

David is speaking directly to God, expressing his vulnerability and need for help. The verse shows David’s trust in God’s ability to hear his prayer and shield him from both danger and the emotional weight of fear. This sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, where David will describe the threats he faces and his reliance on God’s protection.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 64:1

  • "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of paying attention and responding. David is asking God not only to hear but to act on his behalf.
  • "Prayer" (שִׂיחַ, siakh): This word can mean a whispered or meditative prayer, showing that David’s plea may be quiet or deeply personal, not just a public cry.
  • "Preserve" (נָצַר, natsar): This word means to guard or keep safe, suggesting that David is asking for ongoing protection, not just a one-time rescue.
  • "Fear" (פַּחַד, pachad): This word points to dread or terror, highlighting that David’s concern is not just about physical enemies but also about the inner turmoil they cause.

Why Psalms 64:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s struggle is not only with external enemies but also with the internal fear they provoke, making his prayer relatable to anyone facing anxiety.
  • The use of personal, meditative language for "prayer" shows that even quiet, private cries for help are heard by God, not just public or formal prayers.
  • Psalms 64:1 sets up the rest of the psalm, where David will detail the threats against him, making it clear from the start that his hope and protection come from God alone.

Where else these words appear

“prayer” Hebrew H7879 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
  • Job 9:27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:
  • Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

“fear” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

“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.

“preserve” Hebrew H5341 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
  • Psalms 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
  • Proverbs 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.