To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

PSALMS 77:1KJV
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Psalms 77:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 77:1 mean?

Psalms 77:1 describes the writer, Asaph, calling out loudly to God in distress and being confident that God listened to his plea. The verse emphasizes both the act of crying out and the assurance that God heard him.

The heading tells us this is a psalm written by Asaph and directed to the chief musician, possibly for public worship, and mentions Jeduthun, who was likely a leader of music. The verse sets the scene for a heartfelt prayer, showing Asaph turning to God with his troubles and expecting a real response. This opening frames the rest of the psalm as a personal and honest conversation with God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 77:1

  • "cried" (צָעַק, tsa'aq): This word means to cry out or call for help, often in desperation. It highlights the intensity and urgency of Asaph’s prayer.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and authority. Asaph repeats it, underlining his focus and dependence on God alone.
  • "voice" (קוֹל, qol): This word means voice or sound. The repetition in the verse ("with my voice") stresses that Asaph is not praying silently but is audibly and passionately reaching out.
  • "ear" (אֹזֶן, ozen): This word means ear, and in this context, it expresses the idea that God is attentive and willing to listen.

Why Psalms 77:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that prayer can be both vocal and emotional, not just silent or formal, showing a real relationship between the psalmist and God.
  • By repeating "my voice," the verse emphasizes the personal nature of the plea and the psalmist’s determination to be heard.
  • This opening sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which deals with struggle and seeking comfort, making it clear that honest, direct communication with God is welcomed.

Where else these words appear

“Jeduthun” Hebrew H3038 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 9:16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
  • 2 Chronicles 29:14 And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

“Asaph” Hebrew H623 · used in 41 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:1 Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
  • Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

“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.

“cried” Hebrew H6817 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
  • Deuteronomy 26:7 And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:
  • 2 Kings 8:3 And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.