Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

PSALMS 86:6KJV
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Psalms 86:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 86:6 mean?

Psalms 86:6 is a plea from the psalmist, asking the LORD to listen closely and pay attention to his prayers and urgent requests. The verse expresses a deep longing for God to hear and respond to the psalmist’s heartfelt cries for help.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to the LORD, using personal language to express his need and dependence. The situation is one of distress or trouble, where David feels the need to call out repeatedly. The verse highlights not just a single prayer, but multiple “supplications,” showing persistence and earnestness in seeking God’s attention.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 86:6

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a direct and covenant relationship between David and God.
  • prayer (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): This word refers to a formal or spoken prayer, showing that David is intentionally directing his words to God.
  • supplications (תַּחֲנוּן, tachanun): This term often means earnest requests for mercy, highlighting the humble and urgent tone of David’s approach.
  • attend (הַקְשִׁיבָה, haqshivah): This word means to pay close attention or listen carefully, suggesting David’s hope that God will not just hear, but truly focus on his needs.

Why Psalms 86:6 matters

  • The verse shows that it is appropriate to bring repeated and urgent requests to God, not just single prayers, reflecting a real and ongoing relationship.
  • By using both “prayer” and “supplications,” the verse highlights the depth and variety of ways a person can approach God, from formal prayers to desperate pleas for mercy.
  • The verse connects to the wider psalm, where David consistently turns to God as his only source of help, emphasizing trust and dependence in times of trouble.

Where else these words appear

“supplications” Hebrew H8469 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 6:21 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.
  • Psalms 116:1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
  • Jeremiah 31:9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

“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.

“attend” 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.

“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.