Psalms 102:20
Psalms 102:20 in Multiple Translations
to hear a prisoner’s groaning, to release those condemned to death,
To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;
To hear the sighing of the prisoner; To loose those that are appointed to death;
Hearing the cry of the prisoner, making free those for whom death is ordered;
to respond to the groans of prisoners, to set free the children of death.
That he might heare the mourning of the prisoner, and deliuer the children of death:
To hear the groan of the prisoner, To loose sons of death,
to hear the groans of the prisoner, to free those who are condemned to death,
To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;
Bless the Lord, all ye his angels: you that are mighty in strength, and execute his word, hearkening to the voice of his orders.
They will know that you hear prisoners groaning and that you will set free those who have been told, “You will be executed.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 102:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 102:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
הִ֭שְׁקִיף
מִ/מְּר֣וֹם
קָדְשׁ֑/וֹ
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
מִ/שָּׁמַ֤יִם
אֶל
אֶ֬רֶץ
הִבִּֽיט
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִ֭שְׁקִיף
shâqaph
H8259
to look
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
מִ/מְּר֣וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
height
Prep | N-ms
קָדְשׁ֑/וֹ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms | Suff
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/שָּׁמַ֤יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶ֬רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
הִבִּֽיט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 102:20
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִ֭שְׁקִיף
shâqaph
H8259
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To look means to gaze or peep out, like looking out a window. It can also mean to overlook or gaze down, as in Psalm 14 where God looks down on humanity to see their ways.
Definition: 1) to overlook, look down or out, overhang, look out and down 1a) (Niphal) to lean over (and look), look down 1b) (Hiphil) to look down, look down upon
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: appear, look (down, forth, out). See also: Genesis 18:16; 2 Kings 9:30; Psalms 14:2.
מִ/מְּר֣וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
"height"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
קָדְשׁ֑/וֹ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms | Suff
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/שָּׁמַ֤יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶ֬רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הִבִּֽיט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
Study Notes — Psalms 102:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 102:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 102:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 102:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 102:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 102:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
- Sermons on Psalms 102:20
Context — The Prayer of the Afflicted
18Let this be written for the generation to come, so that a people not yet created may praise the LORD.
19For He looked down from the heights of His sanctuary; the LORD gazed out from heaven to earth
20to hear a prisoner’s groaning, to release those condemned to death,
21that they may proclaim the name of the LORD in Zion and praise Him in Jerusalem, 22when peoples and kingdoms assemble to serve the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 79:11 | May the groans of the captives reach You; by the strength of Your arm preserve those condemned to death. |
| 2 | Psalms 146:7 | He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, |
| 3 | Exodus 3:7 | The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. |
| 4 | Isaiah 61:1–3 | The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. |
| 5 | Zechariah 9:9–12 | Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the bow of war will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double. |
| 6 | Isaiah 14:17 | who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?” |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 33:11–13 | So the LORD brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 13:22–23 | And Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz. But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence. |
| 9 | Ephesians 2:2–3 | in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 13:4 | Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. |
Psalms 102:20 Summary
This verse tells us that God hears the cries of those who are suffering and oppressed, and that He comes to rescue them. It's like when someone is in a deep hole and can't get out, God reaches down and pulls them to safety, as seen in Psalms 40:2. The verse also reminds us that God is a God of justice, who wants to set free those who are trapped, whether it's by their own mistakes or by the cruelty of others, as mentioned in Galatians 5:1. By trusting in God, we can experience His rescue and freedom in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of prisoners is the Psalmist referring to in Psalms 102:20?
The prisoners in this context are likely those who are spiritually bound, as seen in Isaiah 61:1, where Jesus comes to proclaim liberty to the captives, and also those who are physically oppressed, as mentioned in Psalms 79:11, where the Psalmist asks God to deliver those who are sentenced to death.
How does God hear the groaning of prisoners?
According to Psalms 102:20, God hears the groaning of prisoners because He looks down from the heights of His sanctuary, as stated in Psalms 102:19, and is attentive to the cries of those who are suffering, as seen in Exodus 2:24-25 where God hears the groaning of the Israelites in slavery.
What is the significance of releasing those condemned to death?
Releasing those condemned to death signifies God's power to rescue and redeem, as seen in Psalms 103:4, where He redeems our lives from the pit, and also in Isaiah 53:12, where Jesus is said to have borne the sins of many, making intercession for the transgressors.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice and mercy, who hears the cries of the oppressed and comes to their rescue, as seen in Psalms 9:9, where He is a refuge for the oppressed, and in Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus proclaims liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like a prisoner, and how can I cry out to God for rescue?
- How can I be an instrument of God's liberation and justice in the lives of those around me who are suffering?
- What does it mean to 'proclaim the name of the LORD' in my daily life, as mentioned in Psalms 102:21, and how can I do this in a way that brings glory to God?
- How can I balance the desire for justice with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in this verse and in Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 102:20
To hear the groanings of the prisoner,.... Not of a single person only, but of many, who lie in prisons in Popish countries, especially in the Inquisition; where they lie and groan, in darkness and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 102:20
This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
To release his poor captives out of Babylon, and, which is more, from the chains and fetters of sin and Satan, and from eternal destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
Psalms 102:20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;Ver. 20. To hear the groaning of the prisoner] Those prisoners of hope held so long captive in Babylon, the cruelty whereof is graphically described, Jeremiah 51:34.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
(20, 21) Comp. Isaiah 61:1-2, and generally the whole magnificent cycle of prophetic songs at the close of Isaiah. Appointed to death.—See margin. LXX. and Vulg., “the sons of the slain.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
Verse 20. To hear the groaning] By sin, all the inhabitants of the earth are miserable. They have broken the Divine laws, are under the arrest of judgment, and all cast into prison. They have been tried, found guilty, and appointed to die; they groan under their chains, are alarmed at the prospect of death, and implore mercy.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 102:20
20. An echo of the prayer in Psalms 79:11. Cp. Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 61:1. Israel in exile is compared to a condemned captive languishing in prison, and doomed to perish if Jehovah does not speedily interpose. the groaning of the prisoner] R.V. the sighing of the prisoner, as in Psalms 79:11. those that are appointed to death] Lit. the sons of death. Cp. 1 Samuel 20:31 (marg.). The word for death is a form found only here and in Psalms 79:11.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 102:20
To hear the groaning of the prisoner - Meaning here, probably, the captives in Babylon; those who were held as prisoners there, and who were subjected to such hardships in their long captivity. See the notes at Psalms 79:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 102:20
20. To loose those that are appointed to death—Hebrew, the sons of death. They were rescued from under the “death” sentence. Same as Psalms 79:11. So imminent was the danger and opportune the help!
Sermons on Psalms 102:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Promised Faithfulness by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses Psalm 101, which describes the perfect king and kingdom that will come from David. He emphasizes the importance of singing about mercy |
|
I Was a Slave in Russia - Part 2 by John Noble | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being in a prisoner camp in the Soviet Union. He describes how prisoners from different backgrounds and professions were brough |
|
|
(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 47 Psalm 72 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons explores Psalm 72, which reflects on the rule of King Solomon and foreshadows the reign of the Messiah. He emphasizes that both rulers are characterized by justice, ri |
|
From Fetters Free by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the liberating power of the Lord, who has historically freed many from bondage, including figures like Joseph and Peter. He reassures that God continues to |
|
Apostolic Commission by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 3:3-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush. He highlights the significance of Moses being instructed to take off his shoes as a |
|
Nothingness - the Place of Humility by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and his call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The speaker emphasizes how Moses initially felt inadequate and unworthy f |