Psalms 18:6
Psalms 18:6 in Multiple Translations
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
In my distress I called upon Jehovah, And cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of his temple, And my cry before him came into his ears.
In my trouble my voice went up to the Lord, and my cry to my God: my voice came to his hearing in his holy Temple, and my prayer came before him, even into his ears.
In my despair I called on the Lord—I cried out to my God for help. He heard my voice from his Temple—my cry for help reached his ears.
But in my trouble did I call vpon the Lord, and cryed vnto my God: he heard my voyce out of his Temple, and my crye did come before him, euen into his eares.
In mine adversity I call Jehovah, And unto my God I cry. He heareth from His temple my voice, And My cry before Him cometh into His ears.
In my distress I called on the LORD, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears.
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber, Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way:
But when I was very distressed, I called out to Yahweh, and from his temple he heard me. He listened to me when I cried out for help.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:6
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 18:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֶבְלֵ֣י
שְׁא֣וֹל
סְבָב֑וּ/נִי
קִ֝דְּמ֗וּ/נִי
מ֣וֹקְשֵׁי
מָֽוֶת
חֶבְלֵ֣י
chebel
H2256
cord
N-cp
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper
סְבָב֑וּ/נִי
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
קִ֝דְּמ֗וּ/נִי
qâdam
H6923
to meet
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
מ֣וֹקְשֵׁי
môwqêsh
H4170
snare
N-mp
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 18:6
חֶבְלֵ֣י
chebel
H2256
"cord"
N-cp
A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.
Definition: 1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company 1a) a rope, cord 1b) a measuring-cord or line 1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region 1d) a band or company § destruction
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling. See also: Deuteronomy 3:4; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 16:6.
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
סְבָב֑וּ/נִי
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
קִ֝דְּמ֗וּ/נִי
qâdam
H6923
"to meet"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
To meet or go before someone, often for help, as seen in the Bible when God meets his people in Exodus. This word can also mean to anticipate or hasten something. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God coming to the aid of his people.
Definition: 1) to meet, come or be in front, confront, go before 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to meet, confront, come to meet, receive 1a2) to go before, go in front, be in front 1a3) to lead, be beforehand, anticipate, forestall 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to come in front 1b2) to confront, anticipate
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: come (go, (flee)) before, [phrase] disappoint, meet, prevent. See also: Deuteronomy 23:5; Psalms 59:11; Psalms 17:13.
מ֣וֹקְשֵׁי
môwqêsh
H4170
"snare"
N-mp
A snare or trap, this word is used to describe a device to catch animals. In the Bible, it is also used figuratively to describe being trapped by sin or temptation, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: bait, lure, snare
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 69:23; Psalms 18:6.
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
- Sermons on Psalms 18:6
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
4The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.
5The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.
6In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.
7Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger. 8Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 22:7 | In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears. |
| 3 | Psalms 34:15 | The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. |
| 4 | Psalms 130:1–2 | Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy. |
| 5 | Psalms 120:1 | In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. |
| 6 | Psalms 27:4–5 | One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock. |
| 7 | Psalms 18:3–4 | I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 30:27 | Then the priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard their voice, and their prayer came into His holy dwelling place in heaven. |
| 9 | Exodus 2:23 | After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. |
| 10 | Acts 12:5 | So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him. |
Psalms 18:6 Summary
[This verse means that when we are in trouble or feeling overwhelmed, we can call out to God for help and He will hear us. It's like having a direct line to the most powerful and loving being in the universe, who cares about us and wants to help us, as it says in Psalms 107:13 and Matthew 7:7-8. When we cry out to God, He hears our voice and responds to our needs, just like a loving father would respond to the cries of his child. We can trust that God is always near to us and wants to help us, even when things seem impossible, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11-13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to call upon the LORD in distress?
Calling upon the LORD in distress means to cry out to God for help and salvation, trusting in His power and love, as seen in Psalms 18:6 and also in Psalms 107:13, where it says those who were in distress called upon the LORD and He saved them.
How does God hear our cries for help?
God hears our cries for help because He is all-knowing and all-powerful, and He is always near to those who call upon Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 4:7 and also in Psalms 145:18, which says the LORD is near to all who call upon Him in truth.
What is the significance of the temple in this verse?
The temple in this verse represents the dwelling place of God, where He is said to reside and hear the prayers of His people, similar to what is described in 1 Kings 8:30, where Solomon prays that God would hear the prayers of His people from heaven.
How can we be sure God will hear our prayers?
We can be sure God will hear our prayers because He is a loving and gracious God who desires a personal relationship with us, and He has promised to hear the prayers of those who call upon Him in faith, as seen in Jeremiah 33:3 and John 15:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt overwhelmed and in distress, and how did I respond to those situations?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God's power and love, so that I can call upon Him with confidence in times of need?
- What are some ways that I can make sure I am calling upon the LORD in a way that is pleasing to Him, and not just crying out in my own strength?
- How can I remember that God is always near to me, even when I feel alone or abandoned, and that He is always willing to hear my cries for help?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:6
In my distress I called upon the Lord,.... The great Jehovah, the everlasting I AM, who is the most High in all the earth, and who is able to save, Hebrews 5:7; and cried unto my God; as Jesus did,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
Out of his temple; either, 1. Out of his sanctuary; whence he promised to hear and answer the prayers of his people, which are either made there or directed thither. Or, 2. Out of his heavenly habitation, which is oft called his temple: See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears.Ver. 6. In my distress I called upon the Lord] This was David’ s anchora sacra; sacred anchor, prayer, he knew, could never come too late, nor God want a way to deliver his distressed. The time of affliction is the time of supplication; and man’ s extremity is God’ s opportunity. And cried unto my God] He grew more and more earnest. We must pray and not faint, Luke 18:1, but rise in our suits. Out of his temple] i.e. Heaven, whereof the temple was a type, as being the place of God’ s special presence, and of transcendent holiness.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
(6) Out Of his temple.—Rather, Place—plainly, as in Psalms 11:4; Psalms 29:9, the heavenly abode of Jehovah. My cry.—In Samuel only, “my cry in his ears.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
Verse 6. In my distress I called] His enemies had no hope of his destruction unless God should abandon him. They hoped that this was the case, and that therefore they should prevail. But God heard his cry and came down to his help; and this interference is most majestically described in the 7th and following verses. Dr. Dodd has collected some excellent observations on these verses from Chandler, Delaney, and others, which I shall transcribe, as I know not that any thing better can be offered on the subject.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:6
6. called … cried] The tense in the original denotes frequent and repeated prayer. The text of 2 Sam. has called twice, no doubt by an error of transcription. out of his temple] The palace-temple of heaven, where He sits enthroned. See on Psalms 11:4. Cp. Psalms 18:16. and my cry &c.] R.V., and my cry before him came into his ears. But the terse vigour of the text in 2 Sam. is preferable: “and my cry was in his ears.” An alternative reading or an explanatory gloss has crept into the text here, to the detriment of the rhythm.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:6
In my distress - This refers, most probably, not to any particular case, but rather indicates his general habit of mind, that when he was in deep distress and danger he had uniformly called upon the
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:6
6. Heard… out of his temple—God heard and answered from his holy “temple.” Hearing prayer is often put for answering.
Sermons on Psalms 18:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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House Group Movement in the Uk by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares about a conference where they had a communion service and a meeting with other believers. During the meeting, one of the attendees, Peter Hill, e |
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Answers From the Secret Place of Thunder by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 81 emphasizes the power and presence of God in the lives of believers, urging them to remember God's faithfulness and the secret place of thunder where God |
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God Always Hears by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that despite the unfaithfulness of friends and family, God remains a faithful listener to our sorrows and desires. He encourages believers to turn to the L |
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In the Midst of a Miracle by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that we may be in the midst of a miracle without realizing it, as we often feel discouraged when we see no evidence of God's work. He draws from Psalm 18 |
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I Cried by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of crying out to God in prayer, illustrating how a child's cries can lead to affection and support. He highlights that true prayer is not measure |
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Longing by George Herbert | George Herbert's sermon emphasizes the deep cries, groans, and sighs of a soul in desperate need of God's mercy and compassion, acknowledging the weariness, hoarseness, and giddine |
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Pressed Beyond Measure by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the struggles of believers who feel pressed beyond measure, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Paul, Job, and David. He emphasizes that such trial |