Psalms 31:2
Psalms 31:2 in Multiple Translations
Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
Bow down thine ear unto me; deliver me speedily: Be thou to me a strong rock, A house of defence to save me.
Let your ear be turned to me; take me quickly out of danger; be my strong Rock, my place of strength where I may be safe.
Please listen to me, and be quick to rescue me. Be my rock of protection, my strong fortress of safety.
Bowe downe thine eare to me: make haste to deliuer mee: be vnto me a stronge rocke, and an house of defence to saue me.
Incline unto me Thine ear hastily, deliver me, Be to me for a strong rock, For a house of bulwarks to save me.
Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.
Bow down thy ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for a house of defense to save me.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Listen to me, and save me right now! Be like a huge rock under which I can hide [MET] and like a strong fort in which I will be safe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:2
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 31:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/ךָ֖
יְהוָ֣ה
חָ֭סִיתִי
אַל
אֵב֣וֹשָׁה
לְ/עוֹלָ֑ם
בְּ/צִדְקָתְ/ךָ֥
פַלְּטֵֽ/נִי
בְּ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
חָ֭סִיתִי
châçâh
H2620
to seek refuge
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
אֵב֣וֹשָׁה
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-1cs
לְ/עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/צִדְקָתְ/ךָ֥
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Prep | N-fs | Suff
פַלְּטֵֽ/נִי
pâlaṭ
H6403
to escape
V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 31:2
בְּ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
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.
חָ֭סִיתִי
châçâh
H2620
"to seek refuge"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To seek refuge means to flee to a safe place for protection, and it can also mean to trust in God. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Proverbs, where people put their hope in God. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to seek refuge, flee for protection 1a) to put trust in (God), confide or hope in (God) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 32:37; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 2:12.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
אֵב֣וֹשָׁה
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-1cs
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
לְ/עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
בְּ/צִדְקָתְ/ךָ֥
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
פַלְּטֵֽ/נִי
pâlaṭ
H6403
"to escape"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
To escape means to slip out of a difficult situation, like the Israelites did when they left Egypt, as told in Exodus 14. The word can also mean to deliver or save someone, often used to describe God's actions in the Bible. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to escape, save, deliver, slip away 1a) (Qal) to escape 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bring into security, deliver 1b2) to cause to escape, cast forth 1b3) to be delivered 1b4) to slip away 1c) (Hiphil) to bring into security, bring to safety
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape. See also: 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 37:40; Psalms 17:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
- Sermons on Psalms 31:2
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
1In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness.
2Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.
3For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name. 4You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 71:2–3 | In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me. Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress. |
| 2 | Psalms 102:2 | Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call. |
| 3 | Psalms 86:1 | Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:31 | For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede. |
| 5 | 1 John 4:15–16 | If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. |
| 6 | Psalms 130:2 | O Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy. |
| 7 | Psalms 79:1 | The nations, O God, have invaded Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple and reduced Jerusalem to rubble. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 22:3 | My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence. |
| 9 | Psalms 69:17 | Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly! |
| 10 | Luke 18:8 | I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” |
Psalms 31:2 Summary
This verse is a prayer where David asks God to listen to him and come to his rescue. David is asking God to be his safe place, his rock, where he can go to be protected from harm. This means that just like David, we can trust God to take care of us and keep us safe, as it says in Psalms 23:4 that God is with us even in the darkest valleys. We can pray to God and ask for His help, just like David did, and trust that He will answer us and deliver us from trouble, as seen in Jeremiah 33:3 where God tells us to call to Him and He will answer us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'incline Your ear' to someone?
This is a figurative way of asking God to listen carefully and attentively to our prayers, as seen in Psalms 31:2 and also in Psalms 17:6 where David asks God to incline His ear to him.
How can God be our 'rock of refuge'?
God is our rock of refuge because He is strong, dependable, and unchanging, as stated in Psalms 31:2, and also in Deuteronomy 32:4 where God is described as the rock of Israel's salvation.
What is the difference between 'rock of refuge' and 'stronghold of my deliverance'?
While both phrases describe God as a source of safety and protection, 'rock of refuge' emphasizes God's stability and dependability, whereas 'stronghold of my deliverance' highlights God's power to rescue and deliver us from trouble, as seen in Psalms 31:2 and also in Psalms 140:7 where God is described as the Lord, the stronghold of my deliverance.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by praying to God for help and rescue in times of trouble, just like David did, and trusting in His power and love to deliver us, as seen in Psalms 31:2 and also in Romans 8:28 where we are told that God works all things together for our good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God to 'come quickly to my rescue'?
- How can I trust God more as my 'rock of refuge' and 'stronghold of my deliverance'?
- What are some ways I can 'incline my ear' to God and listen to His voice more closely?
- How does this verse encourage me to pray and seek God's help in times of trouble?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:2
Bow down thine ear to me,.... Which is said after the manner of men, who, when they give attention, and listen to anything, stoop, and incline the ear; and this for God to do, as he sometimes does,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:2
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. The first strophe.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
Deliver me speedily, because of the greatness and urgency of my danger, which is even ready to swallow me up.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
Psalms 31:2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.Ver. 2. Bow down thine ear to me, deliver me] This repetition of his petition is no vain babbling, as Matthew 6:9, but an effect and an evidence of greatest earnestness, as Matthew 26:44. For an house of defence] Where the enemy can as little hurt me as when I was in the hold, 1 Samuel 22:4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
(2) My strong rock.—Literally, “Thou art to me for a rock of a stronghold, For a house of fortresses to save me.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
Verse 2. Bow down thine ear] Listen to my complaint. Put thy ear to my lips, that thou mayest hear all that my feebleness is capable of uttering. We generally put our ear near to the lips of the sick and dying, that we may hear what they say. To this the text appears to allude. Strong rock] Rocks, rocky places, or caves in the rocks, were often strong places in the land of Judea. To such natural fortifications allusions are repeatedly made by the Hebrew poetic writers.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:2
1–8. The prayer of faith, Psalms 31:1-3 are repeated in that beautiful mosaic, Psalms 71; and Psalms 31:1 a forms the close of the Te Deum.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:2
Bow down thine ear to me - As He does who inclines His ear toward one whom He is willing to hear, or whom He is desirous of hearing. See the notes at Psalms 17:6. Deliver me speedily - Without delay. Or, hasten to deliver me.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:2
2. Bow down thine ear—Literally, Stretch forward thine ear, as if to obtain a more accurate hearing. The phrase is anthropomorphic for giving close attention.
Sermons on Psalms 31:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Seven Words From the Cross - Submission by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. He highlights the significance of the three statements Jesus made before his death: "I thirst," "It is |
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Upon My Dear and Loving Husband His Going Into England by Anne Bradstreet | Anne Bradstreet's sermon is a heartfelt prayer to God, expressing deep trust and reliance on His mercy and faithfulness. She petitions for the protection and success of her husband |
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God Is on Our Side by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound truth that the Word of God is actively working on our behalf, bringing salvation and support to believers. He reflects on Psalm 71, where he find |
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Delayed Answers to Prayer! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the frustration many feel when prayers seem unanswered, emphasizing that while we often plead for immediate responses, God operates on His own timeline. H |
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Revival Praying by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of revival in the church. He suggests that revival is not simply a charismatic preacher coming to deliver a sermon, but rather |
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Unfailing Love by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing how sin can start innocently but gradually takes hold of our lives, just like a fly caught in a spider's web. He uses this analogy |
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Our Gracious, Compassionate, Merciful God by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on Psalm 86 as a prayer of David, highlighting the reasons why we need to pray, such as acknowledging our need for God's help and seeking Him in times of troubl |