Psalms 77:1
Psalms 77:1 in Multiple Translations
I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me.
I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.
I will cry unto God with my voice, Even unto God with my voice; and he will give ear unto me.
I was crying to God with my voice; even to God with my voice, and he gave ear to me.
I cry out to God for help—I even shout. If only he would listen to me!
For the excellent musician Ieduthun. A Psalme committed to Asaph. My voyce came to God, when I cryed: my voyce came to God, and he heard me.
To the Overseer, for Jeduthun. — A Psalm of Asaph. My voice [is] to God, and I cry, my voice [is] to God, And He hath given ear unto me.
My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen to me.
To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried to God with my voice, even to God with my voice; and he gave ear to me.
Understanding for Asaph. Attend, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I cry out to God; I cry aloud to him, and he hears me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 77:1
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 77:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
עַֽל
ידיתון
יְדוּת֗וּן
לְ/אָסָ֥ף
מִזְמֽוֹר
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
nâtsach
H5329
to conduct
Prep | V-Piel
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
ידיתון
Yᵉdûwthûwn
H3038
Jeduthun
N-proper
יְדוּת֗וּן
Yᵉdûwthûwn
H3038
Jeduthun
N-proper
לְ/אָסָ֥ף
ʼÂçâph
H623
Asaph
Prep | N-proper
מִזְמֽוֹר
mizmôwr
H4210
melody
N-ms
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 77:1
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
nâtsach
H5329
"to conduct"
Prep | V-Piel
To conduct or oversee, this word describes a leader or chief musician. In the Bible, it is used in the book of Psalms to describe the role of a music director. The word implies a sense of leadership and guidance.
Definition: 1) to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring 1a) (Niphal) enduring (participle) 1b) (Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsach (נְצַח "to distinguish oneself" H5330)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 49:1; Psalms 4:1.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
ידיתון
Yᵉdûwthûwn
H3038
"Jeduthun"
N-proper
Jeduthun was a Levite and the chief of a temple choir, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16 and Psalms 39, 62, and 77. His name means 'praising' and his descendants formed a perpetual temple choir.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; father of: Galal (H1559H) § Jeduthun = "praising" a Levite of the family of Merari and the chief of one of the 3 choirs of the temple whose descendants also formed one of the perpetual temple choirs; he is named at the beginning of 3 Psalms (Ps 39:1; 62:1; 77: either as the composer or the recipient of those Psalms but most likely as the leader of the choir by which those Psalms were to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Jeduthun. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:16; 2 Chronicles 5:12; Psalms 39:1.
יְדוּת֗וּן
Yᵉdûwthûwn
H3038
"Jeduthun"
N-proper
Jeduthun was a Levite and the chief of a temple choir, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16 and Psalms 39, 62, and 77. His name means 'praising' and his descendants formed a perpetual temple choir.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; father of: Galal (H1559H) § Jeduthun = "praising" a Levite of the family of Merari and the chief of one of the 3 choirs of the temple whose descendants also formed one of the perpetual temple choirs; he is named at the beginning of 3 Psalms (Ps 39:1; 62:1; 77: either as the composer or the recipient of those Psalms but most likely as the leader of the choir by which those Psalms were to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Jeduthun. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:16; 2 Chronicles 5:12; Psalms 39:1.
לְ/אָסָ֥ף
ʼÂçâph
H623
"Asaph"
Prep | N-proper
Asaph means gatherer, the name of several Israelites, including a Levite and the father of Hezekiah's secretary. He is mentioned in Exodus 6:24 and 1 Chronicles 26:1. Asaph was a common name in biblical times.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.24; son of: Korah (H7141I); brother of: Assir (H0617) and Elkanah (H0511); father of: Assir (H0617H) and Kore (H6981); also called Abiasaph at Exo.6.24; Asaph at 1Ch.26.1; Another name of ev.ya.saph (אֶבְיָסָף, אֲבִיאָסָף "Ebiasaph" H0043) § Asaph = "gatherer" 1) the father of Hezekiah's secretary 2) a son of Berechiah, chief Levite musician under David 3) a Persian officer over the royal forest
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asaph. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Ezra 3:10; Psalms 50:1.
מִזְמֽוֹר
mizmôwr
H4210
"melody"
N-ms
This word refers to a melody or song, often with instrumental music. In the Bible, it is used to describe a psalm or poem set to notes. The KJV translates it as psalm.
Definition: melody, psalm
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: psalm. See also: Psalms 3:1; Psalms 63:1; Psalms 4:1.
Study Notes — Psalms 77:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 77:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 77:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 77:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 77:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 77:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
- Sermons on Psalms 77:1
Context — In the Day of Trouble I Sought the Lord
1I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me.
2In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. 3I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 3:4 | To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah |
| 2 | Psalms 142:1–3 | I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. |
| 3 | Psalms 50:1 | The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from where the sun rises to where it sets. |
| 4 | Psalms 62:1 | In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him. |
| 5 | Psalms 39:1 | I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” |
| 6 | Psalms 34:6 | This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 25:3 | From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 25:6 | All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king. |
| 9 | Psalms 55:16–17 | But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. |
| 10 | Psalms 116:1–2 | I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice— my appeal for mercy. Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. |
Psalms 77:1 Summary
This verse means that the Psalmist was feeling overwhelmed and cried out to God for help, which is something we can all do when we are struggling. Just like the Psalmist, we can express our emotions and needs to God, and trust that He will hear us and respond, as we see in Jeremiah 33:3 where God says 'Call to me and I will answer you'. We can be honest with God about our feelings, just like the Psalmist was, and know that He is near to us and cares about what we are going through, as seen in Psalms 34:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to cry out to God?
Crying out to God means to express our deepest needs and emotions to Him, just like the Psalmist did in Psalms 77:1, and it is a cry for help and comfort, as seen in Exodus 2:23-24 where the Israelites cried out to God in their distress.
Why did the Psalmist cry aloud to God?
The Psalmist cried aloud to God to hear him, indicating a deep desire for God's attention and response, similar to what we see in Psalms 55:16-17 where the Psalmist calls upon God in his trouble.
Is it okay to be loud and emotional when praying to God?
Yes, the Bible shows us that it is okay to be loud and emotional when praying to God, as seen in Psalms 77:1 and also in Romans 8:26 where the Spirit helps us in our weakness and groaning.
How can I apply this verse to my own life when I am struggling?
You can apply this verse by being honest with God about your struggles and emotions, and crying out to Him for help and comfort, just like the Psalmist did, and remembering that God is near to the brokenhearted, as seen in Psalms 34:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things that make you want to cry out to God, and how can you express those feelings to Him?
- How do you think God responds when we cry out to Him in our distress, and what does this reveal about His character?
- What are some ways that you can cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, like the Psalmist did in this verse?
- How can you balance being honest about your emotions with trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, like we see in Psalms 77:1 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 77:1
I cried unto God with my voice,.... Which is to be understood of prayer, and that vocal, and which is importunate and fervent, being made in distress; see Psalms 3:4, or "my voice was unto God" (h),
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 77:1
I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
Psalms 77 THE This Psalm was composed upon the occasion of some sore and long calamity of God’ s people; either the Babylonish captivity, or some other. Either that Asaph who lived and prophesied in David’ s time; or one of his successors long after him, called, as was usual, by his progenitor’ s name. The prophet showeth what great striving and combat (though by prayer and watching) he had with diffidence, . By the consideration of God’ s wonderful works and former mercies, he is raised and strengthened, . This verse seems to contain the sum of the whole Psalm, consisting of two parts, to wit, his earnest cry to God in his deep distress; and God’ s gracious return to his prayers, by supporting him under them, and giving him assurance of a good issue out of them; of both which he speaks more distinctly and particularly, of the first from , of the latter thence to the end.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
Psalms 77:1 « 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.A Psalm of Asaph] Or, for Asaph; David’ s melancholy psalm some call it, made by him when he was in grievous affliction and desertion. Out of which he seeketh to wind by earnest prayer, by deep meditation upon God’ s former favours and unchangeable nature; and, lastly, by calling to mind God’ s wondrous works of old, both in proving and in preserving his Church and chosen. Ver. 1. I cried unto God with my voice, &c.] I prayed instantly and constantly, and sped accordingly. No faithful prayer is ineffectual.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
(1) I cried . . .—Better, following the Hebrew literally, “My voice to God—and let me cry; My voice to God—and He hears me.” The Authorised Version has followed the LXX. and Vulg. in neglecting the striking changes in mood running through this psalm. Soliloquy and narrative alternate as the poet’s mood impels him—now to give vent to his feelings in sobs and cries, now to analyse and describe them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
PSALM LXXVII The psalmist's ardent prayer to God in the tine of distress, 1-4. The means he used to excite his confidence, 5-12. God's wonderful works in behalf of his people, 13-20. NOTES ON PSALM LXXVII The title, "To the chief Musician, (or conqueror,) to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph." On this title we may observe that both Asaph and Jeduthun were celebrated singers in the time of David, and no doubt were masters or leaders of bands which long after their times were called by their names. Hence Psalms composed during and after the captivity have these names prefixed to them. But there is reason to believe also, that there was a person of the name of Asaph in the captivity at Babylon. The author must be considered as speaking in the persons of the captive Israelites, It may however be adapted to the case of any individual in spiritual distress through strong temptation, or from a sense of the Divine displeasure in consequence of backsliding. Verse 1. I cried unto God] The repetition here marks the earnestness of the psalmist's soul; and the word voice shows that the Psalm was not the issue of private meditation, but of deep mental trouble, which forced him to speak his griefs aloud.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 77:1
1–3. The Psalmist relates how, under the pressure of calamity, he could find no consolation even in prayer.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 77:1
I cried unto God with my voice - That is, he cried or prayed audibly. It was not mere mental prayer. See the notes at Psalms 3:4. Even unto God with my voice - The repetition here is emphatic.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 77:1
1. I cried unto God— “My distresses were great, and I had none but God to go to.”—Hammond.
Sermons on Psalms 77:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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God Has Not Forgotten You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of his daughter's battle with brain cancer and how God delivered them through their darkest moments. He also recounts a powerful |
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The Healing Power of Afflictions by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on the healing power of afflictions, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in times of suffering. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical exam |
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God's Promises by Charles Anderson | Charles Anderson emphasizes God's promises and faithfulness amidst trials, sharing experiences from his recent mission trip to South America where he encountered both the challenge |
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We Must Find Our Strength Again by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes finding strength in God, especially during challenging times. It highlights the power of God's presence and the need to trust in His faithfulness. The messag |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 40 Psalm 77 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 77, emphasizing the importance of turning to God in desperate times. He explores Asaph's heartfelt cries to God during his troubles, highlighting the |
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Psalm 77 by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar reflects on Psalm 77, emphasizing the deep struggles of the soul during times of darkness and despair. He illustrates Asaph's lament, where he cries out to God in his |
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Exposition on Psalm 77 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the Psalms, interpreting the congregation as those who leap over to reach Christ Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking God for Himself and not j |