Psalms 86:1
Psalms 86:1 in Multiple Translations
Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
Bow down thine ear, O Jehovah, and answer me; For I am poor and needy.
Let your ears be open to my voice, O Lord, and give me an answer; for I am poor and in need.
Please listen to me, Lord! Please answer me, for I am weak and really need your help!
A prayer of David. Incline thine eare, O Lord, and heare me: for I am poore and needy.
A Prayer of David. Incline, O Jehovah, Thine ear, Answer me, for I [am] poor and needy.
Hear, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
A Prayer of David. Bow down thy ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
For the sons of Core, a psalm of a canticle. The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains:
Yahweh, listen [IDM] to what I say and answer me, because I am weak and needy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 86:1
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 86:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּפִלָּ֗ה
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
הַטֵּֽה
יְהוָ֣ה
אָזְנְ/ךָ֣
עֲנֵ֑/נִי
כִּֽי
עָנִ֖י
וְ/אֶבְי֣וֹן
אָֽנִי
תְּפִלָּ֗ה
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
הַטֵּֽה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אָזְנְ/ךָ֣
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
עֲנֵ֑/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עָנִ֖י
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
וְ/אֶבְי֣וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Conj | Adj
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 86:1
תְּפִלָּ֗ה
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
הַטֵּֽה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
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.
אָזְנְ/ךָ֣
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
עֲנֵ֑/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
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.
עָנִ֖י
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
וְ/אֶבְי֣וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
Study Notes — Psalms 86:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 86:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 86:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 86:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 86:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 86:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 86:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 86:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 86:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 86:1
- Sermons on Psalms 86:1
Context — Tried but Trusting
1Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
2Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You. 3Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 31:2 | Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance. |
| 2 | Psalms 40:17 | But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay. |
| 3 | Daniel 9:18 | Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. |
| 4 | Matthew 5:3 | “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. |
| 5 | Psalms 34:6 | This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles. |
| 6 | Luke 4:18 | “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, |
| 7 | James 1:9–10 | The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. |
| 8 | James 2:5 | Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? |
| 9 | Psalms 102:17 | He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer. |
| 10 | Psalms 142:1 | I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. |
Psalms 86:1 Summary
This verse is a prayer where the writer is asking God to listen to him and answer his prayers because he is humble and knows he needs God's help. It's like when we know we can't do something on our own and we need someone to help us, so we ask for their assistance. The writer is showing that he trusts God and is depending on Him, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart. By acknowledging our own limitations and weaknesses, we can come to God with humility and confidence, knowing that He will hear and respond to our cries for help, as promised in Psalms 34:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'poor and needy' in Psalms 86:1?
In this context, being 'poor and needy' refers to a spiritual state of humility and dependence on God, as seen in Psalms 40:17, where the psalmist also acknowledges his poverty and need for God's deliverance.
Why does the psalmist ask God to 'incline Your ear'?
The psalmist asks God to 'incline Your ear' as a way of expressing his desire for God's attention and response, similar to how a servant would bow down to listen to their master, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:9-10.
How can I apply the principle of humility in Psalms 86:1 to my own life?
You can apply the principle of humility by acknowledging your own spiritual poverty and need for God's mercy, as taught in Matthew 5:3, and by crying out to God in prayer, as the psalmist does in this verse.
What is the significance of the psalmist's use of the phrase 'O LORD'?
The use of the phrase 'O LORD' is a way of addressing God with reverence and respect, emphasizing His sovereignty and covenant faithfulness, as seen in Exodus 3:15 and other passages throughout the Bible.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I acknowledge my spiritual poverty and need for God's mercy in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God, as expressed in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can 'incline my ear' to God, listening for His voice and responding to His will?
- How does the psalmist's example in this verse encourage me to be more honest and vulnerable in my own prayers to God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 86:1
Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me,.... This is spoken of God after the manner of men, who, when they listen and attentively hearken to what is said to them, stoop and bow the head, and incline the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 86:1
Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 86:1
Psalms 86 When he was in some deep distress, either from Saul, or by Absalom, or upon some other occasion. David strengtheneth himself in prayer by the truth of his religion, , and by God’ s goodness and his readiness to hear, ; desireth the continuance of his grace, . Complaining of his proud enemies, he entreateth for some token of his love, to their shame and confusion, . Forsaken and persecuted by men, and utterly unable to save myself, and therefore a very proper object for thy power and goodness to work upon.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 86:1
Psalms 86:1 « A Prayer of David. » Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I [am] poor and needy.A prayer] Left for a form, for a help to devotion, as was also Psalms 102:1 title. Ver. 1. Bow down thine ear, O Lord] As the careful Physician doth to his feeble patient; so Basil glosseth here. For I am poor and needy] Having nothing to live on but what my friends privately send me, or what I can get by plundering from the Lord’ s enemies, 1 Samuel 30:26.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 86:1
PSALM LXXXVI The psalmist prays to God for support, from a conviction that he is merciful, good, ready to forgive, and that there is none like him, 1-8; all nations shall bow before him because of his wondrous works, 9, 10; he prays to be instructed, and promises to praise God for his great mercy, 11-13; describes his enemies, and appeals to God, 14-16; begs a token for God, that his enemies may be confounded, 17. NOTES ON PSALM LXXXVI The title attributes this Psalm to David; and in this all the Versions agree: but in its structure it is the same with those attributed to the sons of Korah; and was probably made during the captivity. It is a very suitable prayer for a person labouring under affliction from persecution or calumny. Verse 1. Bow down thine ear] Spoken after the manner of men: I am so low, and so weak, that, unless thou stoop to me, my voice cannot reach thee. Poor and needy.] I am afflicted, and destitute of the necessaries of life.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 86:1
1–5. A series of petitions, each supported by the ground on which the Psalmist pleads for a hearing.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 86:1
Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me - See the notes at Psalms 5:1. For I am poor and needy - This is the reason here assigned why God should hear him. It is not a plea of merit.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 86:1
1. Poor—With the adsignification of lowly, poor in spirit, as Zechariah 9:9; Psalms 9:12; Matthew 5:3. Needy—Afflicted. Humility and suffering appeal to the mercy of God.
Sermons on Psalms 86:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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A Pattern of Prayer by Alexander Maclaren | Alexander Maclaren emphasizes the significance of earnest prayer, contrasting it with vain repetition. He illustrates that true prayer arises from a deep sense of need and faith, a |
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Poor Yet Rich by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the paradox of being 'poor yet rich' in Christ, highlighting that true humility and acknowledgment of our spiritual poverty are essential for receiving God's a |
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Prayer: The Gospel of Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the transformative power of prayer, illustrating how Jesus made prayer a central part of His life and ministry. He argues that if Jesus, the Son of God |
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Psalm 86 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the continuous prayer found in Psalms, emphasizing the importance of humility, surrender, and trust in God. The Psalmist urgently pleads for God's mercy, joy, |