Psalms 17:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, [and] hear my speech.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Now I call on you, God, for you will answer me. Turn your ear to me, hear my words.

Berean Standard Bible:

I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.

American Standard Version:

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt answer me, O God: Incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I have called^{H7121} upon thee, for thou wilt hear^{H6030} me, O God^{H410}: incline^{H5186} thine ear^{H241} unto me, and hear^{H8085} my speech^{H565}.

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Commentary for Psalms 17:6

Psalm 17:6 is part of a larger prayer attributed to David, who is often regarded as the psalmist and second king of Israel. This verse reflects a deeply personal and intimate moment of supplication, where the psalmist is reaching out to God in a time of need. The themes present in this verse include faith in God's attentiveness, the belief in prayer as a means of communication with the divine, and the assurance that God is both willing and able to listen to the pleas of an individual.

In the historical context of the ancient Near East, prayer was a central aspect of religious life, often accompanied by rituals and sacrifices. However, the Hebrew Bible, where Psalms is found, emphasizes the power of prayer and the relationship between God and the individual, beyond the formalities of temple worship. Psalm 17:6 specifically highlights the personal relationship with God, as the psalmist implores God to "incline thine ear" and "hear my speech," suggesting a closeness and trust that God will respond to the sincerity of the petitioner's words.

This verse underscores the themes of divine accessibility and the efficacy of prayer, which were significant in the religious life of Israelites. It also reflects the broader biblical teaching that God is not distant or indifferent but is intimately concerned with the lives of His people. The verse encourages a posture of dependence on God and the expectation that He will engage with those who seek Him earnestly.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7121
   There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרָא
   Transliteration: qârâʼ
   Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6030
   There are 317 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָנָה
   Transliteration: ʻânâh
   Pronunciation: aw-naw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce; give account, afflict (by mistake for עָנָה), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for עָנָה), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also בֵּית עֲנוֹת, בֵּית עֲנָת.
   
3. Strong's Number: H410
   There are 307 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵל
   Transliteration: ʼêl
   Pronunciation: ale
   Description: shortened from אַיִל; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity); God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.'
   
4. Strong's Number: H5186
   There are 207 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָטָה
   Transliteration: nâṭâh
   Pronunciation: naw-taw'
   Description: a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application; [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.
   
5. Strong's Number: H241
   There are 652 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֹזֶן
   Transliteration: ʼôzen
   Pronunciation: o'-zen
   Description: from אָזַן; broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man); [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show.
   
6. Strong's Number: H8085
   There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַע
   Transliteration: shâmaʻ
   Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
   Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
   
7. Strong's Number: H565
   There are 904 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִמְרָה
   Transliteration: ʼimrâh
   Pronunciation: im-raw'
   Description: or אֶמְרָה; feminine of אֵמֶר, and meaning the same; {something said}; commandment, speech, word.