TRV
Psalms 116:1
Bible Versions
¶ I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications.
I love that ADONAI heard my voice when I prayed;
I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice— my appeal for mercy.
I love Jehovah, because he heareth My voice and my supplications.
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1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us. -
Psalms 66:19
[But] verily God hath heard [me]; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. -
Psalms 66:20
Blessed [be] God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. -
John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. -
1 John 5:2
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. -
1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. -
Psalms 34:3
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 116:1 opens with a profound declaration of personal devotion: "I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications." This verse encapsulates the very essence of a grateful heart, establishing a direct link between the psalmist's deep affection for God and God's demonstrable faithfulness in answering prayer. It sets the tone for a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating divine responsiveness and deliverance.
Context
Psalm 116 is part of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally sung during the Passover celebration. This particular psalm is a heartfelt individual thanksgiving for deliverance from death or extreme distress. The psalmist recounts a time of overwhelming sorrow and trouble, recalling how he called upon the Lord in his affliction. Verse 1 serves as the foundational statement, explaining the source of the psalmist's renewed hope and love—the personal experience of God's attentive ear and saving power.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word translated "heard" is shama (שָׁמַע), which implies more than just perceiving sound. In this context, it carries the nuance of attentive listening, understanding, and subsequently acting upon what is heard. It speaks of a responsive God who is engaged with His creation. "Supplications" comes from tachanunim (תַּחֲנוּנִים), referring to earnest pleas for grace or mercy, often from a position of weakness or need, underscoring the psalmist's vulnerability and God's gracious response.
Related Scriptures
This foundational declaration connects with numerous other scriptures emphasizing God's responsiveness to prayer:
Practical Application
Psalm 116:1 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It encourages us to cultivate a consistent prayer life, knowing that God genuinely hears and responds to our "voice" and "supplications." When we experience God's answers, whether big or small, our love and trust in Him are deepened. This verse calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's existence and into a vibrant, experiential relationship where gratitude for His faithfulness fuels our adoration and inspires continued prayer. It’s a call to remember His past mercies as a foundation for present faith.