Psalms 140:6

KJV

I said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

I said {H559} unto the LORD {H3068}, Thou art my God {H410}: hear {H238} the voice {H6963} of my supplications {H8469}, O LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I said to ADONAI, "You are my God; listen, ADONAI, to my plea for mercy."

Berean Standard Bible

I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.

American Standard Version

I said unto Jehovah, Thou art my God: Give ear unto the voice of my supplications, O Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 140:6 is a profound declaration by David, amidst severe distress, affirming his unwavering personal relationship with the LORD and expressing an earnest plea for divine intervention. It encapsulates a pivotal moment where, despite facing treacherous enemies and imminent danger, David turns from his circumstances to reaffirm his covenantal trust in God as his ultimate refuge and sovereign, humbly entreating Him to hear and respond to his desperate cries for deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a fervent individual lament, one of many psalms attributed to David that express distress and appeal for divine deliverance from enemies. The preceding verses [Psalms 140:1-5](/psalms/140-1 "Psalms 140:1-5 - David's Plea for Deliverance") vividly detail the malicious intentions and actions of David's adversaries, describing them as violent men who plot evil, sharpen their tongues like serpents, and lay snares. In this context of intense external pressure and fear, verse 6 marks a crucial shift. Instead of dwelling solely on the threats, David deliberately pivots to a declaration of faith and a direct address to God, establishing his relationship with the Divine as the foundation for his subsequent pleas for protection and justice found in [Psalms 140:7-13](/psalms/140-7 "Psalms 140:7-13 - David's Trust and Hope"). This declaration of allegiance precedes and undergirds his specific requests, highlighting that his hope is firmly rooted in God's character and covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalm 140 is not explicitly stated, it aligns with numerous periods in King David's life marked by persecution and betrayal, such as his flight from King Saul [1_samuel/23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees from Saul") or the rebellion of Absalom [2_samuel/15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). In ancient Israelite culture, the relationship between a king and his God was paramount, often mirroring a covenant between a suzerain and his vassal. David's declaration, "Thou art my God," reflects this covenantal understanding, emphasizing a personal and exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the God of Israel, amidst a polytheistic world. His "supplications" (Hebrew: *tachănûwn*) were a common form of prayer, signifying earnest entreaties for grace and mercy, often accompanied by a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing God's sovereign right to grant or withhold favor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Personal Relationship and Covenant Loyalty**. David's direct address, "I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God," is a profound affirmation of an intimate, covenantal bond, echoing similar expressions of reliance found in passages like [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God as David's Rock and Fortress"). This is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of God's existence but a heartfelt declaration of God's specific and active role as his protector and sovereign. Secondly, the verse highlights **Humble Supplication and Divine Responsiveness**. David's plea, "hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD," exemplifies a posture of humble dependence. The act of "hearing" implies not just auditory perception but attentive, compassionate response, reinforcing the biblical truth that God is attentive to the cries of His people, as seen in [Psalm 4:3](/psalms/4-3 "Psalm 4:3 - The LORD Hears Prayer"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Trust Amidst Adversity**. Even when surrounded by enemies and facing dire threats, David's primary response is to reaffirm his faith in God, modeling for believers the importance of declaring trust and dependence on God, especially in times of great difficulty, and reinforcing the truth that God is a steadfast refuge in trouble, as articulated in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This refers to the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Derived from a root meaning "to be" or "to exist," it emphasizes God's self-existence, eternality, and faithfulness to His promises. David's use of this name signifies his appeal to the God who is uniquely Israel's covenant partner, the One who is utterly reliable and unchanging.
* **my God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** While `ʼêl` generally denotes "God" or "mighty one," its conjunction with the possessive pronoun "my" transforms it into a deeply personal confession. It signifies David's individual allegiance and intimate relationship with the Almighty, acknowledging Him not just as the universal deity but as his personal protector, strength, and sovereign. This declaration is a cornerstone of his faith amidst distress.
* **supplications (Hebrew, _tachănûwn'_):** This term denotes earnest prayer or entreaty, specifically a plea for grace, favor, or mercy. It implies a humble and dependent posture, acknowledging one's need and God's sovereign power to grant relief. David is not demanding but humbly seeking divine compassion and intervention, recognizing his utter reliance on God's unmerited favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God":** This opening clause is a powerful and deliberate declaration of faith. "I said" (Hebrew: *ʼâmar*) indicates a conscious, verbalized affirmation, not merely an internal thought. It is a public or personal vow of allegiance. By addressing "the LORD" (Yahweh) and unequivocally stating "Thou art my God" (my `ʼêl`), David establishes the foundation of his prayer: a personal, covenantal relationship with the sovereign God. This is an act of trust and a re-centering of his perspective from his enemies to his divine helper.
* **"hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD."** This second clause is the direct petition, flowing logically from the preceding declaration of trust. "Hear" (Hebrew: *ʼâzan*) implies not just auditory perception, but attentive listening and, by extension, responsive action. David is asking God to incline His ear, to pay close attention to his "voice" (Hebrew: *qôwl*, signifying a cry or sound) of "supplications" (Hebrew: *tachănûwn*, earnest pleas for mercy). The repetition of "O LORD" at the end emphasizes the intensity and directness of his appeal to the covenant-keeping God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 140:6 employs several impactful literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as David speaks directly to God ("unto the LORD," "O LORD," "Thou art my God"), creating an intimate and immediate tone characteristic of personal lament psalms. This direct communication underscores the personal nature of his relationship with God. The verse also utilizes **Confession** or **Declaration of Faith**, particularly in the phrase "Thou art my God," which is a foundational statement of personal allegiance and theological truth. This confession serves as a prelude and basis for the subsequent **Supplication**, where David humbly requests divine attention and intervention. The structure moves from an affirmation of identity to a plea for action, demonstrating a logical progression of faith in prayer. Furthermore, the repetition of "O LORD" functions as a form of **Anaphora** (or **Epistrophe** if considering the end of a clause), emphasizing the recipient of the prayer and reinforcing the psalmist's unwavering focus on God amidst his distress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 140:6 profoundly articulates the essence of biblical prayer: a confident declaration of God's identity and personal relationship, followed by a humble yet earnest appeal for His intervention. It underscores the theological truth that genuine prayer is rooted in a covenantal bond, where the believer acknowledges God's sovereignty and faithfulness before presenting their needs. This verse highlights that God is not a distant deity but a personal Father who inclines His ear to the cries of His children, especially in times of distress. It models a faith that, even when surrounded by overwhelming adversity, chooses to reaffirm God's supremacy and personal commitment, trusting that His nature as the covenant LORD guarantees His attentive and compassionate response.

* [Psalm 34:15](/psalms/34-15 "Psalm 34:15 - The Eyes of the LORD Are on the Righteous")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 140:6 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating life's inevitable seasons of adversity. When faced with overwhelming challenges, whether from external opposition or internal struggles, our primary response should be to re-anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth of God's identity and our personal relationship with Him. This verse encourages us to verbally declare, with conviction, "You are my God," affirming His sovereignty over our circumstances and His intimate involvement in our lives. Such a declaration shifts our focus from the problem to the all-powerful God who is capable of delivering us. Following this declaration, we are invited to bring our deepest fears and most earnest needs before Him with humble persistence, trusting that He not only hears but actively attends to the "voice of our supplications." This practice cultivates a spirit of dependence, reminding us that our ultimate security and deliverance come not from our own strength or ingenuity, but from the attentive and merciful hand of the LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I intentionally declare God as "my God" amidst my current challenges?**
* **How does my posture in prayer reflect a humble reliance on God's mercy rather than a demand for His intervention?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly believe that the LORD "hears the voice of my supplications," even when answers are not immediately apparent?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David calling God 'my God' in this context?**

Answer: David's declaration "Thou art my God" is profoundly significant because it moves beyond a general acknowledgment of God's existence to a deeply personal and covenantal affirmation. In a context of intense personal danger, it signifies David's exclusive allegiance and trust in Yahweh, the God of Israel, as his personal protector and sovereign. This phrase underscores the intimate bond between the worshiper and the Divine, asserting that despite the chaos around him, his ultimate security and identity are found in his relationship with the Almighty. It's a statement of faith that re-centers his perspective on God's faithfulness and power, even when human solutions fail, much like the psalmist's confidence in [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The LORD is My Shepherd").

**Why does David ask God to 'hear' his supplications if God is omniscient?**

Answer: While God is indeed omniscient and knows all things, including our unspoken thoughts and needs, David's request for God to "hear" his supplications is not about informing God of something He doesn't know. Instead, it is a plea for God's attentive and responsive action. In biblical language, "to hear" often implies not just auditory perception but also understanding, compassion, and a willingness to act on what is heard. It's an appeal for God to "incline His ear" and intervene on David's behalf, demonstrating His active care and deliverance. This is a common biblical expression of earnest prayer, signifying a desire for God's merciful and powerful engagement with the petitioner's distress, as seen in many prayers throughout the [Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 140:6, with its declaration of God as "my God" and its plea for divine hearing, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect supplicant, who in His humanity, cried out to the Father with "loud cries and tears" ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Obedience")), embodying the earnest supplication David expresses. More profoundly, Jesus is the one through whom humanity can truly declare, "Thou art my God." Through His atoning work, we are reconciled to the Father, gaining access to a relationship where God is truly "our God" and we are His children ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")). The "voice of our supplications" is now heard and accepted by the Father not based on our merit, but on the perfect mediation of Christ, who ever lives to intercede for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). In Christ, the covenant LORD has fully revealed Himself, and the promise of attentive divine hearing is sealed by the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words ([Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit's Intercession")). Thus, David's cry becomes our confident prayer, knowing that in Jesus, God is indeed our God, and He faithfully hears and responds to the cries of His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 31:14

But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my God.

Psalms 16:2

[O my soul], thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my Lord: my goodness [extendeth] not to thee;

Psalms 119:57

¶ CHETH. [Thou art] my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.

Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my refuge [and] my portion in the land of the living.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Psalms 55:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

Psalms 55:2

Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;