Psalms 27:7

KJV

¶ Hear, O LORD, [when] I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}, O LORD {H3068}, when I cry {H7121} with my voice {H6963}: have mercy {H2603} also upon me, and answer {H6030} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen, ADONAI, to my voice when I cry; show favor to me; and answer me.

Berean Standard Bible

Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me.

American Standard Version

Hear, O Jehovah, when I cry with my voice: Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 27:7 marks a poignant transition in David's psalm, shifting from a resounding declaration of unwavering confidence in God's protection to an earnest and humble plea for divine intervention. Despite his bold affirmations of faith, David acknowledges his human vulnerability and deep need, crying out to the Lord for attentive hearing, compassionate mercy, and a direct answer. This verse beautifully encapsulates the paradox of mature faith: profound trust in God's character coexists with fervent, vocal supplication for His active presence and help in times of distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 27 is structured as a powerful testament to faith, divided into two distinct yet complementary sections. The first section ([Psalms 27:1-6](/psalms/27-1 "Psalms 27:1-6 - David's Confident Declaration")) is a triumphant declaration of David's fearless trust in God as his "light and salvation" and "stronghold." He expresses an unshakeable confidence, even in the face of formidable enemies or an encircling army. Verse 7 initiates a shift, moving from this confident declaration to a heartfelt and urgent petition. This transition is not a sign of wavering faith, but rather a demonstration of the practical outworking of that faith—a confident believer knows that their ultimate help comes from God and, therefore, turns to Him in earnest prayer. The subsequent verses ([Psalms 27:8-14](/psalms/27-8 "Psalms 27:8-14 - David's Earnest Supplication")) continue this tone of fervent request, seeking God's presence, guidance, and deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalms 27 is not explicitly stated, its themes of opposition, war, and seeking refuge strongly suggest a period of intense personal or national crisis in David's life—perhaps during his flight from Saul (as seen in [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David's Flight from Saul")) or the rebellion of Absalom ([2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Israel, prayer was a central component of both individual and communal life, often involving vocal expressions, prostration, and specific rituals. Crying out "with my voice" was a common and accepted form of impassioned prayer, signifying deep distress, sincerity, and urgency. The concept of God "hearing" and "answering" was foundational to their understanding of Yahweh as a living, active, and covenant-keeping God who intervened in human affairs.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 27:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Absolute Dependence on God**, even for those with great faith; David, a king and warrior, still relies entirely on divine mercy and response. Secondly, it underscores the **Power and Necessity of Prayer**, demonstrating that fervent, vocal petition is the primary means by which believers engage with God in times of need. Thirdly, it speaks to God's **Merciful and Responsive Character**, reinforcing the biblical truth that God is not a distant deity but one who hears the cries of His people and is inclined to show compassion. This aligns with the broader message found in passages like [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious") which declares the Lord to be "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Hope and Expectation**, as David's request for an "answer" reveals his firm belief that God is not only attentive but also active in providing solutions and comfort.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This Hebrew verb (שָׁמַע) means more than merely perceiving sound. In a theological context, when applied to God, it implies listening attentively, understanding the plea, and, crucially, acting upon what is heard. David is not simply asking God to register his voice, but to pay heed to his petition with the intent to respond and intervene in his situation. It denotes a relational engagement, where God's hearing leads to His active involvement.
* **Cry with my voice (Hebrew, _qara' beqoli'_):** The phrase (קָרָא בְּקוֹלִי) emphasizes the vocal, audible, and often impassioned nature of David's prayer. "Qara'" means to call out, to summon, or to proclaim, often with urgency or desperation. "Beqoli" (with my voice) signifies that this is not a silent meditation but a fervent, perhaps even loud, outpouring of his soul. It suggests a deep emotional intensity and a profound sense of need, akin to a child crying out to a parent in distress, demanding immediate attention.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chanan'_):** The root (חָנַן) conveys the idea of being gracious, showing favor, or having compassion. It often describes a superior bestowing unmerited favor or kindness upon an inferior or one in need. David appeals not to his own worthiness or righteousness, but to God's inherent character as a benevolent benefactor. He seeks divine favor and compassion that is freely given, not earned, acknowledging his complete dependence on God's grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear, O LORD":** This opening phrase is a direct, personal address to God, a plea for divine attention. It establishes the intimate relationship between the psalmist and Yahweh, emphasizing that the prayer is directed to the sovereign God who is capable of hearing and responding. It is a foundational request, upon which all subsequent pleas depend.
* **"[when] I cry with my voice":** This clause specifies the manner of David's prayer—it is vocal, earnest, and likely impassioned. The parenthetical "when" in the KJV clarifies that this is the circumstance under which David expects God to hear. It highlights the sincerity and urgency of his petition, indicating a profound and pressing need that compels him to cry out audibly and intensely.
* **"have mercy also upon me":** Following the request for attention, David immediately appeals to God's compassionate nature. This is a plea for unmerited favor and divine pity. It reveals David's humility, acknowledging that any help or deliverance he receives will be a result of God's gracious character, not his own desert. It underscores the biblical principle that our access to God's help is rooted in His loving-kindness.
* **"and answer me":** This final clause expresses David's expectation of a divine response. It is not enough for God to merely hear or even to show mercy; David anticipates a tangible answer, a specific intervention or guidance. This demonstrates a robust faith that believes God is not passive but actively involved in the lives of His people, ready to provide solutions, comfort, or direction in response to their fervent prayers.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 27:7 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as David directly addresses God ("O LORD"), creating an immediate and intimate connection between the psalmist and the divine. This direct address underscores the personal nature of the prayer and the psalmist's reliance on a relational God. There is also an element of **Parallelism**, albeit not strictly synonymous or antithetical, in the sequence of requests: "Hear... have mercy... and answer." This progression builds intensity, moving from the initial act of listening to the desired outcome of active response, creating a rhythmic and emphatic plea. The phrase "cry with my voice" can be seen as a form of **Emphasis** or **Intensification**, highlighting the earnestness and urgency of David's prayer beyond a mere request. Finally, the entire verse functions as a form of **Supplication**, a literary form common in the Psalms, where the speaker presents a petition or series of requests to God, often in a context of distress or need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 27:7 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of prayer and God's character. It teaches that even the most confident and faithful believers are called to humble, earnest supplication, acknowledging their utter dependence on divine mercy. This verse affirms God as an attentive and responsive Father who is not only willing but eager to hear the cries of His children. It underscores that our appeals are rooted not in our merit, but in His boundless compassion and grace. The expectation of an "answer" speaks to the active involvement of God in human affairs, reassuring believers that their prayers are not uttered into a void but are received by a God who delights in communicating and intervening. This dynamic interplay of human need and divine responsiveness forms the core of a vibrant relationship with God.

* [Psalm 4:1](/psalms/4-1 "Psalm 4:1 - Hear Me When I Call")
* [Psalm 130:1-2](/psalms/130-1 "Psalm 130:1-2 - Out of the Depths I Cry")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 27:7 offers a timeless model for our own prayer lives, demonstrating that genuine faith is not merely a confident declaration but also a humble, vocal outpouring of our deepest needs. It reminds us that even when we stand firm in our trust in God's sovereignty and protection, there are still moments when we must cry out for His specific mercy and intervention. This verse encourages us to bring our vulnerabilities, fears, and urgent requests before the Lord with sincerity and intensity, knowing that He is a God who truly hears. Our prayers should be characterized by both a deep reliance on His compassionate nature and a confident expectation that He will respond according to His perfect will and timing. This posture of confident dependence fosters perseverance in prayer, transforming our petitions from mere wishes into acts of profound trust in a living, attentive, and merciful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's shift from confident declaration (in [Psalms 27:1-6](/psalms/27-1 "Psalms 27:1-6 - David's Confidence")) to earnest supplication (in [Psalms 27:7](/psalms/27-7 "Psalms 27:7 - David's Supplication")) resonate with your own prayer life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to "cry with your voice" to the Lord for mercy and a clear answer?**
* **How does knowing God's merciful and attentive character empower you to pray with greater confidence and expectation?**

### FAQ

**Why does David, so confident in [Psalms 27:1-6](/psalms/27-1 "Psalms 27:1-6 - David's Confidence in God"), suddenly cry out for mercy in [Psalms 27:7](/psalms/27-7 "Psalms 27:7 - David's Supplication")?**

Answer: This transition is not a contradiction but a profound demonstration of mature faith. David's confidence in the first half of the psalm is a theological declaration of God's character and his trust in it, even amidst potential threats. However, this does not negate his human vulnerability or the necessity of active, fervent prayer. In [Psalms 27:7](/psalms/27-7 "Psalms 27:7 - David's Supplication"), he moves from general theological truth to specific personal petition. It shows that true confidence in God leads to, rather than bypasses, humble dependence and earnest supplication. Even the strongest believers, secure in God's ultimate protection, still need to cry out for His immediate mercy and intervention in the face of present trials, acknowledging that all help comes from Him.

**What does "cry with my voice" imply about the nature of prayer?**

Answer: The phrase "cry with my voice" (קָרָא בְּקוֹלִי, _qara' beqoli_) signifies an earnest, vocal, and often impassioned outpouring of the soul. It suggests a prayer that is not merely a silent thought or a casual request, but one born out of deep need, urgency, and sincerity. It implies an audible, perhaps even loud, appeal to God, much like a child crying out to a parent in distress. While silent prayer is certainly valid and biblical, this phrase highlights the value and power of expressing our needs and desires to God vocally, engaging our whole being in the act of supplication. It emphasizes the intensity and directness of the communication with the divine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 27:7, with David's earnest cry for God to "hear," "have mercy," and "answer," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While David cried out in his own distress, Jesus, the perfect Son, embodied the ultimate cry of humanity to God. In His earthly ministry, particularly in Gethsemane, Jesus "offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence" ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Earnest Prayers")). His cries were not for personal sin, but for the weight of humanity's sin and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. He is the ultimate "answer" to the cries of a fallen world, for through His sacrifice, God's mercy is fully extended to us. We, who are far from God due to sin, now have access to the very throne of grace through Christ, our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")). When we "cry with our voice" for mercy and an answer, we do so in His name, knowing that He is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")), the one through whom we have "access in one Spirit to the Father" ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Jesus is the divine response to every human cry for salvation, healing, and hope, perfectly embodying the mercy and answer David sought.

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 130:2

Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

Psalms 130:4

But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Psalms 13:3

Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;

Psalms 5:2

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

Psalms 4:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me [when I was] in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Psalms 143:1

¶ A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, [and] in thy righteousness.

Psalms 143:2

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.