Psalms 86:1

KJV

¶ A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I [am] poor and needy.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Prayer {H8605} of David {H1732}. Bow down {H5186}{H8685)} thine ear {H241}, O LORD {H3068}, hear {H6030}{H8798)} me: for I am poor {H6041} and needy {H34}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A prayer of David: Listen, ADONAI, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

Berean Standard Bible

Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

American Standard Version

Bow down thine ear, O Jehovah, and answer me; For I am poor and needy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:1 introduces a deeply personal and urgent prayer from David, characterized by profound humility and an explicit declaration of his utter dependence on God. It opens with an earnest plea for divine attention and hearing, immediately establishing the psalmist's posture of complete reliance on the Lord amidst his recognized vulnerability and lack of self-sufficiency. This verse sets the tone for a psalm of individual supplication, highlighting the essential prerequisites for approaching the sovereign God: a humble heart and a recognition of one's own profound need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 86 is uniquely identified by its superscription as "A Prayer of David," placing it within a significant collection of Davidic psalms that often express personal lament, petition, and trust. While not part of a clearly defined sequence like the "Psalms of Ascent," it stands as an individual supplication. The psalm immediately follows [Psalm 85](/psalms/85 "Psalm 85 - Prayer for Restoration"), which is a communal prayer for national restoration after exile, and precedes [Psalm 87](/psalms/87 "Psalm 87 - Zion, Mother of Nations"), a celebration of Zion. This positioning highlights the shift from communal to intensely personal prayer. Within Psalm 86 itself, verse 1 establishes the foundational posture of humility and need, which is then elaborated upon throughout the subsequent verses with appeals for preservation, guidance, and deliverance from enemies, all rooted in David's unwavering trust in God's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, a figure who experienced the full spectrum of human existence—from shepherd to king, warrior to fugitive, sinner to repentant saint—this psalm reflects the lived reality of ancient Israelite faith. Prayer was not a mere ritual but a dynamic, ongoing conversation with Yahweh, the covenant God. Kings, though divinely appointed, were still expected to approach God with humility, recognizing their ultimate subservience to the divine King. The cultural understanding of God's interaction with humanity often employed anthropomorphic language, such as God "bowing down His ear," to convey His intimate involvement and compassionate attentiveness to His people's cries. This was a society where personal and communal well-being were inextricably linked to divine favor, making direct appeal to God a central aspect of life.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several profound themes central to the Psalter and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **humble supplication**, demonstrating that true prayer begins not with demands but with a recognition of God's sovereignty and one's own profound need, a posture echoed in the teachings of Jesus regarding the [poor in spirit](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"). Secondly, it highlights **God's compassionate attentiveness**, expressing a deep conviction that the Lord is not distant but actively inclines Himself to hear the cries of His servants, a theme beautifully articulated in [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer"). Finally, the declaration "I am poor and needy" introduces the theme of **utter dependence**, which is often not merely material destitution but a spiritual and existential vulnerability that compels one to rely solely on God for sustenance, deliverance, and grace, as also seen in David's pleas in [Psalm 40:17](/psalms/40-17 "Psalm 40:17 - David's Plea for Help") and [Psalm 70:5](/psalms/70-5 "Psalm 70:5 - A Prayer for Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bow down thine ear (Hebrew, הַט־אָזְנְךָ, _hat-’oznəḵā'_):** This is a vivid anthropomorphism, portraying God as actively bending or inclining His ear towards the petitioner. The verb הַט (hat), meaning "to stretch out, incline, turn aside," combined with אֹזֶן (’ozen), "ear," creates an image of intense, personal attentiveness. It suggests a compassionate God who is not merely aware of the prayer but actively leans in to listen closely, indicating a deep, personal concern and willingness to engage intimately with the supplicant's distress, far beyond a passive acknowledgment.
* **poor (Hebrew, עָנִי, _‘ānî'_):** This term, often translated as "afflicted," "humble," or "poor," carries a multifaceted meaning. While it can denote material poverty, in the context of the Psalms, it frequently refers to one who is oppressed, suffering, or in a state of spiritual and existential vulnerability. It implies a lack of resources, power, or influence to help oneself, leading to a profound dependence on God. It often describes those who are righteous but persecuted, highlighting their reliance on divine justice and mercy rather than human strength.
* **needy (Hebrew, אֶבְיוֹן, _’eḇyôn'_):** Often paired with _‘ānî_ (as in this verse and others like [Psalm 40:17](/psalms/40-17 "Psalm 40:17 - David's Plea for Help")), this word also signifies one who is destitute, lacking, or in want. While it can also refer to material poverty, its spiritual connotation is paramount here. It emphasizes a state of profound helplessness and utter reliance on an external source for provision and deliverance. When used by a king like David, it underscores that even those with earthly power recognize their ultimate spiritual destitution before God, acknowledging that all true help and sustenance come from Him alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Prayer of David."**: This superscription, though not strictly part of the verse's poetic structure, is crucial. It identifies the author as King David and the genre as a "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, _təp̄illâ_), indicating a direct, personal appeal to God, often characterized by petition, lament, and confession. It sets the tone for an intimate communication between the king and his God, emphasizing the personal nature of the psalm.
* **"Bow down thine ear, O LORD,"**: This is an urgent, direct imperative plea. David implores God to "incline His ear," using a powerful anthropomorphism that depicts God actively bending down to listen. It conveys a desire for God's immediate, personal, and compassionate attention, suggesting that David's situation is so dire that he needs God to make a special effort to hear him. It reflects a deep trust in God's willingness to engage with His people.
* **"hear me:"**: This is a straightforward, desperate request for God to respond to his petition. It complements the preceding phrase, moving from the act of listening to the act of responding. David is not merely seeking a passive hearing but an active, effectual hearing that leads to divine intervention and deliverance. It underscores the urgency and the psalmist's conviction that God is a God who answers prayer.
* **"for I am poor and needy."**: This clause provides the justification for David's urgent plea. His self-description as "poor and needy" (עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן, _‘ānî wə’eḇyôn_) is a declaration of his utter helplessness and dependence. It is not necessarily a statement of material destitution, especially for a king, but rather a profound acknowledgment of spiritual, emotional, or situational vulnerability. He possesses no inherent strength, resources, or merit by which to help himself, thus throwing himself entirely upon God's mercy and grace. This humility is the foundation of his appeal.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 86:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey David's earnest supplication. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "Bow down thine ear, O LORD." This attributes a human physical action (bending an ear) to God, making the divine accessible and relatable, emphasizing God's compassionate attentiveness and willingness to intimately engage with His supplicant. The verse also utilizes **Imperative Mood** ("Bow down," "hear me"), which conveys the urgency and directness of David's plea, transforming the prayer into a direct command or fervent request to the Almighty. Furthermore, the pairing of "poor" and "needy" exemplifies **Synonymous Parallelism** or a **Hendiadys**, where two distinct words are used to express a single, intensified concept. This emphasizes the depth of David's destitution and utter dependence, reinforcing the idea that he is completely without self-sufficiency and relies solely on God. This combination of devices powerfully communicates David's humble, desperate, and trusting approach to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:1 lays a foundational theological principle for prayer: true supplication begins with a profound recognition of God's majesty and our own radical dependence. David, despite his royal status, models the humility required to approach the Creator, acknowledging that his own resources are insufficient for the challenges he faces. This posture aligns with the biblical understanding that God responds to the contrite and humble heart, not to human pride or self-sufficiency. The verse underscores God's character as a compassionate listener, ever ready to incline His ear to the cries of His people, thereby inviting believers to approach Him with confidence, knowing He is attentive and responsive to genuine need.

* [Psalm 34:6](/psalms/34-6 "Psalm 34:6 - The Poor Man Cried")
* [Isaiah 66:2](/isaiah/66-2 "Isaiah 66:2 - God Regards the Humble")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:1 offers a timeless template for authentic prayer, inviting us to shed pretenses and approach God in the raw honesty of our need. In a world that often values self-reliance and strength, David's humble plea reminds us that our greatest strength lies in acknowledging our weakness and utter dependence on God. Whether facing material hardship, emotional distress, spiritual barrenness, or simply the overwhelming complexities of life, this verse calls us to articulate our "poor and needy" state before the Lord, trusting that He is not only able but willing to hear and respond. It cultivates a posture of humility that unlocks divine grace, transforming our anxieties into opportunities for deeper reliance on the One who inclines His ear to every sincere cry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most "poor and needy" right now, and how does acknowledging this vulnerability help you approach God?**
* **How does the image of God "bowing down His ear" impact your perception of His attentiveness and willingness to listen to your prayers?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more humble and dependent posture in your daily prayer life?**

### FAQ
**Does "poor and needy" in Psalms 86:1 refer only to material poverty?**

Answer: While the terms "poor" (עָנִי, _‘ānî_) and "needy" (אֶבְיוֹן, _’eḇyôn_) can certainly denote material destitution in some biblical contexts, in Psalms 86:1, especially coming from King David, their primary meaning extends beyond mere financial lack. Here, they signify a profound spiritual, emotional, and existential vulnerability. David is acknowledging his complete lack of self-sufficiency and his utter dependence on God for help, deliverance, and sustenance. It's a declaration of humility, recognizing that despite his royal power and resources, he is utterly helpless without divine intervention. This spiritual poverty is often a prerequisite for receiving God's grace, echoing the Beatitude, "Blessed are the [poor in spirit](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's humble plea in Psalms 86:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David, a king, acknowledges his "poor and needy" state, Jesus, though God incarnate, perfectly embodied complete dependence on the Father throughout His earthly ministry. He consistently lived a life of perfect humility, praying earnestly and frequently, always submitting His will to the Father's, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). David's cry for God to "bow down thine ear" is answered definitively in Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest, able to sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Through Him, we, who are truly poor and needy in spirit, can boldly approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Christ's perfect dependence and His intercessory work ensure that the Father always inclines His ear to the prayers offered in His name, making our spiritual poverty the very ground for receiving the boundless riches of God's grace in Him ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")).

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 31:2

Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

Psalms 40:17

But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Daniel 9:18

O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

Matthew 5:3

¶ Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Psalms 34:6

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,