Psalms 86:3

KJV

Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be merciful {H2603}{H8798)} unto me, O Lord {H136}: for I cry {H7121}{H8799)} unto thee daily {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Take pity on me, Adonai, for I cry to you all day.

Berean Standard Bible

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long.

American Standard Version

Be merciful unto me, O Lord; For unto thee do I cry all the day long.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:3 presents a profound and earnest plea from King David, encapsulating the essence of a believer's walk: an unwavering, humble dependence on divine mercy through persistent, daily prayer. This verse serves as a concise yet powerful testament to David's deep trust in God's compassionate nature, highlighting a life lived in conscious, continuous reliance on the Lord's grace amidst personal distress and external challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 86 is uniquely titled "A Prayer of David," and stands out in the Psalter as a deeply personal lament that seamlessly blends elements of supplication, confession, trust, and praise. It is a composite prayer, reflecting various facets of David's relationship with God. The psalm begins with an immediate appeal for God's attention and mercy (vv. 1-3), establishing a tone of vulnerability and heartfelt communication. Verse 3, "Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily," serves as the foundational request, grounding David's subsequent pleas in his consistent, ongoing communion with God. This initial cry for mercy sets the stage for the psalm's exploration of God's character (vv. 5, 15), David's distress (vv. 1, 4, 7), and his ultimate trust in divine deliverance (vv. 16-17). The "daily" crying underscores the intimate and continuous nature of David's relationship with the Almighty, portraying prayer not as an occasional act but as a vital, sustained lifeline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As "A Prayer of David," this psalm likely emerged from a period of significant personal or national distress for the king. While the specific occasion is not stated, David's life was marked by numerous trials—persecution by Saul, rebellion by Absalom, and various wars and personal failings. In ancient Israel, kings were seen as mediators between God and the people, and their personal piety and relationship with Yahweh were paramount for the nation's well-being. David's public and private prayers, like this one, would have served as models of devotion. The concept of "mercy" (Hebrew: *ḥanan*) was deeply rooted in the covenant relationship, implying God's gracious favor and compassion, often extended to the vulnerable or those in distress. Daily prayer was an established practice, though perhaps not as formalized as later rabbinic traditions. David's "daily cry" reflects a personal spiritual discipline and a cultural understanding that God was accessible and attentive to the fervent prayers of His people, regardless of their status.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Mercy and Compassion:** The core request in Psalms 86:3 is for God's mercy, appealing directly to God's inherent character as a gracious and compassionate Lord. David recognizes that his hope for relief and strength rests entirely on divine favor, not on any human merit. This theme is central to the Psalms, emphasizing God's steadfast love and abundant mercy, as seen in passages like [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord's Compassion"). It highlights a fundamental theological truth: God's willingness to extend grace to those who humbly seek Him, a concept beautifully articulated in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Character Revealed").
* **Persistence in Prayer:** The phrase "for I cry unto thee daily" underscores the critical importance of consistent, fervent prayer. David's relationship with God was not episodic but a continuous dialogue, a lifeline in times of trouble, and a source of strength in everyday life. This daily pleading demonstrates a profound trust and an understanding that God is always accessible and attentive to the prayers of His children. This resonates with the New Testament teaching on prayer, such as Jesus' parable of the persistent widow in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow") and Paul's exhortation to [pray without ceasing](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing").
* **Profound Dependence:** David's plea for mercy, coupled with his persistent crying, reveals his complete dependence on God. Despite being a powerful king, he acknowledges his own limitations and turns to the only One who can truly help. This embodies the spirit of humility essential for receiving divine aid and reflects a deep understanding that human strength is insufficient without God's sustaining power. This humble reliance is a recurring motif in the Psalms, as seen in [Psalm 62:5-8](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5-8 - My Soul Waits for God Alone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merciful (Hebrew, *ḥānan*):** This verb signifies showing favor, grace, or compassion, often in response to a plea from one who is weaker or in need. It implies an active demonstration of kindness and unmerited favor, rather than mere pity. It speaks to God's character as one who bends down to help, to grant a request, or to show clemency. The passive form used here, "Be merciful unto me," is an imperative, a direct command or fervent request for God to act according to His gracious nature.
* **Cry (Hebrew, *qārāʾ*):** This verb means to call, to call out, or to cry aloud. It denotes an earnest, often urgent, and audible appeal, not a casual whisper. In the context of prayer, it conveys intensity, distress, and a desperate need for divine intervention. It suggests a vocal and heartfelt outpouring of the soul, indicating the depth of David's reliance and the urgency of his situation.
* **Daily (Hebrew, *yōm yōm*):** This is an emphatic repetition of the word "day," literally meaning "day, day" or "day by day." It powerfully emphasizes the regularity, consistency, and unbroken habit of David's prayer. It signifies that his crying out to God was not an occasional act reserved for crises, but an ongoing, continuous practice that characterized his life and relationship with the Lord. It speaks to a profound and intimate devotional discipline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be merciful unto me, O Lord":** This is a direct, imperative appeal to God. David, despite his royal status, positions himself as one in need of unmerited favor and compassion. The address "O Lord" (Adonai) emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority, acknowledging Him as the one who has the power and the right to grant mercy. This opening clause sets the tone of humble supplication, recognizing God's character as the source of all grace.
* **"for I cry unto thee daily.":** This clause provides the justification or reason for David's plea for mercy. The conjunction "for" (Hebrew: *kî*) indicates a causal relationship: "because I cry to You daily, therefore, be merciful to me." David is not demanding mercy based on his merit, but rather presenting his consistent and fervent devotion as evidence of his trust and dependence. His "daily cry" demonstrates a living, active faith and a continuous reliance on God, which he implicitly presents as a basis for God's compassionate response. It is a testament to his unwavering commitment to seeking God's face.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Apostrophe** is evident in the direct address "O Lord," where David speaks directly to God as if He were present and listening, which, for the psalmist, God truly is. This device intensifies the personal and intimate nature of the prayer. The phrase "I cry unto thee daily" utilizes **Hyperbole** or, more accurately, **Emphasis** through repetition (*yom yom*). While David may not have been literally crying out every single moment of every day, the expression vividly conveys the consistent, persistent, and habitual nature of his communion with God. This emphasis underscores the depth of his reliance and the continuous flow of his prayer life. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Cause and Effect** relationship established by the conjunction "for," linking David's persistent prayer to his expectation of divine mercy. This structure highlights a theological principle: that God responds to the earnest and consistent seeking of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:3 profoundly articulates the accessibility of God and the efficacy of persistent prayer. It underscores that God's mercy is not a scarce commodity, but an abundant attribute of His character, freely extended to those who seek Him with a humble and contrite heart. David's "daily cry" models a life lived in constant communion, demonstrating that our relationship with God is meant to be an ongoing dialogue, not merely a crisis intervention. This verse invites believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that He is both willing and able to respond to our pleas, not based on our perfection, but on His perfect love and faithfulness. It teaches us that true dependence on God expresses itself in consistent, heartfelt communication, reinforcing the timeless truth that the Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth.

* [Psalms 51:1](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1 - David's Prayer for Mercy After Sin")
* [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:3 offers a timeless blueprint for the believer's prayer life, encouraging us to cultivate a habit of consistent, heartfelt communion with God. It reminds us that our access to the divine is not limited to moments of extreme crisis but is an open invitation for every day, every moment. Just as David, a king, humbly acknowledged his constant need for God's mercy, so too are we, in all our circumstances, called to recognize our profound dependence on divine grace. This verse challenges us to move beyond sporadic prayers and to embrace prayer as a continuous, vital breath of our spiritual existence. When we cry out to the Lord daily, we not only express our trust but also deepen our intimacy with Him, allowing His mercy to shape our character and guide our steps. It is in this consistent seeking that we truly experience the comfort, strength, and guidance that only God can provide, transforming our anxieties into opportunities for deeper faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you "cry unto the Lord daily," and how might you cultivate a more consistent prayer life?**
* **How does understanding God's character as "merciful" (chanan) impact your willingness to approach Him with your deepest needs and struggles?**
* **What practical steps can you take to make prayer a more integral and continuous part of your everyday life, moving beyond a reactive response to crises?**
* **How does acknowledging your daily need for God's mercy foster humility and strengthen your dependence on Him?**

### FAQ
**Why does King David, a powerful ruler, need to "cry daily" for mercy?**

Answer: David's need for mercy, despite his kingship, highlights a fundamental truth about human existence and our relationship with God. Even a powerful king like David was subject to human frailty, sin, and external threats. His daily cry for mercy was not a sign of weakness but of profound wisdom and spiritual maturity. It acknowledged his personal limitations, his need for forgiveness for his sins (as seen in [Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "Psalm 51 - David's Prayer of Repentance")), and his constant reliance on God's protection and guidance in the face of enemies and the burdens of leadership. It demonstrates that spiritual strength comes from humble dependence on God, not from earthly power or self-sufficiency.

**What does "daily" truly mean in the context of our prayer life today? Is it literal 24/7 prayer?**

Answer: The term "daily" (Hebrew: *yom yom*) emphasizes consistency, regularity, and an ongoing habit, rather than a literal 24/7 non-stop vocalization. It signifies that prayer is not an occasional activity but a continuous posture of the heart and mind. For us today, it means cultivating a lifestyle of prayer where communication with God is woven into the fabric of our daily routines. This can include dedicated times of prayer, but also spontaneous moments of praise, petition, and thanksgiving throughout the day. It's about maintaining an open line of communication with God, bringing our joys, anxieties, and needs to Him continually, as encouraged in [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious").

**Is this plea for mercy only relevant for those in distress, or does it apply to all believers?**

Answer: While David's prayer often arose from distress, the principle of seeking God's mercy "daily" is universally applicable to all believers, regardless of their immediate circumstances. We all live in a fallen world, are prone to sin, and face daily challenges, temptations, and uncertainties. God's mercy is not just for crisis moments but is the very air we breathe spiritually—His unmerited favor, forgiveness, and sustaining grace. Therefore, a daily cry for mercy is an acknowledgment of our ongoing need for God's grace to navigate life, to overcome sin, and to live in accordance with His will. It is a foundational aspect of walking humbly with our God, as taught in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's mercy and the perfect model of daily, dependent prayer. The "mercy" David cries out for is fully revealed in Christ, for He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the ultimate expression of God's compassionate love for humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice, God's mercy is not merely extended but is poured out in full, making a way for us to [approach the throne of grace with confidence](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") to receive mercy and find grace in time of need. Furthermore, Jesus Himself perfectly exemplified the "daily cry" to the Father. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him consistently withdrawing to [lonely places to pray](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place"), often [spending entire nights in prayer](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays All Night Before Choosing Disciples"), demonstrating a life lived in constant, intimate communion and profound dependence on God. He teaches His disciples to [pray always and not lose heart](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"), and His ongoing intercession for us at the Father's right hand means that our "daily cry" for mercy is always heard and supported by our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our High Priest"). Thus, in Christ, God's mercy is fully manifested and our access to it is eternally secured.

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 57:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.

Psalms 88:9

Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Psalms 25:5

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

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.

Luke 2:37

And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.

Psalms 56:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.