Psalms 86:6

KJV

Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give ear {H238}{H8685)}, O LORD {H3068}, unto my prayer {H8605}; and attend {H7181}{H8685)} to the voice {H6963} of my supplications {H8469}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen, ADONAI, to my prayer; pay attention to my pleading cry.

Berean Standard Bible

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy.

American Standard Version

Give ear, O Jehovah, unto my prayer; And hearken unto the voice of my supplications.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:6 presents a profound and earnest plea from David to the LORD, imploring God to not only hear but actively attend to his prayer and the voice of his supplications. This verse encapsulates a foundational truth of biblical prayer: the conviction that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, willing and able to engage with their deepest cries and respond with divine intervention. It reflects a heart utterly dependent on God's attentive grace and mercy in a time of personal distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 86 is uniquely titled "A Prayer of David," distinguishing it as a personal lament or supplication. It stands out in the Psalter for its rich blend of individual petition, communal confession, and hymnic praise, often drawing on language found in other psalms and even prophetic texts. Verse 6 serves as a pivotal point, initiating David's specific requests for divine intervention after an opening appeal grounded in God's character (verses 1-5). The preceding verses establish David's desperate need for help, his status as God's servant, and his profound trust in God's goodness and readiness to forgive. Following verse 6, David continues to pour out his heart, seeking deliverance from enemies, guidance, and vindication, all predicated on the belief that God truly hears and responds to his cries. The entire psalm is a testament to the power and necessity of direct, heartfelt communication with the Almighty, setting the stage for the subsequent petitions for strength, wisdom, and protection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 86 is not stated, David's life was characterized by numerous periods of intense personal distress, persecution (e.g., from King Saul, his son Absalom), and national crises. During these times, prayer was David's primary recourse, reflecting a deeply ingrained practice within ancient Israelite piety. Culturally, the act of a petitioner approaching a king or ruler with a plea was common, and the expectation was that the ruler would "give ear" or "attend" to the request, signifying a willingness to consider and potentially act. This human analogy is applied to God, anthropomorphically depicting Him as a sovereign who is not distant or indifferent but actively engaged with the cries of His subjects. The language of "supplications" also aligns with the cultural understanding of humble, earnest appeals for grace, often from those in a position of vulnerability or need, highlighting the petitioner's complete reliance on the mercy of the one being addressed.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 86:6 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **earnestness and sincerity in prayer**. The repeated and emphatic calls for God to "give ear" and "attend" reveal David's deep sincerity and the urgency of his appeal, moving beyond casual requests to a desperate cry for divine intervention. Secondly, it highlights **God's attentiveness and responsiveness**. Implicit in David's plea is an unwavering faith that God is not only capable of hearing but is also willing and eager to listen to His creation. This belief in God's active engagement with human prayers is a cornerstone of the covenant relationship, as seen in passages like [Psalm 116:1-2](/psalms/116-1 "Psalm 116:1-2 - God Hears My Cry") where the psalmist declares, "I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live." Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **profound dependence on God**. By calling upon the LORD and expressing his "supplications," David demonstrates his complete reliance on God as his ultimate source of help, salvation, and deliverance, echoing themes found throughout David's psalms where he frequently seeks refuge in God during times of trouble, such as in [Psalm 3:4](/psalms/3-4 "Psalm 3:4 - David's Cry to the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give ear (Hebrew, _'azan'_):** This Hebrew verb means literally "to incline the ear," "to listen attentively," or "to hearken." It implies more than merely perceiving sound; it suggests a deliberate act of paying close attention with the intent to understand, consider, and respond. It conveys a sense of God bending down to listen, emphasizing His personal engagement with the petitioner's cry.
* **Attend (Hebrew, _qashab'_):** This verb reinforces the meaning of "give ear," carrying the sense of "to pay close attention," "to listen closely," or "to hearken diligently." The parallelism with _'azan'_ intensifies the request, indicating David's desire for God's full, undivided, and responsive attention to his plight. It speaks to an active, engaged listening that leads to action.
* **Supplications (Hebrew, _tachanunim'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be gracious" or "to show favor," this noun refers to humble pleas for grace, mercy, or favor. It often implies an appeal from a position of weakness, need, or unworthiness, highlighting the petitioner's complete dependence on the benevolence and mercy of the one being addressed. It underscores the humble and desperate nature of David's prayer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer;":** This opening clause is a direct, urgent imperative addressed to Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God. "Give ear" (from _'azan'_) is a fervent plea for God's attentive listening, implying a desire for divine consideration and action. The use of "O LORD" signifies a personal, intimate relationship, yet one of profound reverence and trust in God's sovereign power and faithfulness to His covenant people. It is a bold expression of faith that God is not only capable of hearing but is also willing to engage with the petitioner's deepest concerns.
* **"and attend to the voice of my supplications.":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, intensifying the request. "Attend" (from _qashab'_) reiterates the plea for active, focused listening, emphasizing God's full and undivided attention. "The voice of my supplications" suggests not just the spoken words, but the deep emotional and spiritual cry that accompanies them. It highlights the humble, dependent, and earnest nature of David's appeal for grace and mercy, acknowledging that his plea is rooted in need and reliance on God's favor rather than any inherent merit.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 86:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and attend to the voice of my supplications") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer"). This repetition emphasizes the profound earnestness of David's plea and his deep desire for God's attentive presence. Another device is **Anthropomorphism**, where human attributes or actions are ascribed to God (e.g., "give ear," "attend"). This device makes the infinite and transcendent God relatable and approachable, emphasizing His personal engagement with humanity without diminishing His divine nature. It conveys the comforting truth that God truly listens and cares. Furthermore, the use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Give ear," "attend") is significant. While seemingly a command, it functions as a fervent, faith-filled petition, reflecting the psalmist's boldness and confidence in approaching God, not dictating to Him, but expressing an intense longing and trust that God will indeed act on what He hears.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:6 is a profound theological statement on the nature of prayer and God's character. It affirms God as a prayer-hearing God, one who is not distant or indifferent but actively inclines His ear to the cries of His people. This verse underscores the biblical truth that prayer is not merely a psychological exercise but a vital, effective means of communication with the living God, who listens and responds. It highlights the importance of humility and earnestness in our approach to God, recognizing our utter dependence on His grace and mercy. The psalmist's confidence in God's attentiveness serves as a powerful encouragement for believers across all generations to bring their burdens, fears, and desires before the Almighty with assurance. This divine attentiveness is rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and His compassionate nature, assuring us that our supplications are never uttered into an empty void.

* [Psalm 116:1-2](/psalms/116-1 "Psalm 116:1-2 - God Hears My Cry")
* [Jeremiah 29:12-13](/jeremiah/29-12 "Jeremiah 29:12-13 - Call Upon Me and Pray")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:6 serves as a timeless anchor for our personal prayer lives, reminding us of the profound privilege and responsibility of communicating with God. It challenges us to move beyond perfunctory recitations and to approach the Creator with the same earnestness and sincerity that David displayed. When we "give ear" to God in His Word, we can then confidently ask Him to "give ear" to our prayers, trusting that He is not only capable of hearing but is intimately concerned with every detail of our lives. This verse encourages a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging that our "supplications" flow from a place of need and reliance on His divine grace. In a world full of distractions and noise, David's plea reminds us to seek God's undivided attention, and in turn, to offer Him our own undivided hearts in prayer. It fosters a deep trust that our prayers, offered in faith, are truly heard and considered by a God who cares.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's earnestness in prayer, as expressed in this verse, challenge my own approach to God in prayer?**
* **What does it truly mean to believe that God "attends" to my supplications, and how does this belief impact my persistence in prayer?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I most in need of pouring out humble "supplications" to the LORD, trusting in His attentive ear?**

### FAQ
**Why does David need to ask God to "give ear" if God is omniscient and already knows everything?**

Answer: David's plea for God to "give ear" and "attend" is not an implication that God is unaware or unable to hear. Rather, it is a deeply relational and anthropomorphic expression of a human desire for divine engagement and responsive action. When we ask someone to "listen carefully" or "pay attention," we are not questioning their auditory ability but seeking their focused consideration and active involvement. Similarly, David's prayer is a heartfelt cry for God to incline Himself, to demonstrate His active presence, and to intervene on his behalf. It reflects a profound longing for God's compassionate attention and His willingness to act in response to the "voice of his supplications," which are humble pleas for grace. It is an act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty while expressing a desperate need for His tangible help, much like a child earnestly seeks the full attention of a loving parent. This kind of prayer expresses the petitioner's deep longing for divine intervention and reassurance that their cries are not ignored.

**What is the difference between "prayer" and "supplications" in this verse, and why are both used?**

Answer: In Psalms 86:6, "prayer" (Hebrew: _tĕphillah_) is a general term for addressing God, encompassing any form of communication, praise, confession, or request. It denotes the broad act of communion with the divine. "Supplications" (Hebrew: _tachanunim_), on the other hand, is a more specific term. It refers to humble pleas for grace, mercy, or favor, often offered from a position of weakness, need, or distress. The root of _tachanunim_ is related to "grace" or "favor," emphasizing that the petitioner is appealing to God's unmerited kindness rather than any personal merit. The use of both terms in parallel serves to intensify David's plea. It highlights not only the general act of communication but specifically the earnest, humble, and dependent nature of his requests for divine intervention and mercy. David is not just praying; he is pouring out his soul with desperate pleas for grace, emphasizing his complete reliance on God's compassion in his time of need.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David earnestly implored God to "give ear" to his prayer, it is through Christ that humanity gains unparalleled access to the Father's attentive presence. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied the spirit of humble supplication, crying out to God with "loud cries and tears" during His earthly ministry, particularly in His agony in [Gethsemane](/luke/22-41 "Luke 22:41-44 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"), demonstrating that even the Son of God relied on the Father's attentive ear. More profoundly, Christ is the ultimate answer to David's plea. He is the great High Priest who, having suffered and been tempted in every way, is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, and through whom we can "with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may 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")). Our prayers are heard and attended to by the Father not based on our merit, but on the finished work of Christ, who is our mediator and advocate ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). The Holy Spirit also intercedes for us with "groanings too deep for words" ([Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Intercedes")), ensuring that our "supplications" are perfectly aligned with God's will and presented acceptably before Him. Thus, the confident expectation that God "gives ear" to our prayers is fully realized in the new covenant, where access to the Father is secured by the blood of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 5:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

Psalms 5:2

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

Psalms 17:1

¶ A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, [that goeth] not out of feigned lips.

Psalms 130:2

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

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.