King James Version

What Does Psalms 102:1 Mean?

Psalms 102:1 in the King James Version says “A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 102 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. of: or, for”

Psalms 102:1 · KJV

Prayer

Context

1

A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. of: or, for

2

Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

3

For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. like: or, (as some read) into smoke

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. This opening plea introduces one of Scripture's most poignant laments, titled 'A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD.' The superscription identifies this as a prayer template for those experiencing crushing distress—whether individual or national suffering.

"Hear my prayer" (shim'ah t'fillati, שִׁמְעָה תְפִלָּתִי) uses the imperative of shama (שָׁמַע), meaning to hear with intent to respond, not merely acknowledge. The psalmist demands God's attention, assuming covenant relationship grants the right to appeal to divine mercy. T'fillah (תְּפִלָּה) denotes intercessory prayer or petition, contrasting with praise or thanksgiving.

"Let my cry come unto thee" (v'shav'ati eleika tavo, וְשַׁוְעָתִי אֵלֶיךָ תָבוֹא) intensifies the appeal. Shav'ah (שַׁוְעָה) means a cry for help, a desperate shout—not calm conversation but urgent pleading. The phrase "come unto thee" uses spatial language, personifying prayer as a messenger that must reach God's presence to be effective.

This verse establishes lament's legitimacy. The psalmist doesn't suppress anguish or feign contentment but brings raw pain to God. Biblical faith permits—even encourages—honest complaint, trusting that God can handle human emotion and will respond to sincere appeal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 102 is one of seven 'Penitential Psalms' (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143) traditionally used in confession and lament. While the superscription doesn't identify historical context, internal evidence suggests either individual suffering (illness, isolation, persecution) or national calamity (exile, Jerusalem's destruction).

Many scholars date Psalm 102 to the Babylonian exile (586-538 BC), when Jerusalem lay in ruins, the Temple was destroyed, and Israelites languished in captivity. Verses 13-22 particularly seem to address national restoration, praying for Zion's rebuilding. However, the psalm's universal language allowed subsequent generations to appropriate it for various afflictions.

The cry 'Hear my prayer' echoes throughout the Psalter (4:1, 39:12, 54:2, 61:1, 84:8, 143:1), reflecting Israel's confidence in covenant relationship. God had bound Himself by oath to hear His people's cries (Exodus 3:7-9, 22:23-24). Even when circumstances suggested divine abandonment, believers appealed to God's promises.

Hebrews 5:7 applies language reminiscent of this psalm to Jesus, who 'offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death.' Christ entered fully into human lament, validating honest expression of suffering while demonstrating trust in the Father's ultimate faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the psalmist's boldness in demanding God's hearing inform our understanding of prayer as genuine relationship rather than religious performance?
  2. What obstacles prevent contemporary believers from bringing 'desperate cries' to God rather than sanitized, theologically correct prayers?
  3. How do we balance confident appeal to God's covenant promises with humble recognition that His timing and methods may differ from our expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יְ֭הוָה1 of 6

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שִׁמְעָ֣ה2 of 6

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

תְפִלָּתִ֑י3 of 6

“A Prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

וְ֝שַׁוְעָתִ֗י4 of 6

“and let my cry”

H7775

a hallooing

אֵלֶ֥יךָ5 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תָבֽוֹא׃6 of 6

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 102:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 102:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:6Psalms 130:1-2Psalms 142:2-3Psalms 61:2Exodus 2:23Psalms 39:12

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