King James Version

What Does Psalms 116:2 Mean?

Psalms 116:2 in the King James Version says “Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. as long: Heb. in my days” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 116 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. as long: Heb. in my days”

Psalms 116:2 · KJV

Context

1

I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. as long: Heb. in my days

3

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. gat: Heb. found me

4

Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. This verse establishes the psalmist's permanent commitment to prayer based on experienced divine attentiveness. The phrase inclined his ear (hittah ozno, הִטָּה אָזְנוֹ) uses physical imagery—God bending down to hear—suggesting both divine condescension and careful attention. Though God needs no physical posture to hear, the anthropomorphism communicates personal, caring responsiveness.

The causal because...therefore links experience and commitment. Past answered prayer creates confidence for future prayer. The Hebrew ki (כִּי, because) introduces the reason for perpetual devotion. God's proven faithfulness generates lifelong trust.

Therefore will I call upon him as long as I live (literally 'in my days,' beyamai, בְּיָמָי). This isn't temporary gratitude but permanent posture. Each answered prayer doesn't graduate us beyond prayer but deepens prayer dependence. The psalmist's logic is profoundly Christian: because God has proven faithful, I will trust Him continually. This anticipates Jesus's teaching on persistent prayer (Luke 18:1-8) and Paul's command to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 116 belongs to the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), recited at Passover. Jewish tradition associates it with Israel's deliverance from Egypt, though the personal testimony suggests individual authorship based on personal crisis (vv. 3-4 describe near-death experience). The psalm became Christian liturgy, particularly for Eucharist and funerals, as the church recognized Christ's death and resurrection in 'the sorrows of death compassed me' (v. 3) and God's deliverance. Verse 15, 'Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints,' became a beloved funeral text.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific experiences of answered prayer have established your confidence in God's continued faithfulness?
  2. How can past deliverances fuel present faith when facing new crises that feel overwhelming?
  3. What is the relationship between God's initiative (inclining His ear) and your response (calling upon Him)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כִּֽי1 of 6
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִטָּ֣ה2 of 6

“Because he hath inclined”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אָזְנ֣וֹ3 of 6

“his ear”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

לִ֑י4 of 6
H0
וּבְיָמַ֥י5 of 6

“upon him as long as I live”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶקְרָֽא׃6 of 6

“unto me therefore will I call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used 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 116:2 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 116:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 145:18-19Psalms 40:1Psalms 55:16-17Luke 18:1Psalms 86:6-7Philippians 4:6

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