King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:6 Mean?

Psalms 140:6 in the King James Version says “I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.”

Psalms 140:6 · KJV

Context

4

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

5

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside ; they have set gins for me. Selah.

6

I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

7

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. lest: or, let them not be exalted

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. This verse transitions from description of enemies (v.1-5) to declaration of covenant relationship and petition for divine hearing. David establishes the foundation for his prayer—not his own worthiness but his covenant relationship with Yahweh as his personal God.

"I said unto the LORD" (אָמַרְתִּי לַיהוָה/amarti laYahweh) indicates definite, decisive declaration. The perfect tense suggests completed action—David has already made this confession, established this relationship. This isn't tentative hope but settled conviction expressed directly to Yahweh. Prayer begins with confident assertion of relationship with God.

"Thou art my God" (אֵלִי אָתָּה/Eli atah) is profoundly personal. Eli means "my God"—not just acknowledgment that God exists or even that He is powerful, but personal appropriation: "MY God." This echoes covenant language throughout Scripture. God said to Abraham: "I am thy God" (Genesis 17:7). The covenant formula repeated throughout Scripture is: "I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33).

The possessive pronoun transforms everything. Many acknowledge God generally; few truly appropriate Him personally. Thomas's post-resurrection declaration exemplifies this: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). This isn't theoretical theology but personal relationship—God belongs to the believer, and the believer belongs to God.

"Hear the voice of my supplications" (שִׁמְעָה יְהוָה קוֹל תַּחֲנוּנָי/shim'ah Yahweh qol tachanunai) builds on the established relationship. Having declared covenant relationship, David now appeals for God to hear. Shama means to hear, listen, pay attention, respond. This is more than auditory awareness—it's hearing that leads to action, attention that results in response.

"Supplications" (תַּחֲנוּנַי/tachanunai) from techinnah means earnest pleas, petitions for grace, cries for help. The plural form emphasizes repeated, ongoing appeals. David isn't making casual requests but urgent, repeated pleas for divine intervention. The covenant relationship permits bold, persistent prayer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The declaration "Thou art my God" follows a pattern established throughout Israel's history. After the exodus, Moses and Israel sang: "The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation" (Exodus 15:2). This became Israel's covenant confession—Yahweh is OUR God.

Psalm 118:28 declares: "Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee." This personal appropriation of covenant relationship distinguishes biblical faith from pagan religion. Pagan worshipers sought to manipulate distant, capricious deities through ritual and sacrifice. Biblical faith rests on covenant relationship initiated by God's grace—He chooses to be our God, and we respond by claiming Him as our God.

The appeal for God to "hear" reflects Israel's fundamental confidence that Yahweh, unlike pagan idols, actually hears and responds to prayer. Psalm 115:4-7 mocks idols: "They have ears, but they hear not." In contrast, Yahweh hears His people's cries. Exodus 3:7 declares: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry."

For David, this wasn't mere theological theory but lived experience. God had heard his cry when facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17). God heard when he fled from Saul (1 Samuel 23:1-5). God heard when Absalom rebelled (2 Samuel 15-18). Repeated experiences of answered prayer built confidence that God hears His people.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray "Our Father" (Matthew 6:9), emphasizing personal relationship with God. He promised: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7). The foundation for confident prayer isn't our worthiness but our relationship with God through Christ. As John 16:23 promises: "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you."

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between acknowledging that God exists versus personally declaring 'Thou art MY God'?
  2. How does established covenant relationship with God transform the nature and confidence of prayer?
  3. What does it mean for God to 'hear' prayer—mere awareness or active response?
  4. How can believers cultivate the kind of personal relationship with God that permits bold, honest supplication?
  5. In what ways does your prayer life reflect confidence in God as 'my God' versus uncertain hope that He might hear?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אָמַ֣רְתִּי1 of 8

“I said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְ֝הוָ֗ה2 of 8

“O LORD”

H3068

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

אֵ֣לִי3 of 8

“Thou art my God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אָ֑תָּה4 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַאֲזִ֥ינָה5 of 8

“hear”

H238

to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen

יְ֝הוָ֗ה6 of 8

“O LORD”

H3068

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

ק֣וֹל7 of 8

“the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

תַּחֲנוּנָֽי׃8 of 8

“of my supplications”

H8469

earnest prayer

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 140:6 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 140:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:14Psalms 16:2Psalms 142:5Psalms 119:57Zechariah 13:9Psalms 91:2

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