King James Version

What Does Psalms 142:6 Mean?

Psalms 142:6 in the King James Version says “Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 142 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.”

Psalms 142:6 · KJV

Context

4

I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I looked: or, Look on the right hand, and see failed: Heb. perished from me cared: Heb. sought after

5

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

6

Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

7

Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. The imperative haqshivah (הַקְשִׁיבָה), "attend," is an urgent plea for God's attention—literally "prick up your ears." David needs immediate divine intervention, not eventual relief. His "cry" (rinnah, רִנָּה) can mean joyful singing but here denotes an urgent shout for help, showing how the same voice that praises must also plead.

"I am brought very low" translates dallothi me'od (דַּלּוֹתִי מְאֹד)—David is utterly weakened, impoverished, reduced to nothing. The verb dalal means to be thin, weak, or brought low. Combined with me'od (exceedingly), this expresses extremity. Yet in this weakness, David turns to God rather than despair. Paul's thorn taught him the same truth: "when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

"They are stronger than I" acknowledges realistic assessment of the threat. David doesn't pretend courage he doesn't feel or strength he doesn't possess. Instead, he appeals to God's strength to overcome superior human force. This models spiritual warfare: our enemies (sin, Satan, death) are stronger than us, but not stronger than God. Victory comes through dependence, not self-sufficiency.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Saul commanded Israel's army and had resources David lacked as a fugitive. The power differential was vast—king versus outlaw, army versus small band, established authority versus disenfranchised rebel. Yet this psalm demonstrates that earthly power hierarchies mean nothing when God intervenes. Israel's history repeatedly showed God delivering the weak from the strong (Gideon, David vs. Goliath, etc.), teaching that divine favor matters more than human advantage. This theme culminates in Christ's kingdom—advanced not by political power but through weakness, suffering, and the cross.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when adversaries are 'stronger than you'—with despair, self-reliance, or dependence on God?
  2. What is the relationship between honest acknowledgment of weakness and genuine faith?
  3. How does this verse challenge contemporary Christianity's emphasis on strength, success, and self-confidence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הַקְשִׁ֤יבָה׀1 of 11

“Attend”

H7181

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

אֶֽל2 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רִנָּתִי֮3 of 11

“unto my cry”

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

כִּֽי4 of 11
H3588

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

דַלּ֪וֹתִ֫י5 of 11

“for I am brought”

H1809

to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed

מְאֹ֥ד6 of 11

“very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

הַצִּילֵ֥נִי7 of 11

“deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מֵרֹדְפַ֑י8 of 11

“me from my persecutors”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

כִּ֖י9 of 11
H3588

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

אָמְצ֣וּ10 of 11

“for they are stronger”

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

מִמֶּֽנִּי׃11 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 142:6 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 142:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 79:8Psalms 136:23Psalms 116:6Psalms 17:1Romans 8:37Psalms 59:3

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