King James Version

What Does Psalms 27:7 Mean?

Psalms 27:7 in the King James Version says “Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.”

Psalms 27:7 · KJV

Context

5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. joy: Heb. shouting

7

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. When: or, My heart said unto thee, Let my face seek thy face, etc

9

Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Read Psalms 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The cry 'Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me' combines petition for audience, compassion, and response. 'Hear' asks for divine attention; 'have mercy' asks for compassion; 'answer me' asks for action. Reformed theology emphasizes that prayer is covenant communication—God has bound Himself to hear His people's cries. We don't earn His hearing through eloquence but through relationship. The plea for mercy acknowledges we deserve nothing, yet God graciously responds.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's covenant included promises that God would hear their cries (Ex. 3:7). This assurance sustained prayer through generations. God's hearing didn't depend on merit but on His covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God 'hears when you cry' encourage persistent prayer?
  2. What does crying for 'mercy' teach about the basis of answered prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שְׁמַע1 of 6

“Hear”

H8085

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

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 6

“O LORD”

H3068

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

קוֹלִ֥י3 of 6

“with my voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

אֶקְרָ֗א4 of 6

“when I cry”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְחָנֵּ֥נִי5 of 6

“have mercy”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

וַעֲנֵֽנִי׃6 of 6

“also upon me and answer”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

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 27:7 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 27:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 130:2-4Psalms 5:2Psalms 13:3Psalms 4:1Psalms 143:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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