King James Version

What Does Psalms 5:3 Mean?

Psalms 5:3 in the King James Version says “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”

Psalms 5:3 · KJV

Prayer

Context

1

To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

2

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

4

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

5

The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. in: Heb. before thine eyes

Read Psalms 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. This verse specifies the timing and posture of David's prayer, emphasizing both the morning hour and David's expectant attitude. The emphatic repetition "in the morning... in the morning" stresses the importance of this practice—beginning the day with prayer isn't incidental but central to David's spiritual discipline.

"My voice shalt thou hear" (qoli tishma, קוֹלִי תִשְׁמָע) reverses the usual prayer pattern. Rather than "Hear my voice, O LORD," David declares with confidence, "My voice shalt thou hear." This isn't arrogance but assurance based on covenant relationship—David knows God hears His people's prayers. The certainty echoes 1 John 5:14-15: "if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us... we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

"In the morning" (boqer, בֹּקֶר) specifies dawn or early morning. Throughout Scripture, morning prayer appears as consistent pattern: Abraham rose "early in the morning" to stand before the Lord (Genesis 19:27); Moses rose early to meet God on Sinai (Exodus 34:4); Hannah prayed in the morning (1 Samuel 1:19); Job rose early to offer sacrifices for his children (Job 1:5). Morning prayer claims the day's first moments for God before distractions intrude, orienting the entire day toward Him.

"Will I direct my prayer" (e'erokh, אֶעֱרֹךְ) uses a verb meaning to arrange, set in order, prepare, marshal. The root is used for arranging sacrifices on the altar (Leviticus 1:7), setting bread in order on the table (Exodus 40:23), and preparing troops for battle (1 Samuel 17:8). Prayer isn't haphazard but deliberate, ordered, purposeful. David marshals his petitions like a priest arranging sacrifices or a commander positioning troops. This suggests thoughtful, structured prayer rather than rambling improvisation.

"And will look up" (atzappeh, אֲצַפֶּה) means to watch, look out, wait expectantly. The verb implies vigilant expectation, like a watchman on the wall scanning for approaching figures. David doesn't merely pray and move on—he waits expectantly for God's response. This reflects faith that God hears and will answer, combined with patience that doesn't demand immediate response. Habakkuk 2:1 captures this posture: "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me." Prayer includes both petition and expectant waiting.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The practice of morning prayer aligned with the daily sacrificial system. Exodus 29:38-42 prescribes the continual burnt offering—one lamb offered in the morning, one in the evening. These daily sacrifices, accompanied by prayers, established rhythm for Israel's worship. The morning sacrifice symbolized offering the day to God; the evening sacrifice reflected gratitude for His provision and protection. Individual prayer synchronized with corporate temple worship, connecting personal devotion with communal ritual.

The metaphor of "directing" prayer like arranging sacrifices ties David's prayer life to his priestly role. Though not a Levitical priest, David as king functioned in priestly ways—offering sacrifices (2 Samuel 6:17-18), blessing the people (2 Samuel 6:18), and interceding for the nation. His ordered, sacrificial approach to prayer models how believers should approach God—not casually but with reverent preparation, not carelessly but with thoughtful arrangement of petitions and praise.

Jesus modeled this pattern of early morning prayer. Mark 1:35 records, "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Before facing the demands and challenges of ministry, Jesus sought the Father in prayer. This pattern established spiritual foundation for the day's work. For Christians seeking to follow Christ's example, morning prayer isn't legalistic requirement but wisdom gleaned from Scripture's repeated testimony—those who seek God at day's beginning walk through the day with greater spiritual clarity, strength, and purpose.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does beginning the day with prayer differ practically and spiritually from praying primarily when needs or crises arise?
  2. What does it mean to 'direct' (arrange, order) your prayers rather than approaching God haphazardly?
  3. How can you cultivate the practice of 'looking up' expectantly after prayer rather than immediately moving to the next activity?
  4. What obstacles prevent you from establishing consistent morning prayer, and what practical steps can overcome these?
  5. How does Jesus' example of rising early to pray challenge or affirm your current prayer patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יְֽהוָ֗ה1 of 8

“O LORD”

H3068

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

בֹּ֥קֶר2 of 8

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

תִּשְׁמַ֣ע3 of 8

“shalt thou hear”

H8085

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

קוֹלִ֑י4 of 8

“My voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

בֹּ֥קֶר5 of 8

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

אֶֽעֱרָךְ6 of 8

“will I direct”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

לְ֝ךָ֗7 of 8
H0
וַאֲצַפֶּֽה׃8 of 8

“my prayer unto thee and will look up”

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:147Psalms 88:13Psalms 130:6Mark 1:35Psalms 55:17Isaiah 26:9

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