King James Version

What Does Psalms 57:2 Mean?

Psalms 57:2 in the King James Version says “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.”

Psalms 57:2 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. Altaschith: or, Destroy not

2

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

3

He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. from the: or, he reproacheth him that

4

My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Read Psalms 57 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. This verse transitions from refuge-seeking to active appeal, from defensive posture to confident petition. "I will cry" (eqra, אֶקְרָא) is emphatic future: "I myself will call out, will summon, will invoke." This isn't quiet prayer but urgent crying out—appropriate response to desperate circumstances. The Psalms repeatedly model vocal, passionate prayer as legitimate expression of faith.

"God most high" (El Elyon, אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) emphasizes divine sovereignty and supremacy. Elyon means highest, uppermost, supreme—the God above all gods, powers, and authorities. This title first appears when Melchizedek blessed Abraham by "God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth" (Genesis 14:18-19). Against Saul's earthly power and political authority, David appeals to the supreme authority over all earthly powers. No human king, no matter how powerful, exceeds the jurisdiction or ability of El Elyon.

"That performeth all things for me" reveals the basis for David's confident appeal. "Performeth" (gomer, גֹּמֵר) means to complete, finish, accomplish, bring to pass. God is the completer, the one who finishes what He starts. "All things for me" (alai, עָלָי) literally means "concerning me," "on my behalf," "for my benefit." This echoes Philippians 1:6: "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

The verse expresses comprehensive confidence: God completes everything concerning His servant. This doesn't mean God grants every request but that He accomplishes His purposes for David's life. David's confidence rests not in his own plans succeeding but in God's sovereign purposes being fulfilled. Even when circumstances seem to threaten God's promises—Saul reigning while David is anointed as future king—God will complete what He purposed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The title 'God Most High' (El Elyon) has significant theological import. When Melchizedek blessed Abraham using this title (Genesis 14:18-19), he identified Yahweh as supreme over all gods worshiped by surrounding nations. In ancient Near Eastern polytheism, various gods ruled different spheres—war, fertility, storms, etc. By invoking El Elyon, David asserts that Israel's God reigns supreme over every competing authority, including Saul's kingship.

David's confidence that God 'performs all things' for him rests on specific promises. Samuel had anointed David as future king (1 Samuel 16:13), and "the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward." Despite years of fugitive existence with that promise unfulfilled, David trusted God would complete what He'd begun. This faith sustained him through approximately a decade of running from Saul.

The theme of God completing His purposes appears throughout Scripture. God promised Abraham descendants like stars (Genesis 15:5); centuries of barrenness, slavery, and wandering followed before fulfillment. God promised David an eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7:16); political collapse, exile, and centuries passed before Messiah came. Yet God performed everything He promised.

For New Testament believers, God's commitment to complete what He begins finds fulfillment in Christ and application to sanctification. Jesus declared, 'I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' (Matthew 16:18). Paul assured Philippian believers that 'He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ' (Philippians 1:6). God's character guarantees completion of His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does crying out to God 'most high' during crisis reflect proper understanding of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers and circumstances?
  2. What is the difference between expecting God to grant all our requests versus trusting God to 'perform all things' concerning His purposes for our lives?
  3. How can we develop the kind of confidence David expresses here—that God will complete everything He has begun in us—even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?
  4. In what ways does appealing to 'God most high' provide perspective when facing human opposition or institutional power?
  5. What does it mean practically to cry out to God rather than merely worry silently, and how does vocal prayer strengthen faith during trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֶ֭קְרָא1 of 6

“I will cry”

H7121

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

לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים2 of 6

“unto God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עֶלְי֑וֹן3 of 6

“most high”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

לָ֝אֵ֗ל4 of 6

“unto God”

H410

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

גֹּמֵ֥ר5 of 6

“that performeth”

H1584

to end (in the sense of completion or failure)

עָלָֽי׃6 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great 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 57:2 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 57:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 138:8Philippians 1:6Hebrews 13:21Isaiah 26:12Psalms 136:2-3Philippians 2:12

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