King James Version

What Does Psalms 6:9 Mean?

Psalms 6:9 in the King James Version says “The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.”

Psalms 6:9 · KJV

Prayer

Context

7

Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

8

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

9

The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

10

Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

Read Psalms 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. This triumphant declaration marks the dramatic turning point in Psalm 6, shifting from desperate lament to confident assurance. The Hebrew verb for "heard" (shama, שָׁמַע) means more than auditory perception—it implies attentive response and action. God doesn't merely hear; He acts on behalf of His people. The parallel structure emphasizes certainty: "hath heard" (perfect tense, completed action) and "will receive" (imperfect, ongoing reality).

The word "supplication" (techinnah, תְּחִנָּה) denotes earnest entreaty from a position of need and dependence, while "prayer" (tefillah, תְּפִלָּה) encompasses comprehensive communion with God. The double use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes covenant relationship—this isn't a distant deity but Israel's faithful covenant God who binds Himself to hear His people. David's confidence doesn't rest on prayer's eloquence or intensity but on God's character and promises.

This verse illustrates a pattern throughout Scripture: faithful lament leads to renewed trust. The psalmist doesn't deny pain or pretend circumstances have changed, but affirms God's attentiveness despite apparent silence. This confidence becomes the foundation for the following verses' bold declaration to enemies. True faith doesn't eliminate struggle but transforms it through the certainty of God's hearing ear and responding heart.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 6 is the first of seven "Penitential Psalms" traditionally used in Christian liturgy for confession and repentance. The superscription attributes it to David, likely composed during a period of severe physical illness and enemy opposition—possibly during Absalom's rebellion or another crisis when David faced both bodily affliction and political threat. Ancient Near Eastern culture viewed illness as potential divine judgment, making David's situation both physically and spiritually desperate.

The psalm's structure reflects ancient Hebrew lament patterns: complaint (vv. 1-7), shift to confidence (vv. 8-10), and implicit praise. This literary form provided a template for honest prayer that doesn't deny pain while ultimately affirming God's faithfulness. Jewish tradition associates this psalm with prayer during sickness, and early Christians used it in end-of-life prayers and funerals, trusting God's deliverance from death's power.

The historical context of Israel's temple worship included professional musicians and singers who led corporate worship using psalms like this. Individual lament psalms became community resources, allowing future generations facing similar trials to voice their pain and faith using David's words. This communal dimension explains how deeply personal psalms function as Scripture for all believers—David's experience becomes a pattern for understanding God's character and faithful response to human suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we cultivate the kind of confidence in prayer that moves from desperate lament to certain assurance of God's hearing?
  2. What does this verse teach about the relationship between honest lament and faith-filled confidence?
  3. How should the certainty that God hears our prayers affect how we pray when circumstances don't immediately change?
  4. What role does understanding God's covenant faithfulness play in maintaining confidence during prolonged suffering?
  5. How can we help others move from doubt about God's attentiveness to confidence in His hearing, without minimizing their pain?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שָׁמַ֣ע1 of 6

“hath heard”

H8085

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

יְ֝הוָ֗ה2 of 6

“The LORD”

H3068

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

תְּחִנָּתִ֑י3 of 6

“my supplication”

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

יְ֝הוָ֗ה4 of 6

“The LORD”

H3068

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

תְּֽפִלָּתִ֥י5 of 6

“my prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

יִקָּֽח׃6 of 6

“will receive”

H3947

to take (in the widest 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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 66:19-20Psalms 120:12 Corinthians 12:8-10Psalms 40:1-2Psalms 118:5Psalms 138:3

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 6 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes