King James Version

What Does Psalms 66:19 Mean?

Psalms 66:19 in the King James Version says “But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

Psalms 66:19 · KJV


Context

17

I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

18

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

19

But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

20

Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist's confidence rests on God's character—'Verily God hath heard me.' The emphatic 'verily' underscores absolute certainty of answered prayer. 'Attended to the voice of my prayer' shows God's active engagement with His people's petitions, not distant indifference. This assurance flows from covenant relationship; God hears because the psalmist belongs to Him. It anticipates John 9:31 and 1 John 3:22, linking answered prayer to righteous living and God's will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's confidence in prayer rested on God's covenant promises, particularly Deuteronomy 4:7: 'what nation is there so great, who hath a God so nigh unto them?' God's attentiveness distinguished Israel from pagan nations whose idols couldn't hear (Psalm 115:4-7).

Reflection Questions

  1. What gives you confidence that God hears and attends to your prayers?
  2. How do you reconcile God's promise to hear prayer with times when answers seem delayed or different than expected?
  3. In what ways does covenant relationship with God through Christ guarantee His attention to your prayers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אָ֭כֵן1 of 6

But verily

H403

firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but

שָׁמַ֣ע2 of 6

hath heard

H8085

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

אֱלֹהִ֑ים3 of 6

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

הִ֝קְשִׁ֗יב4 of 6

me he hath attended

H7181

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

בְּק֣וֹל5 of 6

to the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

תְּפִלָּתִֽי׃6 of 6

of my prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn


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 66:19 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 66:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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