King James Version

What Does Psalms 71:12 Mean?

Psalms 71:12 in the King James Version says “O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 71 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

Psalms 71:12 · KJV


Context

10

For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, lay: Heb. watch, or, observe

11

Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.

12

O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

13

Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

14

But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The urgent prayer 'O God, be not far from me' seeks divine presence and intervention. 'Make haste for my help' combines distance imagery (be near) with speed imagery (hurry). The repetition emphasizes desperation—not casual request but urgent plea. God's nearness and swift action are essential for deliverance. This models persistent, bold prayer that doesn't give up despite circumstances. Jesus taught similar persistence in the parable of the importunate widow (Luke 18:1-8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's cave experiences, surrounded by enemies, gave visceral understanding of needing God's near presence and quick intervention. Prayer wasn't theoretical but born of genuine danger.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you maintain urgent, persistent prayer without becoming demanding or presumptuous?
  2. What does God's nearness provide that differs from His omnipresence?
  3. How do you balance desperate petition with patient trust in God's perfect timing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֱ֝לֹהַ֗י1 of 7

O 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

אַל2 of 7
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּרְחַ֣ק3 of 7

be not far

H7368

to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)

מִמֶּ֑נִּי4 of 7
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֱ֝לֹהַ֗י5 of 7

O 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

לְעֶזְרָ֥תִי6 of 7

for my help

H5833

aid

חֽיּשָׁה׃7 of 7

make haste

H2363

to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment


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 71:12 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 71:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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