King James Version

What Does Psalms 86:1 Mean?

Psalms 86:1 in the King James Version says “A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. A Prayer: or, A Prayer, being a Psalm o...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 86 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. A Prayer: or, A Prayer, being a Psalm of David”

Psalms 86:1 · KJV

Prayer

Context

1

A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. A Prayer: or, A Prayer, being a Psalm of David

2

Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. holy: or, one whom thou favourest

3

Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. daily: or, all the day

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. David's opening petition uses hateh (הַטֵּה, incline/bow down), anthropomorphic language depicting God stooping to hear His servant's prayer. This humble request assumes God's transcendence—He must condescend to attend to human voices. The plea hear me (aneni, עֲנֵנִי, answer me) expects not mere listening but responsive action.

The self-identification as poor and needy (ani ve-evyon, עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן) echoes Psalm 109:22, establishing David's stance before God as one without resources or recourse except divine mercy. This isn't false humility but accurate recognition of creatureliness and dependence. The anawim (humble poor) throughout Scripture are those who know their spiritual bankruptcy and cast themselves wholly on God's grace.

This opening verse establishes the theological foundation for prayer: God's willingness to incline His ear to the lowly, and the worshiper's posture of acknowledged need. It anticipates Jesus's teaching that the tax collector's prayer "God, be merciful to me, a sinner" finds acceptance, while self-sufficient religiosity does not (Luke 18:9-14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 86 is the only psalm in Book III (Psalms 73-89) attributed to David. Titled 'A Prayer of David,' it's a lament psalm combining petition, trust, and praise. The repeated use of covenant name 'Adonai' (Lord/Master) emphasizes David's relationship as servant to divine King. Scholars debate the historical occasion, but the tone suggests personal crisis requiring urgent divine intervention during David's reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. What prevents you from approaching God as 'poor and needy' rather than bringing Him your strengths and achievements?
  2. How does recognizing God's transcendence (He must 'bow down' to hear) affect your confidence in prayer?
  3. In what areas of life are you self-sufficient rather than dependent on God's provision and grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הַטֵּֽה1 of 8

“Bow down”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 8

“O LORD”

H3068

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

אָזְנְךָ֣3 of 8

“thine ear”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

עֲנֵ֑נִי4 of 8

“hear”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

כִּֽי5 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָנִ֖י6 of 8

“me for I am poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וְאֶבְי֣וֹן7 of 8

“and needy”

H34

destitute

אָֽנִי׃8 of 8
H589

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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 86:1 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 86:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:2Psalms 40:17Daniel 9:18Matthew 5:3Psalms 34:6James 2:5

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