King James Version

What Does Psalms 86:3 Mean?

Psalms 86:3 in the King James Version says “Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. daily: or, all the day” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 86 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 86:3 · KJV

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

4

Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

5

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. The appeal for mercy (chonneni, חָנֵּנִי, show grace/favor) uses a verb from chen (חֵן, grace), emphasizing unmerited favor rather than earned reward. David seeks not justice but grace, recognizing that survival depends on God's compassion, not his own deserving.

The term O Lord here is Adonai (אֲדֹנָי, Master/Sovereign), emphasizing God's authority and David's submission. As servant to Master, David has no rights to demand but every reason to appeal to God's character. This master-servant framework undergirds biblical prayer—we approach the King who has bound Himself by covenant to care for His people.

I cry unto thee daily (kol-hayom, כָּל־הַיּוֹם, all the day) reveals persistent, sustained prayer, not occasional crisis petitions. David's practice anticipates Paul's exhortation to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and Jesus's teaching on persistent prayer (Luke 18:1-8). Daily, continual prayer demonstrates dependence as lifestyle, not emergency measure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The daily prayer pattern reflects Jewish devotional practice that developed into fixed prayer times (morning, afternoon, evening). Daniel prayed three times daily facing Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10), and the early church continued this rhythm (Acts 3:1, 10:9). David's example established prayer as regular discipline sustaining covenant relationship, not merely crisis response. This foundation shaped Jewish and Christian spirituality.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your prayer life reflect daily dependence on God or primarily emergency appeals during crisis?
  2. How does praying for mercy rather than justice change your attitude toward God and others?
  3. What practical steps could help you develop 'all day' prayer consciousness like David practiced?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
חָנֵּ֥נִי1 of 7

“Be merciful”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

אֲדֹנָ֑י2 of 7

“unto me O Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

כִּ֥י3 of 7
H3588

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

אֵלֶ֥יךָ4 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֝קְרָ֗א5 of 7

“for I cry”

H7121

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

כָּל6 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּֽוֹם׃7 of 7

“unto thee daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 86:3 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 86:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 57:1Psalms 88:9Ephesians 6:18Psalms 25:5Psalms 56:1Psalms 4:1

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