Psalms 116:2
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִטָּ֣ה
Because he hath inclined
H5186
הִטָּ֣ה
Because he hath inclined
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
2 of 6
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
אָזְנ֣וֹ
his ear
H241
אָזְנ֣וֹ
his ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
3 of 6
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
Cross References
Psalms 40:1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.Psalms 31:2Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.Colossians 4:2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;Psalms 88:1O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:Job 27:10Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?
Historical Context
Psalm 116 belongs to the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), recited at Passover. Jewish tradition associates it with Israel's deliverance from Egypt, though the personal testimony suggests individual authorship based on personal crisis (vv. 3-4 describe near-death experience). The psalm became Christian liturgy, particularly for Eucharist and funerals, as the church recognized Christ's death and resurrection in 'the sorrows of death compassed me' (v. 3) and God's deliverance. Verse 15, 'Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints,' became a beloved funeral text.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific experiences of answered prayer have established your confidence in God's continued faithfulness?
- How can past deliverances fuel present faith when facing new crises that feel overwhelming?
- What is the relationship between God's initiative (inclining His ear) and your response (calling upon Him)?
Analysis & Commentary
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. This verse establishes the psalmist's permanent commitment to prayer based on experienced divine attentiveness. The phrase inclined his ear (hittah ozno, הִטָּה אָזְנוֹ) uses physical imagery—God bending down to hear—suggesting both divine condescension and careful attention. Though God needs no physical posture to hear, the anthropomorphism communicates personal, caring responsiveness.
The causal because...therefore links experience and commitment. Past answered prayer creates confidence for future prayer. The Hebrew ki (כִּי, because) introduces the reason for perpetual devotion. God's proven faithfulness generates lifelong trust.
Therefore will I call upon him as long as I live (literally 'in my days,' beyamai, בְּיָמָי). This isn't temporary gratitude but permanent posture. Each answered prayer doesn't graduate us beyond prayer but deepens prayer dependence. The psalmist's logic is profoundly Christian: because God has proven faithful, I will trust Him continually. This anticipates Jesus's teaching on persistent prayer (Luke 18:1-8) and Paul's command to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17).