Psalms 140:6

Authorized King James Version

I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
I said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֵ֣לִי
Thou art my God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#4
אָ֑תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#5
הַאֲזִ֥ינָה
hear
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
#6
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
ק֣וֹל
the voice
a voice or sound
#8
תַּחֲנוּנָֽי׃
of my supplications
earnest prayer

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection