Psalms 17:6

Authorized King James Version

PDF

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.

Original Language Analysis

אֲנִֽי H589
אֲנִֽי
Strong's: H589
Word #: 1 of 10
i
קְרָאתִ֣יךָ I have called H7121
קְרָאתִ֣יךָ I have called
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 2 of 10
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
כִֽי H3588
כִֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַעֲנֵ֣נִי upon thee for thou wilt hear H6030
תַעֲנֵ֣נִי upon thee for thou wilt hear
Strong's: H6030
Word #: 4 of 10
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,
אֵ֑ל me O God H410
אֵ֑ל me O God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 5 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
הַֽט incline H5186
הַֽט incline
Strong's: H5186
Word #: 6 of 10
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
אָזְנְךָ֥ thine ear H241
אָזְנְךָ֥ thine ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 7 of 10
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
לִ֝֗י H9001
לִ֝֗י
Strong's: H9001
Word #: 8 of 10
שְׁמַ֣ע unto me and hear H8085
שְׁמַ֣ע unto me and hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 9 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אִמְרָתִֽי׃ my speech H565
אִמְרָתִֽי׃ my speech
Strong's: H565
Word #: 10 of 10
an utterance

Analysis & Commentary

David's confidence in prayer—'I call upon You, for You will answer me'—demonstrates assurance grounded in God's character. The request to 'incline Your ear' uses intimate language suggesting attentive listening. This anticipates Jesus' teaching on persistent prayer (Luke 18:1-8) and John's assurance that God hears His children (1 John 5:14-15). Reformed theology grounds prayer confidence in God's covenant faithfulness.

Historical Context

Written during persecution when prayer was David's primary recourse. Ancient Near Eastern petitions often used similar language requesting a superior's attention.

Questions for Reflection