Psalms 27:7
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמַע
Hear
H8085
שְׁמַע
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶקְרָ֗א
when I cry
H7121
אֶקְרָ֗א
when I cry
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
4 of 6
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Psalms 5:2Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.Psalms 13:3Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;Psalms 4:1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
Historical Context
Israel's covenant included promises that God would hear their cries (Ex. 3:7). This assurance sustained prayer through generations. God's hearing didn't depend on merit but on His covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God 'hears when you cry' encourage persistent prayer?
- What does crying for 'mercy' teach about the basis of answered prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The cry 'Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me' combines petition for audience, compassion, and response. 'Hear' asks for divine attention; 'have mercy' asks for compassion; 'answer me' asks for action. Reformed theology emphasizes that prayer is covenant communication—God has bound Himself to hear His people's cries. We don't earn His hearing through eloquence but through relationship. The plea for mercy acknowledges we deserve nothing, yet God graciously responds.