Psalms 66:19

Authorized King James Version

But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָ֭כֵן

H403

But verily

firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but

שָׁמַ֣ע

H8085

hath heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הִ֝קְשִׁ֗יב

H7181

me he hath attended

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

בְּק֣וֹל

H6963

to the voice

a voice or sound

תְּפִלָּתִֽי׃

H8605

of my prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?