Psalms 86:1

Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַטֵּֽה

H5186

Bow down

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אָזְנְךָ֣

H241

thine ear

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

עֲנֵ֑נִי

H6030

hear

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,

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָנִ֖י

H6041

me for I am poor

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וְאֶבְי֣וֹן

H34

and needy

destitute

אָֽנִי׃

H589

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?