Psalms 142:1
Psalms 142:1 in Multiple Translations
I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy.
I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
I cry with my voice unto Jehovah; With my voice unto Jehovah do I make supplication.
The sound of my cry went up to the Lord; with my voice I made my prayer for grace to the Lord.
I call out to the Lord for help; pleading with the Lord for mercy.
A Psalme of David, to give instruction, and a prayer, when he was in the cave. I cryed vnto the Lord with my voyce: with my voyce I prayed vnto the Lord.
An Instruction of David, a Prayer when he is in the cave. My voice [is] unto Jehovah, I cry, My voice [is] unto Jehovah, I entreat grace.
I cry with my voice to the LORD. With my voice, I ask the LORD for mercy.
Maschil of David; a prayer when he was in the cave. I cried to the LORD with my voice; with my voice to the LORD I made my supplication.
Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth: hear me in thy justice.
Yahweh, I cry out to you; I plead with you to help me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 142:1
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 142:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
לְ/דָוִ֑ד
בִּ/הְיוֹת֖/וֹ
בַ/מְּעָרָ֣ה
תְפִלָּֽה
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
maskîyl
H4905
Maskil
N-ms
לְ/דָוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
בִּ/הְיוֹת֖/וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בַ/מְּעָרָ֣ה
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
cave
Prep | N-fs
תְפִלָּֽה
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 142:1
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
maskîyl
H4905
"Maskil"
N-ms
Maskil refers to a type of poem or song that teaches a lesson. It's used in the Psalms to describe instructive songs, like Psalm 32. These poems aim to educate and inspire.
Definition: (Hiphil) poem, song or poem of contemplation
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Maschil. See also: Psalms 32:1; Psalms 54:1; Psalms 42:1.
לְ/דָוִ֑ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בִּ/הְיוֹת֖/וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בַ/מְּעָרָ֣ה
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
"cave"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
תְפִלָּֽה
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 142:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 142:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 142:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 142:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 142:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 142:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
- Sermons on Psalms 142:1
Context — I Lift My Voice to the LORD
1I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy.
2I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. 3Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 30:8 | To You, O LORD, I called, and I begged my Lord for mercy: |
| 2 | Psalms 57:1 | Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. |
| 3 | Psalms 141:1 | I call upon You, O LORD; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 24:3 | Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave. |
| 5 | Psalms 77:1–2 | I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me. In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 4:10 | And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez. |
| 7 | Psalms 32:1 | Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. |
| 8 | Psalms 28:2 | Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. |
| 9 | Psalms 54:1 | Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might! |
| 10 | Hebrews 11:38 | The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. |
Psalms 142:1 Summary
[This verse means that when we're struggling, we can cry out to God for help and mercy. It's like calling out to a friend who can rescue us, as it says in Psalm 107:28 to cry out to Him in trouble and He will deliver us. We can be honest with God about how we're feeling and what we need, and trust that He will hear us and respond with love and care, just like it says in Matthew 7:7-8 to ask and it will be given to us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to cry aloud to the Lord?
Crying aloud to the Lord means to pray with urgency and sincerity, calling out to God for help in times of need, as seen in Psalms 142:1 and also in Jeremiah 33:3 where it says to call to Him and He will answer.
Why does the Psalmist lift his voice to the Lord for mercy?
The Psalmist lifts his voice to the Lord for mercy because he recognizes his need for God's compassion and forgiveness, as expressed in Psalms 51:1 which says to have mercy on us according to God's lovingkindness.
How can I apply this verse to my own life when I'm facing difficulties?
You can apply this verse by being honest with God about your struggles and asking for His mercy, just as the Psalmist does, and trust in His goodness as mentioned in Romans 8:28.
Is crying out to God in desperation a sign of weakness?
No, crying out to God in desperation is a sign of humility and recognition of our dependence on Him, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:10 where Paul says that when we are weak, He is strong.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to cry out to God for mercy and help?
- How can I balance being honest about my struggles with trusting in God's sovereignty?
- What does it mean to me that God is a God of mercy and compassion, and how can I experience that in my life?
- In what ways can I lift my voice to the Lord in prayer, and what are some things I can pray about?
- How can I remember that God is always with me, even when I feel alone or overwhelmed?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 142:1
I cried unto the Lord with my voice,.... With the voice of his soul, in the language of his mind, mentally, as Moses and Hannah cried unto the Lord when no voice was heard, or articulate sounds
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 142:1
I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
Psalms 142 Either that of Adullam, 1 Samuel 22, or that of En-gedi, 1 Samuel 24. There he meditated this Psalm, which afterwards he more accurately composed and committed to writing. David, finding help no where in his straits and afflictions, , crieth and comforteth himself in prayer to God, ,7. With my voice; either, 1. With the voice of my soul. But so this addition would be superfluous, and much more the repetition of it, because that is necessarily implied in the former word, I cried, and in the following, I make my supplication. Or rather, 2. With my corporeal voice, which the fervour of my soul forced me to use, when I could not do it without some danger, the enemy being at the mouth of the cave. And so this addition is emphatical, and therefore is repeated. But it is probable that David spoke with a low voice; and that he might do so without very great danger, is manifest from that discourse which passed between David and his men, even when Saul was entered into the cave, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
Psalms 142:1 « Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. » I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.When he was in the cave] sc. Of Engedi, 1 Samuel 24:1 Loquitur in spelunca, sed prophetat in Christo, saith Hilary. Ver. 1. I cried unto the Lord with my voice] sc. Of my heart, and more with my mind than mouth; for if he had been heard, he had been taken up by the enemy. Thus Moses cried, but uttered nothing, Exodus 14:15, Egit vocis silentio, ut corde clamaret (Aug.). Thus Christ cried, Hebrews 5:7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
(1) I cried . . .—See Psalms 3:4, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
PSALM CXLII The psalmist, in great distress and difficulty, calls upon God, 1-7. NOTES ON PSALM CXLII The title says, "An Instruction of David," or a Psalm of David giving instruction; "A Prayer when he was in the cave." David was twice in great peril in caves. 1. At the cave of Adullam, when he fled from Achish, king of Gath, 1 Samuel 22:1. 2. When he was in the cave of En-gedi, where he had taken refuge from the pursuit of Saul; and the latter, without knowing that David was in it, had gone into it on some necessary occasion, 1 Samuel 24:1-3. If the inscription can be depended on, the cave of En-gedi is the most likely of the two, for the scene laid here. But were there doubts concerning the legitimacy of the title, I should refer the Psalm to the state of the captives in Babylon, to which a great part of the Psalms refer. Bishop Horsley calls it "A Prayer of the Messiah taken and deserted." It may be so: but where is the evidence, except in the conjectural system of Origen. Verse 1. I cried unto the Lord] See on the first verse of the preceding Psalm.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 142:1
1, 2. The Psalmist’s resolve to seek relief by laying his distress before Jehovah.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 142:1
I cried unto the Lord with my voice - See the notes at Psalms 3:4, where the language is the same. He uttered a loud and audible prayer, though he was alone. It was not a mental ejaculation, but he gave expression to his desires.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 142:1
1. I cried—I made an outcry. The repetitions denote intensity. With my voice, shows that it was not a figure for inward fervour, but a vocal, earnest call. Supplication—Literally, I made my earnest cry for mercy.
Sermons on Psalms 142:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Bring My Soul Out of Prison by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of breaking out of the prisons of isolation, cultural barriers, and personal insecurities to experience deep fellowship and unity in the body |
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Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall | This sermon focuses on the powerful message of total forgiveness as exemplified by the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of bittern |
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A Plea for Relief Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of prayer and pouring out one's heart to God. He encourages believers to be honest and open with the Lord, sharing thei |
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Push Back the Darkness by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'Push Back the Darkness' emphasizes the urgent need to stand against the prevailing darkness and lawlessness in society, calling for a spiritual awakening and a p |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 35 Psalm 142 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 142, emphasizing David's desperate prayer while hiding in the cave of Adullam from King Saul. He highlights how David cried out to the Lord, expressin |
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Commentary on Psalm 136-150 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith delivers a profound commentary on Psalms 136-150, emphasizing the enduring mercy of God as a central theme throughout the psalms. He highlights the importance of gratit |
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Psalm 142 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the Psalmist's unwavering trust in God amidst troubles, emphasizing the importance of seeking refuge in God alone and pouring out our hearts before Him. He |