Psalms 143:1
Psalms 143:1 in Multiple Translations
O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
Hear my prayer, O Jehovah; give ear to my supplications: In thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
Let my prayer come to you, O Lord; give ear to my requests for your grace; keep faith with me, and give me an answer in your righteousness;
Lord, please hear my prayer. Because you are faithful, please listen to my appeal for mercy. Answer me because you do what is right!
A Psalme of David. Heare my prayer, O Lord, and hearken vnto my supplication: answer me in thy trueth and in thy righteousnes.
A Psalm of David. O Jehovah, hear my prayer, Give ear unto my supplications, In Thy faithfulness answer me — in Thy righteousness.
Hear my prayer, LORD. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.
A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
Blessed be the Lord my God, who teacheth my hands to fight, and my fingers to war.
Yahweh, hear me while I pray to you! Because you are righteous and because you faithfully do what you have promised, listen to what I am pleading that you do for me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 143:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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 143:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִזְמ֗וֹר
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
יְהוָ֤ה
שְׁמַ֬ע
תְּפִלָּתִ֗/י
הַאֲזִ֥ינָ/ה
אֶל
תַּחֲנוּנַ֑/י
בֶּ/אֱמֻנָתְ/ךָ֥
עֲ֝נֵ֗/נִי
בְּ/צִדְקָתֶֽ/ךָ
מִזְמ֗וֹר
mizmôwr
H4210
melody
N-ms
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שְׁמַ֬ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
תְּפִלָּתִ֗/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs | Suff
הַאֲזִ֥ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
תַּחֲנוּנַ֑/י
tachănûwn
H8469
supplication
N-mp | Suff
בֶּ/אֱמֻנָתְ/ךָ֥
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
faithfulness
Prep | N-fs | Suff
עֲ֝נֵ֗/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
בְּ/צִדְקָתֶֽ/ךָ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 143:1
מִזְמ֗וֹר
mizmôwr
H4210
"melody"
N-ms
This word refers to a melody or song, often with instrumental music. In the Bible, it is used to describe a psalm or poem set to notes. The KJV translates it as psalm.
Definition: melody, psalm
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: psalm. See also: Psalms 3:1; Psalms 63:1; Psalms 4:1.
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
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.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שְׁמַ֬ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
תְּפִלָּתִ֗/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
N-fs | Suff
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.
הַאֲזִ֥ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תַּחֲנוּנַ֑/י
tachănûwn
H8469
"supplication"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word describes an earnest or heartfelt prayer, often used to express a deep desire for God's help or favor. It can be a plea to man or God, seeking kindness or mercy. The KJV translates it as intreaty or supplication.
Definition: 1) supplication, supplication for favour 1a) to man 1b) to God
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: intreaty, supplication. See also: 2 Chronicles 6:21; Psalms 143:1; Psalms 28:2.
בֶּ/אֱמֻנָתְ/ךָ֥
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
"faithfulness"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for faithfulness, meaning firmness, security, or fidelity. It describes being steady and trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations of faith, stability, and truth. This concept is essential in the Bible, particularly in relationships and commitments.
Definition: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily. See also: Exodus 17:12; Psalms 89:50; Psalms 33:4.
עֲ֝נֵ֗/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בְּ/צִדְקָתֶֽ/ךָ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 143:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 143:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
- Sermons on Psalms 143:1
Context — I Stretch Out My Hands to You
1O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me.
2Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You. 3For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 71:2 | In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me. |
| 2 | Psalms 31:1 | In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness. |
| 3 | Psalms 140:6 | I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help. |
| 4 | Daniel 9:16 | O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us. |
| 5 | 1 John 1:9 | If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
| 6 | Psalms 89:1–2 | I will sing of the loving devotion of the LORD forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 7:25 | And now, O LORD God, confirm forever the word You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house. Do as You have promised, |
Psalms 143:1 Summary
This verse is a beautiful example of a humble prayer, where the psalmist is asking God to hear and answer their prayer. The psalmist is trusting in God's faithfulness and righteousness, knowing that He will answer in a way that is just and right, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. When we pray, we can have confidence that God will hear and answer us, not because of our own goodness, but because of His goodness and love for us, as seen in John 16:23-24, where Jesus says that whatever we ask in His name, the Father will give us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to pray for God to hear our prayer?
When we ask God to hear our prayer, we are acknowledging that He is the one who gives us the ability to pray and that He is the only one who can truly answer our requests, as seen in Psalms 65:2 where it says God hears the prayer of the righteous.
How does God's faithfulness relate to our prayers?
God's faithfulness is a key aspect of His character, and when we pray, we can trust that He will be faithful to answer us, as promised in Deuteronomy 7:9, which says that God keeps His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
What does it mean to ask God to answer us in His righteousness?
When we ask God to answer us in His righteousness, we are acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours and that His answers may not always be what we expect, but they are always just and right, as seen in Romans 3:21-26 where it talks about God's righteousness being apart from the law.
How can we be confident that God will hear and answer our prayers?
We can be confident that God will hear and answer our prayers because of His faithfulness and righteousness, and also because of the promise in Jeremiah 33:3, which says that if we call to Him, He will answer us and tell us great and unsearchable things we do not know.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's faithfulness in my daily life?
- How do I know if my prayers are being prayed in accordance with God's righteousness?
- In what ways can I show reverence and humility when praying to God, as seen in this verse?
- What are some things that I can pray for, trusting in God's faithfulness and righteousness to answer me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:1
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications,.... With these requests David begins the psalm; for it was to no purpose to pray and were heard; and for which he always appears to be concerned,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:1
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. Psalms 143:1-12 -Introductory prayer (Psalms 143:1-2) for an answer according to God's faithfulness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
Psalms 143 THE This Psalm is much of the same nature with the former, and seems to have been composed much about the same time, and upon the like occasion. This is the last of those which are called penitential Psalms, the former being Psalms 6 Psalms 32 Psalms 38 Psalms 51 Psalms 102 Psalms 130. The psalmist prayeth that God in faithfulness would hear him, and not enter into Judgment with him, ,2; complaineth of his persecuting enemies, ,4; praying also for speedy deliverance; instruction in God’ s ways, and the destruction of his enemies, . Whereby thou art inclined and engaged to favour righteous persons and just causes.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
Psalms 143:1 « A Psalm of David. » Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, [and] in thy righteousness.Ver. 1. Hear my prayer, O Lord] He prayeth once and again for audience; and would have God to hear him with both ears. Thus he prayed (saith the Greek title of this psalm) when his son Absalom was up in arms against him; and it may seem so, by the next words, De fuga ab Absolom (R. Obad. Gaon).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
(1) Faithfulness . . . righteousness.—The first word recalls the covenant promise, the second the faith, expressed so frequently, on which the covenant rested, that the Judge of all the world must do right. St. John founds the appeal for forgiveness on the same pair of Divine qualities (1 John 1:9; comp. Psalms 65:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
PSALM CXLIII The psalmist prays for mercy, and deprecates judgment, 1, 2. His persecutions, 3. His earnest prayer for deliverance, 4-9. Prays for God's quickening Spirit, 10, 11. And for the total discomfiture of his adversaries, 12. NOTES ON PSALM CXLIII The Hebrew and all the Versions attribute this Psalm to David; and the Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic and Arabic state that it was composed on the rebellion of his son Absalom: nor is there any thing in the Psalm that positively disagrees with this inscription. This is the last of the seven Psalms styled penitential. Verse 1. In thy faithfulness answer me] Thou hast promised to support me in my difficulties, and, though my children should forsake me, never to withdraw thy loving-kindness from me. See the present unnatural rebellion of my son.
Lord, undertake for me!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:1
1, 2. An appeal for mercy.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:1
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear ... - See Psalms 4:1, note; Psalms 5:1, note. In thy faithfulness answer me - That is, Show thy faithfulness to thy promises. God had made gracious promises to David (compare Ps.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:1
1. In thy faithfulness… righteousness—The “faithfulness” and “righteousness” are conformity to the system of revealed mercy.
Sermons on Psalms 143:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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When You Pray by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of prayer and the kingdom of God. He begins by sharing a parable from Matthew 18, where Jesus illustrates the concept of forg |
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Great Is Thy Faithfulness by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the journey from despair to hope, emphasizing the importance of shifting our focus from personal struggles to God's faithfulness, mercy, and love. It highlig |
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The Good Way by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of returning to our first love for God. He encourages the congregation to turn off distractions like television and prioritize |
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Prayer, Monolog or Dialog? by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and his encounter with God at the burning bush. Moses had fled to the desert after killing an Egyptian and spent 40 years |
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Prayer Monolog or Dialog by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the importance of having a listening ear in prayer, emphasizing the need to hear God's voice and direction in our lives. It draws insights from Psalms 143, h |
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Whatever Is Not From Faith Is Sin by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 143 as an example of how to approach God with our arguments. The psalmist, David, fills his mouth with arguments, listing his requests |
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How to Argue With God by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 143 as an example of how to approach God with our arguments. The psalmist, David, fills his mouth with arguments, listing his requests |