Psalms 17:6
Psalms 17:6 in Multiple Translations
I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt answer me, O God: Incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
My cry has gone up to you, for you will give me an answer, O God: let your ear be turned to me, and give attention to my words.
God, I call out to you because I know you will answer; please listen carefully to what I have to say.
I haue called vpon thee: surely thou wilt heare me, O God: incline thine eare to me, and hearken vnto my wordes.
I — I called Thee, for Thou dost answer me, O God, incline Thine ear to me, hear my speech.
I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech.
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thy ear to me, and hear my speech.
The sorrows of hell encompassed me: and the snares of death prevented me.
O God, I pray to you because you answer me; please listen [MTY] to what I am saying.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 17:6
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 17:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲנִֽי
קְרָאתִ֣י/ךָ
כִֽי
תַעֲנֵ֣/נִי
אֵ֑ל
הַֽט
אָזְנְ/ךָ֥
לִ֝֗/י
שְׁמַ֣ע
אִמְרָתִֽ/י
אֲנִֽי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
קְרָאתִ֣י/ךָ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תַעֲנֵ֣/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
הַֽט
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אָזְנְ/ךָ֥
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
לִ֝֗/י
Prep | Suff
שְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אִמְרָתִֽ/י
ʼimrâh
H565
word
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 17:6
אֲנִֽי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
קְרָאתִ֣י/ךָ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תַעֲנֵ֣/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
הַֽט
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אָזְנְ/ךָ֥
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
לִ֝֗/י
""
Prep | Suff
שְׁמַ֣ע
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.
אִמְרָתִֽ/י
ʼimrâh
H565
"word"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a threat or warning, often from God. It appears in the context of judgement or punishment. The KJV translates it as commandment, speech, or word.
Definition: 1) utterance, speech, word 1a) word of God (command and promise)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: commandment, speech, word. See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 119:116; Psalms 12:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 17:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 17:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
- Sermons on Psalms 17:6
Context — Hear My Righteous Plea
4As for the deeds of men— by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped.
6I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.
7Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes. 8Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wingsCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 116:2 | Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. |
| 2 | Psalms 86:7 | In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me. |
| 3 | Psalms 88:2 | May my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. |
| 4 | Psalms 66:19–20 | But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld from me His loving devotion! |
| 5 | Psalms 55:16 | But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. |
| 6 | Isaiah 37:17 | Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to all the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. |
| 7 | Daniel 9:17–19 | So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your name.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 37:20 | And now, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God. ” |
| 9 | Psalms 13:3–4 | Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall. |
Psalms 17:6 Summary
This verse is about having confidence in God's love and care for us. The psalmist is saying, 'I know You'll answer me, God, so I'm calling out to You.' It's like a child calling out to a parent, knowing they'll listen and help. We can have this same confidence when we pray, knowing that God is a loving Father who wants to hear from us, as seen in Matthew 7:7-8 and Luke 11:9-13. By trusting in God's faithfulness, we can come to Him with our needs and concerns, knowing He will listen and respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist express confidence that God will answer his call?
The psalmist trusts in God's faithfulness, knowing that He is a God who hears and responds to the prayers of His people, as seen in Psalms 34:15 and Psalms 145:18.
What does it mean to 'incline Your ear' to someone?
This phrase is a humble request for God to lean in and carefully listen to the psalmist's words, much like a parent would to a child, as seen in Psalms 31:2 and Proverbs 2:2.
How can we apply the principle of calling on God with confidence, as seen in this verse?
We can call on God with confidence, just like the psalmist, by trusting in His character and promises, as expressed in Jeremiah 33:3 and Romans 8:28.
What role does faith play in the psalmist's ability to call on God with confidence?
The psalmist's faith is rooted in his understanding of God's nature and promises, as seen in Hebrews 11:6, which says that without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's faithfulness, just like the psalmist?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of confidence in my prayers, knowing that God hears and responds to me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to call on God, trusting that He will answer me?
- How can I practice 'incling my ear' to God, listening carefully to His voice and guidance in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:6
I have called upon thee,.... In prayer. This had been the constant practice of the psalmist, and he still continued in it; for thou wilt hear me, O God; God is a God hearing prayer; he is used to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:6
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. I have called upon thee (and now call again), for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
I have called upon thee; it hath been, and still is, and shall be my constant course to apply myself to thee for assistance and for deliverance. For thou wilt hear me, O God; for though thou mayst delay for a season, I am well assured that thou wilt hear and answer me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
Psalms 17:6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, [and hear] my speech.Ver. 6. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me] q.d. Thou wast always wont to hear me, and therefore I presume thou wilt. Experience breeds confidence. Incline thine ear] See how he reinforceth his former request; as if he would wring the blessing out of God’ s hands by a holy violence, and take no denial.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
(6) I—is emphatic, “As for me, I,” &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
Verse 6. Incline thine ear unto me] David prayed from a conviction that God would hear: but he could not be satisfied unless he received an answer. In a believer's mind the petition and the answer should not be separated.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:6
6–9. After protesting his integrity he resumes his prayer.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:6
I have called upon thee for thou wilt hear me, O God - The meaning of this is, “I have called on thee heretofore, and will do it still, because I am certain that thou wilt hear me.” That is, he was
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:6
6. Having laid open his inmost thoughts, and protested his innocence before God, the psalmist now resumes his prayer.
Sermons on Psalms 17:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Will Veil Myself in You by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the need for those who have backslidden or grown cold in their faith to return to God. It highlights the importance of basing our faith on God's character an |
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Psalm 3 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to the Lord in times of need. He shares a personal testimony of a doctor who was also a minister and how he expe |
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How the Turning Point Came by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and not erecting barriers between oneself and others. They highlight the need to love unconditionally, regardless of w |
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Fearfulness in the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of faith and trust in God's plan. He uses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges to illustrate this point. Gideon was called |
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God's People Will Never Be Ashamed in the Time of Calamity by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity, highlighting the need to commit to God's promises and believe in His ability to work mir |
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Prayer in a Surrounded City by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 55 focuses on the power of prayer in a surrounded city, emphasizing the importance of kindness and love towards those who oppose us. It highlights the need |
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I Will Call Upon God by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 55 emphasizes the importance of calling upon God in times of trouble and oppression. It highlights the need for believers to rely on God's strength, joy, an |