Psalms 20:9
Psalms 20:9 in Multiple Translations
O LORD, save the king. Answer us on the day we call.
Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
Save, Jehovah: Let the King answer us when we call.
Come to our help, Lord: let the king give ear to our cry.
May the Lord save the king! Please answer us when we call for help!
Saue Lord: let the King heare vs in the day that we call.
O Jehovah, save the king, He doth answer us in the day we call!
Save, LORD! Let the King answer us when we call!
Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
Let thy hand be found by all thy enemies: let thy right hand find out all them that hate thee.
Yahweh, enable me, your king, to defeat our enemies! Answer us when we call out to you to help us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 20:9
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 20:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֭מָּה
כָּרְע֣וּ
וְ/נָפָ֑לוּ
וַ/אֲנַ֥חְנוּ
קַּ֝֗מְנוּ
וַ/נִּתְעוֹדָֽד
הֵ֭מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
כָּרְע֣וּ
kâraʻ
H3766
to bow
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/נָפָ֑לוּ
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
וַ/אֲנַ֥חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Conj | Pron
קַּ֝֗מְנוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
וַ/נִּתְעוֹדָֽד
ʻûwd
H5749
to uphold
Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 20:9
הֵ֭מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
כָּרְע֣וּ
kâraʻ
H3766
"to bow"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To bow means to bend your knee or sink down in reverence, like when you pray or worship. In Genesis 24:52 and Exodus 4:31, people bow down to show respect and humility. It is a sign of surrender and submission.
Definition: 1) to bend, kneel, bow, bow down, sink down to one's knees, kneel down to rest (of animals), kneel in reverence 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bow 1a2) to bow down, crouch 1a3) to bow down over 1a4) to tilt, lean 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to bow
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bow (down, self), bring down (low), cast down, couch, fall, feeble, kneeling, sink, smite (stoop) down, subdue, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 49:9; Esther 3:5; Psalms 17:13.
וְ/נָפָ֑לוּ
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
וַ/אֲנַ֥חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Conj | Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
קַּ֝֗מְנוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וַ/נִּתְעוֹדָֽד
ʻûwd
H5749
"to uphold"
Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-1cp
To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.
Definition: 1) to return, repeat, go about, do again 1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round 1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve 1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: admonish, charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record, relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning, (bear, call to, give, take to) witness. See also: Genesis 43:3; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 20:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 20:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 20:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 20:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 20:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 20:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 20:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
- Sermons on Psalms 20:9
Context — The Day of Trouble
7Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
9O LORD, save the king. Answer us on the day we call.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 5:2 | Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray. |
| 2 | Psalms 44:4 | You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. |
| 3 | Matthew 21:15 | But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” |
| 4 | Psalms 74:12 | Yet God is my King from ancient times, working salvation on the earth. |
| 5 | Psalms 118:25–26 | O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. |
| 6 | Psalms 17:6 | I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words. |
| 7 | Psalms 24:7 | Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! |
| 8 | Matthew 21:9 | The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” |
| 9 | Psalms 2:6–10 | “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession. You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. |
| 10 | Psalms 3:7 | Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. |
Psalms 20:9 Summary
[This verse is a prayer asking God to save and protect the king, and to answer the people's prayers when they call on Him. It shows that the people trust in God's power and presence, rather than in human strength or resources (Psalms 20:7-8). By calling on the Lord, the people are seeking His salvation and protection, just like we can do in our own lives when we pray and trust in Him (Jeremiah 33:3).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the king being referred to in Psalms 20:9?
The king in this verse is likely the King of Israel, as the psalm is a prayer for the king's safety and success, similar to the prayers found in 1 Samuel 10:24 and 2 Samuel 15:35-37
What does it mean to 'call' on the Lord in this verse?
To call on the Lord means to pray to Him and ask for His help, as seen in Psalms 50:15 and Jeremiah 33:3, which emphasizes the importance of prayer in times of need
How does this verse relate to the idea of trust in God?
This verse shows that trusting in God involves calling on Him for help and salvation, as opposed to relying on human strength or resources, as highlighted in Psalms 20:7-8 and Proverbs 3:5-6
What is the significance of the Lord 'answering' the people's call?
The Lord answering the people's call signifies His presence and intervention in their lives, providing them with salvation and protection, as promised in Isaiah 65:24 and Matthew 7:7-8
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'call' on the Lord in my own life, and how can I trust that He will answer me?
- How does this verse encourage me to prioritize prayer and seeking God's help in times of need?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's name, rather than in human strength or resources, to my own life and challenges?
- What does it mean to 'save' the king, and how can I apply this concept to my own need for salvation and protection?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 20:9
Save, Lord,.... Not "the king", as the Septuagint, Ethiopic, and Arabic versions read the words, joining the word "king" to them, which is in the next clause; but this, as Aben Ezra observes, is not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 20:9
Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call. Save, Lord. The renewed prayer has relation to Psalms 20:6, "the Lord saveth;" "Save Lord," Psalms 20:9; "he will hear him," Psalms 20:6; "let the king hear us," Psalms 20:9.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
Either, 1. David. So the sense is, O Lord, preserve and assist the king, that when we are distressed and cry to him for help, he may be able and ready to help us. Or, 2. God, the supreme Monarch, the King of kings, and in a peculiar manner the King of Israel, hear and answer us, when we pray for our king and people. And for the change of persons in this verse, nothing is more common. Or, 3. Christ, called the King both in the Old and New Testament. But this verse is by divers learned men rendered thus, Lord, save the king; he (i.e. the Lord) will hear us (or, let him hear us; for the future tense is oft put imperatively) when we cry or call upon him. And this version is very agreeable to the Hebrew text.
For whereas the only ground of the other translation is, that the Hebrew accent called athnach is put under the word save, which is supposed to stop the sense there, it is sufficiently evident that athnach doth not always make such a distinction in these poetical books, as appears from 17:10 19:4 22:31, and therefore this may seem to be the better version.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
Psalms 20:9 Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.Ver. 9. Save, Lord] A short but pithy prayer: Quam multa quam paucis. Let the king hear us] They beg of God that the king may hear them, so as to govern and defend them in equity and tranquillity; or, Respondent Rex (so Aben Ezra rendereth it), Let the king say Amen to our prayers to thee and our requests to him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
(9) Save Lord . . .—The Authorised Version follows the accentuation of the Masoretic text, but spoils the rhythm, and interrupts the sense. The LXX. and Vulg., followed by all modern commentators, dividing the verse differently render, “Jehovah, save the king,” whence our National Anthem. Jehovah thus becomes the subject of the verb hear in the last clause. “May He hear us in the day of our calling.” The change from second to third person is characteristic of the Hebrew manner of conquering emotion, and allowing the close of a poem to die away in calm and subdued language. (Comp. Psalms 110:7.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
Verse 9. Save, Lord] This verse was spoken by all the congregation, and was the chorus and conclusion of the piece. The verse may be read, Lord, save the king! He will hear as in the day of our calling. The Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic, Arabic, Anglo-Saxon, read the verse thus: Lord, save the king! and hear us whensoever we shall call upon thee. The Syriac reads differently: The Lord will save us: and our king will hear us in the day in which we shall call upon him. This refers all to GOD: while the others refer the latter clause to DAVID. Lord, save David; and David will save us. "If thou preservest him, he will be thy minister for good to us." This appears to be the easiest sense of the place, and harmonizes with all the rest. ANALYSIS OF THE TWENTIETH PSALM This Psalm is a form of prayer delivered by David to the people, to be used by them for the king, when he went out to battle against his enemies.
In this Psalm there are the following parts: - I. A benediction of the people for their king, Psalms 20:1-4. II. A congratulation or triumph of the people after the victory, supposed to be already obtained, Psalms 20:5-8. III. A petition, Psalms 20:9. I. The benediction directed to David's person. The particulars; that he may have, 1. Audience in his necessity: "The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble." 2.
Protection: "The name of the God of Jacob defend thee," Psalms 20:1. 3. Help and strength in battle: "Send thee help-strengthen thee;" which is amplified, 1. By the place: "Help from the sanctuary;" 2. "Strength out of Zion." 4. Acceptance of his person; testified by the acceptance of his offerings and sacrifices, Psalms 20:3. 5. Answers to his petitions: "Grant thee according to thy own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel," Psalms 20:4; which is plainly set down in the next verse: "The Lord fulfil all thy petitions," Psalms 20:5. This benediction being ended, they persuade themselves that the prayer of it shall be granted, because it will redound to God's glory; and they will be thankful, and honour him for the victory. 1. "We will rejoice in thy salvation." Or Do this, "that we may rejoice." 2. "In the name of our God will we set up our banners." We will enter the city joyfully, with displayed banners, which we still erect as trophies to the honour of God. II.
Now follow the congratulation and triumph of their faith: for they give thanks as for a victory already obtained; as to their faith it was certain. Before they prayed for audience and protection: here they testify they are certain and secure of both. 1. Of protection: "Now know I that the Lord will save," c. 2. Of audience: "He will hear from his holy heaven." 3. Of help: "With the saving strength of his right hand," Psalms 20:6. The certainty they had of this victory proceeded solely from their confidence in God.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 20:9
9. Concluding prayer of the people. The rendering of A.V. and R.V. follows the punctuation of the Massoretic text. The prayer for the earthly king is addressed to the heavenly King whose representative he is. But Jehovah is not elsewhere styled absolutely the King (Psalms 145:1 and Isaiah 6:5 are not complete parallels); and the verse appears to correspond to Psalms 20:6. It seems best to follow the LXX and Vulg. in reading O Lord, save the king; and answer us &c. The rendering of the Vulg. Domine salvum fac regem is the origin of the familiar God save the king. See note on 1 Samuel 10:24. The P.B.V., Save Lord, and hear us, O King of heaven, when we call upon thee, is a free combination of the Heb. and Vulg.
(LXX).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 20:9
Save, Lord - “Yahweh, save.” This is still an earnest prayer. Confident as they are of success and triumph, yet they do not forget their dependence on God; they do not forget that victory must come from his hand.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 20:9
9. Save, Lord—By a slight change in the punctuation of the Hebrew text, placing the Athnach after king instead of “save,” the verse would read:—O Jehovah, save the king, He will answer in the day of
Sermons on Psalms 20:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Worship and Lord's Table - Part 6 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon delivered by Lord Sarvant, the message focuses on the importance of examining ourselves and searching our hearts as we begin a new year. The Lord's table, symbolized |
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Psalm 44 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the Church facing deep trouble but finding strength in faith by remembering God's past mercies before lamenting present sufferings. Confidence in God is pr |
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Claim Victory by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about claiming victory in the name of God, emphasizing that all foes to our growth in grace and enemies in our Christian work were conquered by Jesus. He |
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(Basics) 27. Praise Drives Satan Out by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the lack of excitement and joy among Christians in praising God. He highlights the power of praise in silencing the enemy and opening doors |
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Characteristics of Pharisees by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the characteristics of Pharisees, highlighting their legalistic nature, hypocrisy, hardness of heart, and inability to appreciate true worship. It emphasize |
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(Matthew) ch.20:1-21:22 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the laborers in the vineyard from Matthew 20. He highlights the different groups of laborers and their motivations for working |
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Evangelising the Men and Women of Tomorrow - Today by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching out to people and persuading them to come to Christ. He encourages the congregation to have a passion for the sou |