Psalms 61:2
Psalms 61:2 in Multiple Translations
From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
From the end of the earth will I send up my cry to you, when my heart is overcome: take me to the rock which is over-high for me.
From this distant place, far from home, I cry out to you as my courage fails. Take me to a rock high above me where I will be safe,
From the endes of the earth will I crye vnto thee: when mine heart is opprest, bring me vpon the rocke that is higher then I.
From the end of the land unto Thee I call, In the feebleness of my heart, Into a rock higher than I Thou dost lead me.
From the end of the earth, I will call to you when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
From the end of the earth will I cry to thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Shall not my soul be subject to God? for from him is my salvation.
While I am discouraged and far from my home, I am calling out to you. Lead me to the place that is like a high rock [MET] on top of which I will be safe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 61:2
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 61:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁמְעָ֣/ה
אֱ֭לֹהִים
רִנָּתִ֑/י
הַ֝קְשִׁ֗יבָ/ה
תְּפִלָּתִֽ/י
שִׁמְעָ֣/ה
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
רִנָּתִ֑/י
rinnâh
H7440
cry
N-fs | Suff
הַ֝קְשִׁ֗יבָ/ה
qâshab
H7181
to listen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
תְּפִלָּתִֽ/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 61:2
שִׁמְעָ֣/ה
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
רִנָּתִ֑/י
rinnâh
H7440
"cry"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a loud, ringing cry, often used to express joy, praise, or triumph, as seen in Psalm 100:1 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also be a cry of supplication or entreaty. This word is used to describe a loud, joyful noise.
Definition: 1) ringing cry 1a) of entreaty, supplication 1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. See also: 1 Kings 8:28; Psalms 126:5; Psalms 17:1.
הַ֝קְשִׁ֗יבָ/ה
qâshab
H7181
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
תְּפִלָּתִֽ/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.
Study Notes — Psalms 61:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 61:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 61:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 61:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 61:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 61:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
- Sermons on Psalms 61:2
Context — You Have Heard My Vows
1Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.
2From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. 4Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:2 | The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. |
| 2 | Psalms 139:9–10 | If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. |
| 3 | Psalms 62:6 | He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. |
| 4 | Isaiah 32:2 | Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:29 | But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. |
| 6 | Psalms 62:2 | He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken. |
| 7 | Psalms 18:46 | The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock! And may the God of my salvation be exalted— |
| 8 | Psalms 77:3 | I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 27:5 | For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock. |
| 10 | Psalms 142:3 | Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. |
Psalms 61:2 Summary
[This verse is saying that even when we feel far away from God, we can still call out to Him and He will hear us. When we're feeling weak or overwhelmed, we can ask God to lead us to a place of safety and strength, like a rock that's higher than our problems. This is similar to what David said in Psalms 18:2, where he called God his rock and salvation. We can trust that God will answer our cry for help and lead us to a place of refuge, just like He did for the psalmist in Psalms 61:2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to call out to God from the ends of the earth?
This phrase suggests a sense of distance or feeling far from God, but still being able to reach out to Him in prayer, as seen in Psalms 61:2, and is reminiscent of Jesus' parable about the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, who also felt far from his father but was welcomed back with open arms.
Why does the psalmist ask to be led to a rock that is higher than themselves?
The psalmist is seeking a place of safety and refuge, and the rock represents God's presence and strength, as seen in Psalms 61:2, similar to how God is described as a rock in Psalms 18:2 and Deuteronomy 32:4.
What does it mean for one's heart to be faint?
A faint heart can refer to a sense of emotional or spiritual exhaustion, as seen in Psalms 61:2, and is similar to the feeling of being weary and burdened, which Jesus addresses in Matthew 11:28-30, offering rest to those who come to Him.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing that we can call out to God from anywhere, no matter how we're feeling, and that He is always available to lead us to a place of safety and refuge, as seen in Psalms 61:2 and supported by Jeremiah 33:3, which encourages us to call out to God and He will answer.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt far from God, and how did I reach out to Him?
- How can I cultivate a sense of dependence on God as my rock and refuge, especially in difficult times?
- What are some ways that I can practically 'call out' to God when my heart is faint, such as through prayer or worship?
- How can I trust that God will lead me to a place of safety and refuge, even when I don't see a way out of my current circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 61:2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,.... Where he now was, as is observed on the title, [See comments on Psalms 61:1]: though he was distant from his own house, and from the house of God,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 61:2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. From the end of the earth - remote from the place where, in Jerusalem, God manifests his presence.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
Of the earth; or rather, of the land; to which David was driven by the tyranny of his enemies. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; convey me into some high and secure fortress, which I could not reach without thy succour, and where mine enemies cannot come at me. He alludes to their custom of securing themselves in rocks, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
Psalms 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I.Ver. 2. From the ends of the earth] Or, of the land. In all places men may lift up holy hands, 1 Timothy 2:8 John 4:21, and speed. A desert may be a goodly oratory. Sic dicit respectu arae a qua exulabat longe in bello contra hostes (R. Sol.). When my heart is overwhelmed] Or, covered over, Ut fit in deliquiis et lipothimiis, as is usual in swoons. See a like expression Psalms 102:1 title; Lamentations 3:65, where the word rendered sorrow of heart signifieth such a covering like a shield, such a lid put over the heart, that is suffocated, as in the Cardiaca passio. David’ s harp was not more out of tune than his heart sometimes; he prayeth, and is helped. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I] i.e.
Do for me that I cannot do for myself; set me in safety.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
(2) From the end. of the earth . . .—A hyperbolic expression for a great distance. Isaiah (Isaiah 5:26) uses the expression of Assyria, and it would be natural in an exile’s mouth, but must not be pressed to maintain any theory of the psalm’s date. When my heart is overwhelmed.—Literally, in the covering of my heart, the verb being used (Psalms 65:13) of the valleys covered with corn, and metaphorically, as here, of “the garment of heaviness,” which wraps a sad heart (Psalms 102 title; Isaiah 57:16). (Comp. Tennyson’s “muffled round with woe.”) Lead me to the rock . . .—Literally, upon the rock lead me, which is probably a constructio prægnans for lead me to the rock too high for me to climb by myself, and place me there. The elevated rock is a symbol of security, which cannot be obtained without the Divine help. Others take the expression as figurative for a difficulty which it needs God’s help to surmount.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
Verse 2. From the end of the earth] ארץ arets should be here translated land, not earth, and so it should be in numerous places besides. But here it seems to mean the country beyond the Euphrates; as it is thought to do, Psalms 65:5; Psalms 65:8, called there also the ends of the earth or land. It may be remarked that the Jews were always more pious and devoted to God in their afflictions and captivities, than when in their own land, in ease and affluence. But who can bear prosperity? How many hearts filled with heavenly ardour in affliction and persecution have grown cold under the beams of the sun of prosperity! Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.] Direct me to a place of refuge and safety. It is a metaphorical expression; and Calmet interprets it of the liberty granted to the Jews by Cyrus to return to their own land. This was a privilege far higher than any thing they could expect. The fathers think Jesus Christ is meant by this high rock.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 61:2
2. From the end of the earth] Perhaps, from the end of the land. But Jerusalem, the dwelling-place of God, is for him the centre of the earth. He measures his distance from it not by miles but by the intensity of his yearning to be there, in the place where the visible pledges of God’s Presence were to be found. will I cry] R.V., will I call. is overwhelmed] Or, fainteth (Psalms 142:3). Lead me to the rock that is higher than I] Lead me up upon a rock that is too high for me to reach by my own unaided efforts. ‘Rock’ denotes an asylum to be reached, not an obstacle to be surmounted (Psalms 27:5). God Himself is such a Rock of refuge (Psalms 62:2; Psalms 62:6-7). David’s wanderings may have suggested the metaphor (1 Samuel 24:2; 1 Chronicles 11:15).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 61:2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee - This language is derived from the idea that the earth is one extended plain, and that it has limits or boundaries.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 61:2
2. From the end of the earth—Or, taking àøö, (arets,) “earth,” in the sense of land, that is, the Hebrew territory, as it sometimes signifies, the description would be literally true, for Mahanaim,
Sermons on Psalms 61:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When My Heart Is Overwhelmed by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a family who faced multiple tragedies and hardships. They lost their farms, and later, their grandson was killed in an accident. Des |
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Jehovah's Disobedient Servant by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding forth the Word of God in these critical days. He acknowledges that the world cannot offer lasting peace and securi |
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The Path of a Martyr (Compilation) by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes finding rest and shelter in Jesus, the Rock of Ages, amidst life's storms and struggles. It speaks of the peace and security that comes from hiding in the cl |
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A Rock Higher Than I by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sees and is present with us in our trials and storms. He compares God's watchful eye to a silversmith purging impurities from silve |
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Oh Restore Us Again by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of honest communication with God during times of despair, as reflected in Psalms 60 and 61. He encourages believers to express their feeling |
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Honey Out of the Rock by Thomas Wilcox | Thomas Wilcox preaches about the importance of having the blood of Christ at the root of one's religion, warning against retaining guilt and self-righteousness which can destroy th |
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Johnny, Cling Close to the Rock by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of little Johnny and his sister navigating a perilous tunnel, emphasizing the importance of clinging to the 'Rock of Ages' during life's storms. |