Psalm 119 147

Psalm 119:147 kjv

I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

Psalm 119:147 nkjv

I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word.

Psalm 119:147 niv

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119:147 esv

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.

Psalm 119:147 nlt

I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 147 Meaning

Psalm 119:147 portrays a devout heart that demonstrates profound discipline, urgent dependence, and patient hope in God's revealed will. The psalmist expresses an eager, anticipatory pursuit of God in prayer before the day fully begins, combining fervent intercession with a quiet, confident expectation rooted in God's promises and directives. This verse reveals a life lived in intentional communion with the Divine, prioritizing spiritual seeking above all else and finding solace and strength solely in God's words.

Psalm 119 147 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm, an acrostic poem of 176 verses divided into 22 sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each verse within a section begins with that Hebrew letter, and the central theme throughout is the supreme value, power, and perfection of God's Word (Law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, ways, decrees, promises). The psalmist frequently declares his love for the Torah, meditates on it, obeys it, and seeks strength and deliverance through it amidst affliction and opposition.

Verse 147 belongs to the 'Qoph' section (verses 145-152), which often speaks of calling out to God, seeking Him wholeheartedly, and recognizing the closeness of His word and His righteous judgments. The psalmist expresses deep anguish and the urgency of his plea ("cry for help"), which aligns with the overall context of Psalm 119 where the author faces many troubles, often at the hands of proud and ungodly people who disregard God's law. In this personal distress, his unwavering trust is in God's dependable promises as the sole source of hope and solution. The cultural context would be one where early morning prayer and devotion were esteemed as a discipline for those earnestly seeking God and meditating on His instruction.

Psalm 119 147 Word analysis

• I rise before dawn: (Hebrew: Qadamti bannesheph - קִדַּמְתִּי בַנֶּשֶׁף)

  • Qadamti (קִדַּמְתִּי): From the root qadam (קדם), meaning "to anticipate," "to go before," "to precede," or "to meet." This word suggests intentionality, eagerness, and active seeking, not merely waking up accidentally early. It highlights a deliberate effort to get ahead of the day's distractions to spend time with God.
  • Bannesheph (בַנֶּשֶׁף): "Before the dawn," or literally "in the twilight," which can refer to either dusk or dawn. In this context, it unequivocally means "before the light of day" or "early morning twilight." This specifies the time, emphasizing a discipline of rising early to engage in spiritual matters. It contrasts with waiting until later in the day, showcasing the priority placed on seeking God.
  • Significance: This phrase points to intense devotion and discipline. The psalmist is not passive but actively pursues God, setting aside the quietest, purest part of the day for spiritual communion before the demands of the world begin.

• and cry for help: (Hebrew: Wa'eshawwe'a - וָאֲשַׁוֵּעַ)

  • Wa'eshawwe'a (וָאֲשַׁוֵּעַ): From the root shaw'a (שוע), meaning "to cry out," "to shout for help," "to appeal." It denotes a loud, urgent, and earnest plea, often implying distress, a desperate situation, or a sense of urgency. It is not a casual or faint prayer, but a deeply felt, strong expression of need.
  • Significance: This illustrates the psalmist's deep dependency on God. The "cry for help" indicates a recognition of personal weakness and an urgent need for divine intervention, likely in the context of the afflictions and adversaries mentioned elsewhere in Psalm 119. It reflects an immediate, pressing petition born of trial or intense desire.

• I wait for Your words: (Hebrew: Liyshelekhta - לִיהוֹל לְאִמְרָתֶךָ)

  • Yaḥal (יחל - from which liyshelekhta derives): This root means "to wait," "to hope," "to expect," "to be patient." It carries a connotation of patient, yet expectant, longing for God's action or revelation. It implies trust and perseverance despite delays or unseen outcomes.
  • 'Imratekha (אִמְרָתֶךָ): "Your words," "Your utterance," "Your promise." The word imrah often refers to a specific, divine promise or decree, a spoken revelation from God. It's not just general instruction but something God has explicitly stated or pledged.
  • Significance: This part anchors the fervent prayer in God's promises. The psalmist is not crying out aimlessly but with a clear focus on God's established truth and pledges. His hope is solid because it rests upon the unwavering, reliable words of God. This implies active meditation on and trust in what God has said, recognizing that answers and guidance come from His revealed will.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "I rise before dawn and cry for help": This pairing demonstrates fervent spiritual discipline before the start of the typical day, linked with a profound, urgent sense of need. It highlights intentional effort and dependence. The proactive seeking precedes the desperate call, suggesting a heart already attuned to God, which then expresses its deep need.
  • "I wait for Your words": This clause provides the why and the what of the prayer. The earnest seeking and urgent crying are directed towards a specific end: waiting patiently for God's promises or His guiding words to be manifested or revealed. It shifts from intense activity (rising, crying) to hopeful stillness and expectation. This balance reflects a matured faith – active pursuit combined with patient reliance. It means the psalmist is not just seeking a solution, but specifically God's solution as revealed in His word.

Psalm 119 147 Bonus section

The disciplined rising before dawn can be understood not just as a physical act but as a spiritual attitude: prioritizing God above all else, even rest and personal comfort. It speaks to a heart that considers time with God's Word and in prayer as more essential than immediate earthly concerns. The very singular Hebrew word 'imrateka for "Your word" (as opposed to plural forms like davarim or torot) often emphasizes a specific, weighty divine utterance or a particular promise, adding precision to the psalmist's hopeful expectation. It reinforces that the psalmist is not merely seeking vague comfort but concrete guidance and fulfillment from God's established truth. This verse also implicitly contrasts with those who seek human wisdom, counsel, or quick fixes; the psalmist's singular hope is rooted in the eternal and perfect Word of God.

Psalm 119 147 Commentary

Psalm 119:147 vividly portrays a life passionately devoted to God and His Word. The act of "rising before dawn" speaks of an extraordinary level of spiritual discipline and prioritization. It signifies a desire to meet with God before the day's distractions set in, offering the "firstfruits" of time and energy to Him. This intentional act reflects a hungry soul eager to commune with its Creator. The "cry for help" indicates an urgent and deeply felt need, a profound dependence on divine intervention. It’s not a polite request but an impassioned appeal born from life’s trials and tribulations. Yet, this urgency is not chaotic; it is anchored in hope. The psalmist's focus on "Your words" (God's promises, His revealed truth) provides stability. It shows that his hope is not wishful thinking, but a firm trust in the unchanging and powerful utterances of God. This verse teaches us to cultivate a disciplined life of prayer, driven by a recognition of our deep need, and grounded in an unwavering, patient expectation of God's faithful response according to His divine Word.

Examples for practical usage:

• A student waking up early to pray and read the Bible before a difficult exam, trusting God's wisdom and guidance.
• Someone facing severe financial hardship crying out to God, then meditating on promises like Philippians 4:19, waiting for His provision.
• A missionary facing overwhelming opposition earnestly praying at dawn, clinging to God's assurances of presence and power in the task.