Psalm 64 1

Psalm 64:1 kjv

Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Psalm 64:1 nkjv

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Psalm 64:1 niv

For the director of music. A psalm of David. Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

Psalm 64:1 esv

Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy.

Psalm 64:1 nlt

O God, listen to my complaint.
Protect my life from my enemies' threats.

Psalm 64 verses

Psalm 64 1 Meaning

Psalm 64:1 is a direct and fervent prayer of King David, expressing an urgent plea for divine intervention amidst grave danger. He cries out to God to hear his distress call, which he describes as a "complaint," indicating a deeply troubled state of mind and spirit, not merely a minor grievance. The primary request is for God to preserve his life, specifically from the "dread" or terror inflicted by his enemies. This highlights that the psychological impact of the threat, the fear itself, is as dangerous as the physical assault, emphasizing God's role not only as a protector from external harm but also from internal spiritual and emotional distress caused by adversaries.

Psalm 64 1 Context

Psalm 64 is a "Mizmor David" (Psalm of David), placing it within the genre of a personal lament or prayer for deliverance. The specific historical circumstances that prompted this Psalm are not explicitly stated, as is common with many Davidic Psalms. However, given David's life, he constantly faced enemies, whether King Saul's persistent pursuit, the treachery of Absalom, or the surrounding nations plotting against him. This verse introduces a situation where David is under severe threat, experiencing not just external danger but also deep internal "dread" or fear of his adversaries. The psalm as a whole details the wicked plots and malicious words of his enemies, which function as weapons to instill fear and harm. Thus, verse 1 sets the stage for a desperate appeal to God as the only one capable of discerning hidden dangers and providing ultimate salvation.

Psalm 64 1 Word analysis

• Hear: (Hebrew: שְׁמַע - shema) - More than just perceiving sound, this is an urgent imperative asking for God's attentive listening and responsive action. It implies God should not only "hear" but also "heed" and "act upon" the plea. This root shema is central to Hebrew faith, as seen in the "Shema Israel" (Deut 6:4), meaning to hear and obey.
• my voice: (Hebrew: קוֹלִי - qoli) - Signifies a personal, direct, and earnest cry. It highlights the sincerity and intensity of David's appeal, coming from the depths of his being, a vocal manifestation of his distressed heart.
• O God: (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים - Elohim) - This divine name emphasizes God as the supreme, mighty Creator and Ruler, capable of exercising ultimate power and justice. Using Elohim here reinforces the idea that the one being called upon possesses the omnipotence required to answer such a dire request.
• in my complaint: (Hebrew: שִׂיחִי - siyachi) - Refers to a deeply troubled outpouring, a meditative groan, a lament, or a distressed utterance. It's not a casual grumble but a serious, heart-wrenching expression of pain, distress, or persecution. It shows a believer taking their worries directly to God, rather than silently suffering or complaining to others.
• Preserve: (Hebrew: תִּשְׁמֹר - tishmor) - This is a powerful verb meaning to guard, protect, keep, or watch over. It indicates a desire for active divine safeguarding, like a sentinel on watch. It implies continuous, vigilant protection from danger.
• my life: (Hebrew: נַפְשִׁי - nafshi) - Encompasses the whole person, their soul, being, spirit, and very existence. The request is not merely for physical safety but for the preservation of his essence, his vitality, from the corrosive effects of fear and malicious intent.
• from dread: (Hebrew: מֵפַחַד - mefachad) - Literally, "from fear" or "from terror." This word points to a paralyzing, intense psychological apprehension rather than just a physical threat. The enemy seeks to conquer through intimidation and terror, and David recognizes this emotional weapon. He seeks deliverance from the internal devastation caused by fear.
• of the enemy: (Hebrew: אוֹיֵב - oyev) - Refers to an adversary or foe, particularly one who hates and shows hostility. This indicates specific opposition and targeted malice, not just general hardship. The use of the plural implies multiple enemies or a pervasive hostile environment.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• Hear my voice, O God: This phrase establishes the immediate and direct communication with God, demonstrating a profound relationship where the individual can boldly bring their most intimate fears and grievances to the Creator. It is an act of spiritual vulnerability and faith.
• in my complaint; Preserve my life: This links the act of voicing distress with the expectation of divine intervention for preservation. It shows that opening up to God about one's troubles is a pathway to receiving protection and deliverance, implying that true lament is a form of powerful prayer.
• from dread of the enemy: This group highlights the dual nature of the threat: the external foe and the internal fear they inflict. David prays for deliverance not just from the actions of enemies, but also from the psychological grip of terror, acknowledging that fear itself can be a destructive force, eroding faith and capacity to act.

Psalm 64 1 Bonus section

The "dread" mentioned in this verse is not merely an emotional state but is presented almost as an entity or a weapon in itself wielded by the enemy. This understanding connects to the biblical concept of spiritual warfare, where tactics can extend beyond physical confrontation to psychological and spiritual assaults, designed to erode faith and trust in God. Voicing the complaint to Elohim—the all-sufficient God—is an act of active resistance against such terror. This highlights the transformative power of genuine, lamenting prayer: it moves the believer from a state of internal turmoil to an embrace of God's protecting presence, counteracting the enemy's intention to instill fear and paralyze.

Psalm 64 1 Commentary

Psalm 64:1 opens with a heartfelt plea for God to pay active attention to the psalmist's deep distress, described as a "complaint." This isn't trivial grumbling but a solemn pouring out of the soul in deep anguish, reflecting the raw, authentic prayer life of the believer. The core request is for divine preservation, particularly from the crippling "dread" induced by enemies. This demonstrates profound insight: the adversary's aim is not just physical harm, but to instill terror that paralyzes faith and hope. By crying out to Elohim, the all-powerful God, David asserts God's sovereignty over his foes and their psychological tactics. The verse thus champions a bold, immediate, and honest reliance on God in moments of severe anxiety and perceived imminent danger, seeking refuge from both external threats and internal despair.

• Example: When overwhelming anxiety or panic grips someone due to a challenging circumstance, this verse can serve as a template. Instead of allowing fear to consume them, they can "hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; Preserve my life from dread of the enemy," openly presenting their fear and seeking God's guarding presence over their mental and spiritual well-being.
• Example: Facing malicious gossip or slander that aims to destroy reputation and cause emotional distress, one can voice their "complaint" to God, trusting Him to preserve their soul from the resulting "dread."