Psalm 69 13

Psalm 69:13 kjv

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

Psalm 69:13 nkjv

But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation.

Psalm 69:13 niv

But I pray to you, LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.

Psalm 69:13 esv

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.

Psalm 69:13 nlt

But I keep praying to you, LORD,
hoping this time you will show me favor.
In your unfailing love, O God,
answer my prayer with your sure salvation.

Psalm 69 verses

Psalm 69 13 Meaning

Psalm 69:13 is a fervent plea from the psalmist, deeply steeped in personal affliction, yet profoundly rooted in unwavering faith. Despite current suffering, the psalmist expresses a determined and confident prayer directed solely to the LORD, trusting that God's intervention will come at a divinely appointed moment of favor. This plea is not based on the psalmist's merit, but entirely on the immense overflow of God's faithful, covenant love and His reliable character to bring forth salvation. It underscores a complete dependence on God's benevolent nature and His unwavering commitment to His people.

Psalm 69 13 Context

Psalm 69 is a profound lament attributed to David, expressing deep anguish and suffering amidst intense hostility, scorn, and isolation. It is one of the "passion psalms" often recognized for its strong Messianic implications, with several verses quoted or alluded to in the New Testament concerning the suffering of Christ (e.g., His zeal for the temple in Jn 2:17, being given gall and vinegar in Mt 27:34). In verse 13, the psalmist pivots from detailing his immense distress and the mockery he endures, affirming his unwavering commitment to prayer and his reliance on God’s unchanging character for deliverance. This verse acts as a strong affirmation of faith within a narrative of profound trial, demonstrating a turning point from describing tribulation to active trust in divine intervention. Historically, David often faced bitter enemies and accusations, aligning with the psalm's themes of unjust suffering and longing for vindication.

Psalm 69 13 Word analysis

• But as for me (וַאֲנִי, wa'anî): The introductory "but" (waw conjunctive) signals a stark contrast. While others mock or oppose, the psalmist steadfastly turns to God. "As for me" emphasizes a personal, determined resolution and separate commitment in the face of widespread opposition or indifference.
• my prayer (תְפִלָּתִי, tĕpillātî): From the root "palal," meaning to intervene, arbitrate, judge, or supplicate. It denotes a humble yet earnest entreaty or intercession made directly to God.
• is to You, O LORD (לְךָ יְהוָה, lĕkā YHWH): Direct address to the covenant God, "YHWH" (the tetragrammaton). This personal Name signifies God's self-existence, eternal presence, and faithfulness to His covenant promises. It is a deeply personal and trust-filled invocation.
• at an acceptable time (עֵת רָצוֹן, et ratzōn): "Et" means "time," "season." "Ratzōn" signifies "favor," "goodwill," "delight," "acceptance," or "pleasure." This phrase denotes a moment specially appointed by God, when He is uniquely disposed to show favor and hear prayer, not a time earned by human merit. It is a moment of divine grace.
• O God (אֱלֹהִים, 'Elohim): The general plural name for God, emphasizing His power, transcendence, and sovereign authority as Creator and Ruler of all. Its re-introduction after "YHWH" serves to re-emphasize the profound nature of the God being addressed.
• in the abundance of Your steadfast love (בְּרֹב חַסְדֶּךָ, bĕrov ḥasdĕkkā): "Rov" means "multitude" or "abundance." "Ḥesed" is a core Old Testament theological term, denoting God's loyal, unfailing, steadfast, covenantal love, which is rooted in His faithfulness and mercy. It is often translated as "lovingkindness." It speaks of God's benevolent and active commitment to His covenant partners, even when they are undeserving.
• answer me (עֲנֵנִי, anēnî): An imperative command, a direct and urgent plea for God to respond to the suppliant's distress and prayer. It implies not just hearing but an active, salvific response.
• in Your saving faithfulness (בֶּאֱמֶת יִשְׁעֶךָ, be'ĕmet yish'ekā): "Emet" means "truth," "firmness," "reliability," "faithfulness." "Yesha" signifies "salvation," "deliverance," "rescue." The combination emphasizes that God's deliverance is sure and reliable because it flows from His unchanging and truthful character. It highlights God's integrity as the foundation for His saving acts.

• "my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time": This phrase emphasizes the direct, intentional, and exclusive nature of the psalmist's prayer. He is not praying generally, but specifically to the covenant God, YHWH. The timing, "acceptable time," is not left to chance but entrusted to God's divine will and favorable disposition, indicating a profound trust in God's perfect timing and grace.
• "O God, in the abundance of Your steadfast love, answer me": The double address to God (LORD, then God) intensifies the plea, highlighting both His covenant intimacy and His supreme power. The psalmist grounds his appeal entirely on the vastness of God's ḥesed. It's not based on his merit or ritual, but on God's overwhelming, compassionate, and committed character. This emphasizes God's proactive mercy as the basis for answered prayer.
• "answer me in Your saving faithfulness": This links God's responsiveness ("answer me") with two pillars of His character: His deliverance ("saving") and His trustworthiness ("faithfulness"). It assures the psalmist that God’s deliverance will indeed come because He is inherently faithful to His promises and character. God's salvation is true and real, not merely hoped for.

Psalm 69 13 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces the dynamic tension between the immediacy of human suffering and the perfection of divine timing. While the psalmist desires an immediate answer to his cry for "deliverance" (yesha), he tempers this desire with trust in God's et ratzōn, the "acceptable time." This shows mature faith that does not demand but submits, knowing that God's timeline is always ultimately for the good of those who trust in Him. The specific phrasing "abundance of Your steadfast love" (bĕrov ḥasdĕkkā) implies a love that is not merely sufficient but overflowing and boundless, emphasizing that God’s commitment to His people transcends all limitations and provides more than enough reason to anticipate a divine response. The linkage of "faithfulness" (emet) with "salvation" (yesha) creates a robust theological framework: God's deliverance is guaranteed by His very nature.

Psalm 69 13 Commentary

Psalm 69:13 encapsulates the profound faith of a suffering servant who, despite overwhelming distress, anchors his hope entirely in the character of God. The psalmist distinguishes himself from his mockers by steadfastly committing to prayer. His petition is directed not generally, but intimately to YHWH, the God of covenant, and reinforced by the broader title 'Elohim, denoting His omnipotent sovereignty. The key to his request is timing, specifically an "acceptable time"—a divinely appointed moment of favor and grace, not determined by human effort but by divine disposition.

The motivation for God's action is solely His "abundance of steadfast love" (ḥesed) and "saving faithfulness" (emet yish'ekā). This highlights that the basis for answered prayer is never human worthiness, but God’s boundless, unchanging, covenant love and His reliable, truthful character, which is committed to bringing about salvation. The psalmist trusts that because God is faithful and full of ḥesed, He will answer and deliver. This verse provides a powerful model of prayer in suffering, resting on divine character and perfect timing rather than immediate circumstance. It teaches persistent faith, recognizing God's benevolent will and absolute trustworthiness as the ultimate foundation for all hope and deliverance.