Psalms 31:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to listen and act quickly, describing God as his protective stronghold.
The Context of Psalms 31:2
A direct petition for God's swift deliverance and protection.
What Does Psalms 31:2 Mean?
The plea for God to 'bow down His ear' is an intimate appeal—the speaker addresses God as if speaking to someone very near and attentive. This metaphor emphasizes personal relationship; God is not distant or indifferent. The urgency of 'speedily' conveys the severity of the danger and the speaker's desperate need for intervention.
A rock and house of defence are concrete images of safety and permanence. In a world of uncertainty and threat, the speaker grounds his hope in God as both the source of protection and the place of safety itself. This imagery connects human experience of fear with the reality of God's unchanging character.
Psalms 31:2 in the Original Language
tsur (צוּר), 'rock' — a refuge, shelter, or fortress; suggests both stability and the security found in an elevated, fortified place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 31:2
What does Psalms 31:2 mean?
The psalmist asks God to listen and act quickly, describing God as his protective stronghold.
What is the context of Psalms 31:2?
A direct petition for God's swift deliverance and protection.