Psalms 61:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David calls upon God to listen to his urgent plea.
The Context of Psalms 61:1
David begins a prayer of lament and trust.
What Does Psalms 61:1 Mean?
David opens with the fundamental posture of prayer: crying out in distress and asking God to pay attention. The verbs 'hear' and 'attend' emphasize that God's full awareness and care are needed for the prayer to be answered.
This verse establishes the entire psalm's framework: a person in need addresses God directly, assuming both God's ability to listen and willingness to engage with human struggle and petition.
Psalms 61:1 in the Original Language
shema (שְׁמַע), 'hear' — to listen with attention and responsiveness, fundamental to covenant relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 61:1
What does Psalms 61:1 mean?
David calls upon God to listen to his urgent plea.
What is the context of Psalms 61:1?
David begins a prayer of lament and trust.