Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.

◄ Psalm 18:6 ►

New International Version
In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

New Living Translation
But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

English Standard Version
In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Berean Standard Bible
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.

King James Bible
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

New King James Version
In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.

New American Standard Bible
In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.

NASB 1995
In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.

NASB 1977
In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.

Legacy Standard Bible
In my distress I called upon Yahweh, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.

Amplified Bible
In my distress [when I seemed surrounded] I called upon the LORD And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry for help came before Him, into His very ears.

Christian Standard Bible
I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.

American Standard Version
In my distress I called upon Jehovah, And cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of his temple, And my cry before him came into his ears.

Contemporary English Version
I was in terrible trouble when I called out to you, but from your temple you heard me and answered my prayer.

English Revised Version
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry before him came into his ears.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I called on the LORD in my distress. I cried to my God for help. He heard my voice from his temple, and my cry for help reached his ears.

Good News Translation
In my trouble I called to the LORD; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.

International Standard Version
In my distress I cried to the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his Temple he heard my voice; my cry reached his ears.

Majority Standard Bible
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.

NET Bible
In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried out to my God. From his heavenly temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.

New Heart English Bible
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry before him came into his ears.

Webster's Bible Translation
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

World English Bible
In my distress I called on Yahweh, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
In my adversity I call YHWH, "" And I cry to my God. He hears my voice from His temple, "" And My cry comes into His ears before Him.

Young's Literal Translation
In mine adversity I call Jehovah, And unto my God I cry. He heareth from His temple my voice, And My cry before Him cometh into His ears.

Smith's Literal Translation
In my straits I will call upon Jehovah, and to my God will I cry: he will hear my voice from his temple, and my cry will come before him into his ears.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
In my affliction I called upon the Lord, and I cried to my God: And he heard my voice from his holy temple: and my cry before him came into his ears.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In my tribulation, I called upon the Lord, and I cried out to my God. And he listened to my voice from his holy temple. And my cry in his presence entered into his ears.

New American Bible
In my distress I called out: LORD! I cried out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry to him reached his ears.

New Revised Standard Version
In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God; he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In my suffering I cried to LORD JEHOVAH, and I cried to my God, and he heard my voice from his temple, and my shout came before him and entered his ears.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried unto my God; Out of His temple He heard my voice, And my cry came before Him unto His ears.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when I was afflicted I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: he heard my voice out of this holy temple, and my cry shall enter before him, even into his ears.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD is My Rock
…5The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 6In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. 7Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 22:7
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.

Jonah 2:2
saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice.

Psalm 120:1
A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.

Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.

Psalm 116:1-2
I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice—my appeal for mercy. / Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.

Psalm 3:4
To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah

Psalm 50:15
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”

Psalm 55:16-17
But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. / Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.

Psalm 91:15
When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.

Psalm 145:18-19
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. / He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Lamentations 3:55-57
I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the depths of the Pit. / You heard my plea: “Do not ignore my cry for relief.” / You drew near when I called on You; You said, “Do not be afraid.”

Exodus 3:7
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.

1 Kings 8:28
Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today.

Isaiah 65:24
Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.

Treasury of Scripture

In my distress I called on the LORD, and cried to my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

distress

Psalm 18:3,4
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies…

Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalm 130:1,2
A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD…

heard

Psalm 5:7
But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Psalm 27:4,5
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple…

my cry

Exodus 2:23
And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

1 Kings 8:27-30
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? …

2 Chronicles 30:27
Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.

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Psalm 18

1. David praises God for his manifold and marvelous blessings

Berean Study Bible

In my distress
The phrase "In my distress" captures the emotional and spiritual turmoil that the psalmist, David, is experiencing. The Hebrew word for "distress" is "tsarah," which conveys a sense of tightness or being in a narrow place. This imagery suggests a situation where David feels trapped or overwhelmed by his circumstances. Historically, David faced numerous adversities, including being pursued by King Saul and dealing with internal family strife. This phrase sets the stage for a heartfelt cry to God, emphasizing the human condition of vulnerability and the need for divine intervention.

I called upon the LORD
The act of calling upon the LORD signifies a deliberate and conscious decision to seek God's help. The Hebrew word "qara" means to call out, proclaim, or summon. This reflects a deep trust and reliance on God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of deliverance. In the context of ancient Israel, calling upon the LORD was an act of faith, recognizing His covenant relationship with His people. It underscores the importance of prayer and communication with God, especially during times of trouble.

I cried to my God for help
The repetition of seeking God, first by calling and then by crying, emphasizes the intensity and urgency of David's plea. The Hebrew word "shava" for "cried" suggests a loud, fervent cry for assistance. This expression of desperation highlights the personal relationship David has with God, referring to Him as "my God." It reflects a personal and intimate connection, where David feels confident in approaching God with his needs. This phrase encourages believers to approach God with sincerity and passion, trusting in His willingness to listen and respond.

From His temple
The mention of "His temple" refers to the heavenly dwelling place of God, as the physical temple in Jerusalem had not yet been built during David's time. The Hebrew word "heykal" can mean a palace or sanctuary, indicating a place of divine presence and authority. This phrase reassures believers that God is sovereign and attentive from His holy abode. It serves as a reminder of God's majesty and His ability to oversee and intervene in the affairs of humanity from His exalted position.

He heard my voice
The assurance that "He heard my voice" is a testament to God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the prayers of His people. The Hebrew word "shama" means to hear, listen, or obey, suggesting not just passive hearing but active engagement. This phrase provides comfort and encouragement, affirming that God is not distant or indifferent but is intimately involved in the lives of those who seek Him. It reinforces the belief that God is a personal and relational deity who values communication with His followers.

And my cry for His help reached His ears
The imagery of a cry reaching God's ears emphasizes the effectiveness and reach of sincere prayer. The Hebrew word "za'aq" for "cry" conveys a sense of a loud call for aid, while "ozen" for "ears" symbolizes God's readiness to listen. This phrase assures believers that their prayers are not in vain; they penetrate the heavenly realm and capture God's attention. It serves as a powerful reminder of the efficacy of prayer and God's compassionate nature, encouraging believers to persist in prayer with confidence that God hears and will act according to His will.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Out Of his temple.--Rather, Place--plainly, as in Psalm 11:4; Psalm 29:9, the heavenly abode of Jehovah.

My cry.--In Samuel only, "my cry in his ears."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God. At this supreme moment, when he is entangled in the snares, and on the point of being slain, the psalmist represents himself as invoking the aid of the Almighty. As HengstenBerg notes, "While the manifold distresses are united in the beginning of the verse into one great 'distress,' so the manifold Divine hearings and helps are united into a single grand hearing and help" - and, we may add, the manifold cries into one great cry. He heard my voice out of his temple; i.e. his tabernacle, since the temple was not yet built (comp. Psalm 5:7; Psalm 11:4); or perhaps, "out of heaven "(Cheyne). And my cry came before him, even into his ears (comp. Exodus 2:23, where the same word is used for the "cry" of the children of Israel in Egypt).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

In my distress
בַּצַּר־ (baṣ·ṣar-)
Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6862: Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent

I called
אֶֽקְרָ֣א (’eq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

upon
לִ֤י ׀ (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

the LORD
יְהוָה֮ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and I cried to
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

my God
אֱלֹהַ֪י (’ĕ·lō·hay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

for help.
אֲשַׁ֫וֵּ֥עַ (’ă·šaw·wê·a‘)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7768: To be free, to halloo

From His temple
מֵהֵיכָל֣וֹ (mê·hê·ḵā·lōw)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1964: A large public building, palace, temple

He heard
יִשְׁמַ֣ע (yiš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

my voice,
קוֹלִ֑י (qō·w·lî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

and my cry for His help
וְ֝שַׁוְעָתִ֗י (wə·šaw·‘ā·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7775: A cry for help

reached
תָּב֬וֹא (tā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

His ears.
בְאָזְנָֽיו׃ (ḇə·’ā·zə·nāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

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OT Poetry: Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called on Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)