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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 120:1 In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/120-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/19_Psa_120_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 120:1 - In My Distress I Cried to the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/120-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/120-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/120.htm">Chapter 120</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/119-176.htm" title="Psalm 119:176">◄</a> Psalm 120:1 <a href="/psalms/120-2.htm" title="Psalm 120:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/120.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/120.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A song of ascents. I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/120.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/120.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/120.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/120.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/120.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, And He heard me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/120.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. I cried to the LORD in my trouble, And He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/120.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. In my trouble I cried to the LORD, And He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/120.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />In my trouble I cried to the LORD, And He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/120.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. In my distress I called to Yahweh, And He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/120.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. In my trouble I cried to the LORD, And He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/120.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/120.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/120.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. In my distress I cried unto Jehovah, And he answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/120.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When I am in trouble, I pray, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/120.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/120.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[A song for going up to worship.] When I was in trouble, I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/120.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD, and he answered me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/120.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I cried to the LORD in my distress, and he responded to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/120.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/120.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. In my distress I cried out to the LORD and he answered me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/120.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[A Song of Ascents.] In my distress, I cried to the LORD. He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/120.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and he heard me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/120.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. He answered me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/120.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A SONG OF THE ASCENTS. I have called to YHWH in my distress, "" And He answers me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/120.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A Song of the Ascents. Unto Jehovah in my distress I have called, And He answereth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/120.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Song of ascensions. I called to Jehovah in straits to me, and he will answer me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/120.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/120.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 119:1>A Canticle in steps. When troubled, I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/120.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. The LORD answered me when I called in my distress: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/120.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />In my distress I cry to the LORD, that he may answer me:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/120.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />IN my distress I cried to the LORD, and he heard me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/120.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />To LORD JEHOVAH in my suffering I cried, and he answered me!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/120.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. In my distress I called unto the LORD, And He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/120.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A Song of Degrees. In mine affliction I cried to the Lord, and he hearkened to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/120-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=16000" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/120.htm">In My Distress I Cried to the LORD</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: šîr (N-msc) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">A song</a> <a href="/hebrew/4609.htm" title="4609: ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- Feminine of ma'aleh; elevation, i.e. The act, or the condition; specifically a climactic progression.">of ascents.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6869.htm" title="6869: baṣ·ṣā·rā·ṯāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs:: 3fs) -- Tightness, a female rival. Feminine of tsar; tightness; transitively, a female rival."> In my distress</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qā·rā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">I cried</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘ă·nê·nî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To answer, respond.">and He answered me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-6.htm">Psalm 18:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a></span><br />I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-5.htm">Psalm 118:5</a></span><br />In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-7.htm">2 Samuel 22:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-55.htm">Lamentations 3:55-56</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-7.htm">Psalm 86:7</a></span><br />In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/142-1.htm">Psalm 142:1-2</a></span><br />A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. / I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Jeremiah 33:3</a></span><br />Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a></span><br />For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-13.htm">James 5:13</a></span><br />Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-13.htm">Romans 10:13</a></span><br />for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">In my distress I cried to the LORD, and he heard me.</p><p class="hdg">Title - A Song of Degrees.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/121-1.htm">Psalm 121:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/122-1.htm">Psalm 122:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/123-1.htm">Psalm 123:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.</p><p class="hdg">my distress</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-6.htm">Psalm 18:6</a></b></br> 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, <i>even</i> into his ears.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/30-7.htm">Psalm 30:7,8</a></b></br> LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, <i>and</i> I was troubled… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-15.htm">Psalm 50:15</a></b></br> And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/99-6.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Ascents</a> <a href="/psalms/119-147.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/psalms/119-169.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-11.htm">Degrees</a> <a href="/psalms/119-143.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/psalms/118-21.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/119-170.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/psalms/134-1.htm">Up&Gt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/psalms/120-7.htm">Ascents</a> <a href="/psalms/130-1.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/psalms/126-2.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/psalms/121-1.htm">Degrees</a> <a href="/psalms/138-7.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/psalms/132-6.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/120-7.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/136-23.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/psalms/121-1.htm">Up&Gt</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 120</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/120-1.htm">David prays against Doeg</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/120-3.htm">Reproves his tongue</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/120-5.htm">Complains of his necessary conversation with the wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/120.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/120.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A song of ascents.</b><br>This phrase indicates that <a href="/psalms/120.htm">Psalm 120</a> is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The term "ascents" reflects both the physical journey to the elevated city of Jerusalem and a spiritual ascent towards God. The pilgrimage symbolizes the believer's journey towards spiritual maturity and deeper communion with God. Historically, these songs were likely used during the Second Temple period, and their themes often reflect the challenges and hopes of the returning exiles.<p><b>In my distress</b><br>The psalmist begins by acknowledging a state of distress, a common theme in the Psalms where the writer often finds themselves in trouble or facing adversaries. This distress could be personal, communal, or national, reflecting the struggles of the Israelites throughout their history, such as oppression by foreign nations or internal strife. The term "distress" evokes the broader biblical narrative of God's people crying out for deliverance, reminiscent of the Israelites' cries in Egypt (<a href="/exodus/3-7.htm">Exodus 3:7</a>).<p><b>I cried to the LORD,</b><br>The act of crying out to the LORD signifies a deep, earnest prayer, a reliance on God as the ultimate source of help and deliverance. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is seen as a protector and deliverer. The psalmist's cry is an act of faith, trusting in God's willingness and ability to respond. This phrase connects to other biblical instances where individuals or the nation cry out to God, such as Hannah's prayer for a child (<a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10</a>) or the Israelites' plea for deliverance from their enemies (<a href="/judges/3-9.htm">Judges 3:9</a>).<p><b>and He answered me.</b><br>The assurance that God answers prayer is a central tenet of faith, demonstrating His faithfulness and responsiveness to His people. This response is not always immediate or in the expected manner, but it is certain. The phrase underscores the personal relationship between the psalmist and God, highlighting God's attentiveness and care. This assurance is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Jeremiah 33:3</a>, where God promises to answer those who call on Him. It also prefigures the New Testament promise of answered prayer through Jesus Christ (<a href="/john/14-13.htm">John 14:13-14</a>), who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/120.htm">Psalm 120</a>, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses personal distress and reliance on God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and relationship with His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/distress.htm">Distress</a></b><br>The situation or condition of suffering or trouble that prompts the psalmist to cry out to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_distress.htm">The Reality of Distress</a></b><br>Distress is a common human experience, and the Bible acknowledges it as part of life. Believers should not be surprised by it but see it as an opportunity to turn to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>The psalmist's response to distress is to cry out to the LORD. This teaches us the importance of prayer as a first response, not a last resort.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_answering.htm">God's Faithfulness in Answering</a></b><br>The assurance that God answers prayer is a central theme. Believers can trust that God hears and responds, even if the answer is not immediate or as expected.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_seek_god.htm">Encouragement to Seek God</a></b><br>This verse encourages believers to seek God earnestly in times of trouble, knowing that He is attentive to their cries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/building_a_relationship_with_god.htm">Building a Relationship with God</a></b><br>Regular communication with God through prayer strengthens our relationship with Him and builds our faith in His faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_120.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 120</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_we_verify_god_answered_psalm_120_1.htm">Psalm 120:1 – How can we verify historically or scientifically that God literally “answered” the psalmist’s call? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_stress.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer on stress?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jonah_pray_inside_the_fish.htm">How did Jonah compose and recite his detailed prayer while trapped inside a fish? (Jonah 2:2, 9) </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_cry_'out_of_the_depths'_in_psalm_130_1.htm">If God is truly omnipresent, why must the psalmist cry 'out of the depths' in Psalm 130:1 to be heard?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/120.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me</span>. The particular "distress' intended can only be conjectured. Some suppose it to be the Captivity itself, others the opposition offered by the Samaritans, Ammonites, and others to the rebuilding of the temple (<a href="/ezra/4.htm">Ezra 4, 5</a>.) and restoration of the wails of Jerusalem (<a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Nehemiah 2:19, 20</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Nehemiah 4:1-23</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/6-2.htm">Nehemiah 6:2-14</a>). But these guesses are scarcely of much value. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/120-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A Song</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֗יר</span> <span class="translit">(šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ascents.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּ֫עֲל֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4609.htm">Strong's 4609: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elevation, the act, the condition, a climactic progression</span><br /><br /><span class="word">In my distress</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּצָּרָ֣תָה</span> <span class="translit">(baṣ·ṣā·rā·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6869.htm">Strong's 6869: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tightness, a female rival</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I cried</span><br /><span class="heb">קָ֝רָ֗אתִי</span> <span class="translit">(qā·rā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֭הוָה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and He answered me.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעֲנֵֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·nê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/120-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 120:1 A Song of Ascents (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/119-176.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 119:176"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 119:176" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/120-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 120:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 120:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>