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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 102:17 He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/102-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/19_Psa_102_017.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 102:17 - The Prayer of the Afflicted" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer." /><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/102-17.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/102-17.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/102.htm">Chapter 102</a> > Verse 17</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="/ad17.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/102-16.htm" title="Psalm 102:16">◄</a> Psalm 102:17 <a href="/psalms/102-18.htm" title="Psalm 102:18">►</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/102.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/102.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/102.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/102.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/102.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/102.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/102.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, And shall not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/102.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He has turned His attention to the prayer of the destitute And has not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/102.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He has regarded the prayer of the destitute And has not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/102.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He has regarded the prayer of the destitute, And has not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/102.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He has turned toward the prayer of the destitute And has not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/102.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He has regarded the prayer of the destitute, And has not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/102.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/102.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their prayer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/102.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He hath regarded the prayer of the destitute, And hath not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/102.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and the prayers of the homeless will be answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/102.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He hath regarded the prayer of the destitute, and hath not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/102.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He will turn his attention to the prayers of those who have been abandoned. He will not despise their prayers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/102.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He will hear his forsaken people and listen to their prayer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/102.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He will turn to the prayer of the destitute, not despising their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/102.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/102.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />when he responds to the prayer of the destitute, and does not reject their request. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/102.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He has responded to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/102.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/102.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He has responded to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/102.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He turned to the prayer of the destitute, "" And He has not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/102.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He turned unto the prayer of the destitute, And He hath not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/102.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He looked upon the prayer of the helpless, and he despised not their prayer.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/102.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He hath had regard to the prayer of the humble: and he hath not despised their petition. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/102.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 101:18>He has noticed of the prayer of the humble, and he has not despised their petition.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/102.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Heeding the plea of the lowly, not scorning their prayer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/102.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/102.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/102.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he turns to the prayer of the poor and does not despise their prayer.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/102.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When He hath regarded the prayer of the destitute, And hath not despised their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/102.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He has had regard to the prayer of the lowly, and has not despised their petition.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/102-17.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=12575" 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/102.htm">The Prayer of the Afflicted</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>For the LORD will rebuild Zion; He has appeared in His glory. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: pā·nāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">He will turn</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">toward</a> <a href="/hebrew/8605.htm" title="8605: tə·p̄il·laṯ (N-fsc) -- Prayer. From palal; intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn.">the prayer</a> <a href="/hebrew/6199.htm" title="6199: hā·‘ar·‘ār (Art:: N-ms) -- Stripped, destitute. From arar; naked, i.e. poor.">of the destitute;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">He will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/959.htm" title="959: ḇā·zāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To despise. A primitive root; to disesteem.">despise</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8605.htm" title="8605: tə·p̄il·lā·ṯām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Prayer. From palal; intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn.">their prayer.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Let this be written for the generation to come, so that a people not yet created may praise the LORD.…<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="/isaiah/65-24.htm">Isaiah 65:24</a></span><br />Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a></span><br />and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-19.htm">Isaiah 30:19</a></span><br />O people in Zion who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious when you cry for help; when He hears, He will answer you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-12.htm">Jeremiah 29:12-13</a></span><br />Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</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. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a></span><br />And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-17.htm">Psalm 34:17</a></span><br />The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-9.htm">Isaiah 58:9</a></span><br />Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-10</a></span><br />So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-13.htm">John 14:13-14</a></span><br />And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-19.htm">Psalm 145:19</a></span><br />He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.<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="/romans/10-12.htm">Romans 10:12-13</a></span><br />For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, / for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”<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="/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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.</p><p class="hdg">he will</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/9-18.htm">Psalm 9:18</a></b></br> For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall <i>not</i> perish for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Psalm 72:12</a></b></br> For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and <i>him</i> that hath no helper.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-29.htm">Deuteronomy 4:29</a></b></br> But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find <i>him</i>, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.</p><p class="hdg">not despise</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-24.htm">Psalm 22:24</a></b></br> For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/74-10.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/psalms/74-18.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Destitute</a> <a href="/psalms/102-2.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/psalms/86-1.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/102-1.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/95-10.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">Request</a> <a href="/job/20-2.htm">Respond</a> <a href="/job/26-1.htm">Responded</a> <a href="/psalms/101-3.htm">Side</a> <a href="/psalms/86-6.htm">Supplication</a> <a href="/psalms/99-9.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/119-163.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/psalms/106-24.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/psalms/141-8.htm">Destitute</a> <a href="/psalms/106-25.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/119-154.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/psalms/107-36.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/106-30.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/119-6.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/106-44.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/psalms/105-40.htm">Request</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Respond</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-23.htm">Responded</a> <a href="/psalms/118-6.htm">Side</a> <a href="/psalms/116-1.htm">Supplication</a> <a href="/psalms/105-4.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 102</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/102-1.htm">The prophet in his prayer makes a grievous complaint.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/102-12.htm">He takes comfort in the eternity, and mercy of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/102-18.htm">The mercies of God are to be recorded</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/102-23.htm">He sustains his weakness by the unchangeableness of God.</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/102.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/102.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes God's attentiveness to those in desperate need. The term "destitute" refers to individuals who are impoverished or in a state of great need, often marginalized in society. Biblically, God’s concern for the poor and needy is a recurring theme (<a href="/psalms/34-6.htm">Psalm 34:6</a>, <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Isaiah 41:17</a>). The act of turning toward implies a deliberate action by God, indicating His willingness to listen and respond. This reflects the character of God as compassionate and merciful, aligning with His nature as described in <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a>. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who in the New Testament is depicted as one who ministers to the poor and brokenhearted (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>). Historically, the psalmist may have been writing during a time of national distress, possibly during the Babylonian exile, when the people of Israel felt abandoned and destitute. This phrase reassures them of God's continued presence and willingness to hear their cries.<p><b>He will not despise their prayer.</b><br>The assurance that God will not despise the prayer of the destitute highlights His acceptance and value of sincere supplication, regardless of the social or economic status of the petitioner. In biblical context, despising prayer would imply a rejection or disregard, which is contrary to God’s nature as depicted throughout Scripture. This is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of humility in prayer (<a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a>). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed significant value on social status, yet this phrase underscores that God’s kingdom operates on different principles, where the humble and contrite are honored (<a href="/isaiah/66-2.htm">Isaiah 66:2</a>). This also connects to the prophetic vision of a future where God’s justice and mercy are fully realized, as seen in the eschatological promises of <a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a>, where God wipes away every tear. The phrase reassures believers of all times that God is near to those who call on Him in truth (<a href="/psalms/145-18.htm">Psalm 145:18</a>).<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/102.htm">Psalm 102</a>, traditionally believed to be David or another figure experiencing deep distress, who cries out to God for help and deliverance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_destitute.htm">The Destitute</a></b><br>Refers to those who are in a state of extreme poverty or need, both materially and spiritually, who seek God's intervention.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure who hears and responds to the prayers of the destitute, demonstrating His compassion and faithfulness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a></b><br>While not mentioned directly in this verse, the broader context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/102.htm">Psalm 102</a> includes a focus on Zion, symbolizing God's presence and the hope of restoration for His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_prayer.htm">The Event of Prayer</a></b><br>The act of the destitute reaching out to God in their time of need, highlighting the importance of prayer as a means of communication with the divine.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_compassionate_nature.htm">God's Compassionate Nature</a></b><br>God is attentive to the prayers of those in need. His compassion is not limited by human status or condition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>Prayer is a powerful tool for believers, especially in times of distress. It is a direct line to God, who promises to listen and respond.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_the_needy.htm">Encouragement for the Needy</a></b><br>Those who feel destitute or abandoned can find hope in God's promise to hear and not despise their prayers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_timing.htm">Faith in God's Timing</a></b><br>Trust in God's perfect timing and wisdom in responding to our prayers, even when immediate answers are not evident.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to support and pray for one another, especially for those who are struggling or in need.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_102.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 102</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_102_claim_divine_help.htm">How can the author of Psalm 102 claim divine intervention in his personal plight, given the lack of archeological evidence confirming such events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_youversion_bible_app.htm">How can I become more humble?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_jesus_both_god_and_man.htm">What defines a true worshiper?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_joseph_imprisoned_in_egypt.htm">What are the seven Penitential Psalms?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/102.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">The destitute.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">the naked one. </span>Here the exiled people, <span class= "ital">stripped </span>of home and religious rites. The word is only found once more, in <a href="/jeremiah/17-6.htm" title="For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good comes; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.">Jeremiah 17:6</a> (comp. <a href="/jeremiah/48-6.htm" title="Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness.">Jeremiah 48:6</a> for a kindred form), where it is translated "heath," and in Arabic it is to this day the name of a stunted bush that grows in Palestine.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/102.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer;</span> rather, <span class="accented">he hath regarded</span>... <span class="accented">and hath not despised</span> (see the Revised Version). The word translated "destitute" is elsewhere (<a href="/jeremiah/17-6.htm">Jeremiah 17:6</a>) only used as the name of a shrub - probably the dwarf juniper, still so called by the Arabs. The dwarf juniper has "a gloomy stunted appearance" (Tristram), and well symbolizes the Israel of the Captivity period, dry and withered, like a wretched desert shrub. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/102-17.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">He will turn</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּ֭נָה</span> <span class="translit">(pā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, to face, appear, look</span><br /><br /><span class="word">toward</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 prayer</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּפִלַּ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(tə·p̄il·laṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8605.htm">Strong's 8605: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intercession, supplication, a hymn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the destitute;</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעַרְעָ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ar·‘ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6199.htm">Strong's 6199: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stripped, destitute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He will not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">despise</span><br /><span class="heb">בָ֝זָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·zāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_959.htm">Strong's 959: </a> </span><span class="str2">To disesteem</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their prayer.</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּפִלָּתָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(tə·p̄il·lā·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8605.htm">Strong's 8605: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intercession, supplication, a hymn</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/102-17.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 102:17 He has responded to the prayer (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/102-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 102:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 102:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/102-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 102:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 102:18" /></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>