CINXE.COM

<!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 116:1 I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice--my appeal for mercy.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/116-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/19_Psa_116_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 116:1 - The LORD Has Heard My Voice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice--my appeal for mercy." /><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/116-1.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/116-1.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/116.htm">Chapter 116</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/115-18.htm" title="Psalm 115:18">◄</a> Psalm 116:1 <a href="/psalms/116-2.htm" title="Psalm 116:2">►</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/116.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/116.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/116.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/116.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/116.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice—my appeal for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/116.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice <i>and</i> my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/116.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice <i>and</i> my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/116.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because He hears My voice <i>and</i> my pleas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/116.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/116.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I Love the LORD, because He hears My voice <i>and</i> my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/116.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I love Yahweh, because He hears My voice <i>and</i> my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/116.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because He hears [and continues to hear] My voice and my supplications (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/116.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD because he has heard my appeal for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/116.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD because He has heard my appeal for mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/116.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I love Jehovah, because he heareth My voice and my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/116.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I love you, LORD! You answered my prayers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/116.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I LOVE the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/116.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I love the LORD because he hears my voice, my pleas for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/116.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because he hears me; he listens to my prayers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/116.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I love the LORD because he has heard my prayer for mercy; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/116.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice?my appeal for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/116.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD because he heard my plea for mercy, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/116.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/116.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/116.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I love Yahweh, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/116.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I have loved, because YHWH hears My voice, my supplication,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/116.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have loved, because Jehovah heareth My voice, my supplication,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/116.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I Loved, for Jehovah will hear the voice of my supplication.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/116.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/116.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 114:1>Alleluia. I have loved: therefore, the Lord will heed the voice of my prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/116.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I love the LORD, who listened to my voice in supplication, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/116.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/116.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I LOVE the LORD, because he will hear the voice of my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/116.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have loved LORD JEHOVAH who will hear the voice of my prayer.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/116.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I love that the LORD should hear My voice and my supplications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/116.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Alleluia. I am well pleased, because the Lord will hearken to the voice of my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/116-1.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=14627" 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/116.htm">The LORD Has Heard My Voice</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ā·haḇ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">I love</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/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">He has heard</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/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·w·lî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">my voice—</a> <a href="/hebrew/8469.htm" title="8469: ta·ḥă·nū·nāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Supplication for favor. Or tachanuwnah; from chanan; earnest prayer.">my appeal for mercy.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.…<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/18-1.htm">Psalm 18:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love You, O LORD, my strength. / The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. / I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Psalm 40:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. / He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. / He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4-6</a></span><br />I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. / Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed. / This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-19.htm">Psalm 66:19-20</a></span><br />But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. / Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld from me His loving devotion!<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="/psalms/145-18.htm">Psalm 145:18-19</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/6-8.htm">Psalm 6:8-9</a></span><br />Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping. / The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-22.htm">Psalm 31:22</a></span><br />In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">Psalm 56:9</a></span><br />Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-15.htm">Psalm 91:15</a></span><br />When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-5.htm">Isaiah 38:5</a></span><br />“Go and tell Hezekiah that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.<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="/1_samuel/1-27.htm">1 Samuel 1:27</a></span><br />I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him,<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 3:55-57</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.” / You drew near when I called on You; You said, “Do not be afraid.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="hdg">love</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-1.htm">Psalm 18:1-5</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>A Psalm</i> of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day <i>that</i> the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-132.htm">Psalm 119:132</a></b></br> Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/12-33.htm">Mark 12:33</a></b></br> And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love <i>his</i> neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.</p><p class="hdg">because</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/31-22.htm">Psalm 31:22,23</a></b></br> For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/34-3.htm">Psalm 34:3,4</a></b></br> O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/107-22.htm">Cries</a> <a href="/psalms/108-9.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/psalms/106-25.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/115-6.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/106-44.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/106-44.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/psalms/97-8.htm">Hears</a> <a href="/psalms/109-5.htm">Love</a> <a href="/psalms/115-1.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/109-7.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/102-17.htm">Supplication</a> <a href="/psalms/86-6.htm">Supplications</a> <a href="/psalms/115-5.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Cries</a> <a href="/psalms/119-145.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/psalms/116-2.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/119-145.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/118-21.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/145-19.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/psalms/145-19.htm">Hears</a> <a href="/psalms/119-47.htm">Love</a> <a href="/psalms/116-5.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/116-2.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/119-170.htm">Supplication</a> <a href="/psalms/130-2.htm">Supplications</a> <a href="/psalms/118-15.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 116</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/116-1.htm">The psalmist professes his love and duty to God for his deliverance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/116-12.htm">He studies to be thankful</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/116.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/116.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I love the LORD</b><br>This phrase expresses a deep, personal affection and commitment to God. The psalmist's love for the LORD is rooted in gratitude and reverence. In the Hebrew context, love is not merely an emotion but involves loyalty and obedience. This love is a response to God's faithfulness and deliverance, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-5</a> commands Israel to love the LORD with all their heart, soul, and strength, emphasizing the centrality of love in the believer's life.<p><b>for He has heard my voice</b><br>The psalmist acknowledges that God is attentive to his prayers. This assurance of being heard is a recurring theme in the Psalms, highlighting God's responsiveness to His people. In ancient Near Eastern culture, gods were often seen as distant and unapproachable, but the God of Israel is depicted as personal and caring. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative where God hears the cries of His people, such as in <a href="/exodus/2-24.htm">Exodus 2:24</a> when He hears the groaning of the Israelites in Egypt.<p><b>my appeal for mercy</b><br>The psalmist's plea for mercy indicates a recognition of human frailty and the need for divine compassion. Mercy, or "chesed" in Hebrew, is a key attribute of God, often associated with His covenantal love and faithfulness. This appeal suggests a situation of distress or need, where the psalmist relies on God's gracious character. The concept of mercy is central to the New Testament as well, where Jesus embodies God's mercy through His life, death, and resurrection, offering forgiveness and salvation to all who call upon Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of this psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, expresses a personal and intimate relationship with God, characterized by love and gratitude.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_appeal_for_mercy.htm">The Appeal for Mercy</a></b><br>This refers to the psalmist's prayer or cry for help, indicating a situation of distress or need.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_love_for_god.htm">The Nature of Love for God</a></b><br>Our love for God is a response to His actions and character. The psalmist loves God because of His attentive and merciful nature.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>The psalmist's experience underscores the importance of prayer and God's willingness to hear and respond to our cries for help.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>The LORD's response to the psalmist's appeal demonstrates His faithfulness and reliability, encouraging believers to trust in Him during times of need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/gratitude_as_worship.htm">Gratitude as Worship</a></b><br>Expressing love and gratitude to God is a form of worship that acknowledges His goodness and mercy in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_distress.htm">Encouragement in Distress</a></b><br>This verse serves as a reminder that in moments of distress, we can turn to God, who hears and responds to our appeals for mercy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_116.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 116</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_many_prayers_go_unanswered.htm">Psalm 116:1–2 claims God hears prayers—why then do many prayers seem to go unanswered? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'precious_is_their_death'_mean.htm">What does "Precious is the death of His saints" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_god_expect_from_us.htm">What does God expect from us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/which_psalms_are_in_hallel.htm">What are the specific Psalms included in Hallel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/116.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">I love the Lord.</span>--Besides this rendering, where <span class= "ital">Jehovah </span>is supplied as an object, this poet being given to use verbs without an object (see <a href="/psalms/116-2.htm" title="Because he has inclined his ear to me, therefore will I call on him as long as I live.">Psalm 116:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/116-10.htm" title="I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:">Psalm 116:10</a>), there are two other possible translations.<p>1<span class= "ital">. I have longed that Jehovah should hear, </span>&c--For this meaning of the verb <span class= "ital">to love </span>see <a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm" title="The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will you do in the end thereof?">Jeremiah 5:31</a>, <a href="/amos/4-5.htm" title="And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this likes you, O you children of Israel, said the Lord GOD.">Amos 4:5</a>; and for the construction see <a href="/context/psalms/27-4.htm" title="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.">Psalm 27:4-6</a>. So the Syriac and Arabic versions. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/116.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1, 2.</span> - An introduction, in which the writer declares his love to God, and his resolution to call on him continually, on ac count of his having been delivered from an imminent peril. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I love the Lord, because he hath heard</span>; literally, <span class="accented">I</span> <span class="accented">love</span>, <span class="accented">because the Lord</span> (<span class="accented">Jehovah</span>) <span class="accented">hath heard</span>. The object of this love is not expressed, but can only be Jehovah. Still, the grammatical construction is unusual, and has caused the suggestion of an emendation. For <span class="hebrew">אהבתי</span> Professor Cheyne would read <span class="hebrew">האמנתי</span> as at the beginning of ver. 10. <span class="cmt_word">My voice and my supplications</span>; literally, <span class="accented">my voice</span>, <span class="accented">my supplications -</span> the latter expression being exegetical of the former. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/116-1.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">I love</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֭הַבְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·haḇ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</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">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He has heard</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my voice—</span><br /><span class="heb">ק֝וֹלִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(qō·w·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my appeal for mercy.</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּחֲנוּנָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥă·nū·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8469.htm">Strong's 8469: </a> </span><span class="str2">Supplication for favor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/116-1.htm">Psalm 116:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/116-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 116:1 I love Yahweh because he listens (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/115-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 115:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 115:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/116-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 116:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 116:2" /></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>