What Does Psalm 116:2 Mean in the King James?
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The LORD’s ear has already turned toward you; your call is a response, not a bid for notice.
THE MEANING
The LORD’s attention reaches you before your voice rises. Your call is not an attempt to break through divine silence; it is a relationship already open, continuing through all your days.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It dissolves the belief that calling is what finally makes the LORD listen: here, his listening comes first.
THE ROOT
הִטָּה
hiṭṭāh
GROWS FROM
נטה
nṭh
To stretch out, extend, bend, or turn aside.
The word translated “inclined” comes from a root that also means to stretch out or extend. The image is of an ear turned toward you, reaching to receive your voice.
ALSO GROWS
nāṭâ: To stretch out, extend, or turn aside.
נָטָה
This is the root’s basic action: the ear is not merely present; it reaches toward the speaker.
maṭṭeh: A staff or rod; also a tribe.
מַטֶּה
This related word carries the sense of something extended like a branch, giving the verse’s “inclined” a physical sense of directed reach.
אֶקְרָא
ʾeqraʾ
GROWS FROM
קרא
q-r-ʾ
To call, summon, proclaim, or name.
The root of “call” also carries the sense of voicing or naming. Here, calling is an addressed voice, sustained through all the speaker’s days.
ALSO GROWS
miqrāʾ: A convocation or appointed assembly.
מִקְרָא
This related word describes people called together, showing that the root can carry a call that gathers and addresses.
qerīʾāh: A calling or reading aloud.
קְרִיאָה
The voice remains present in this branch: calling is spoken address, not only a silent wish.
THE PATTERN
Being heard precedes and sustains the human call.
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:THE THREAD
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.The word translated “called” shares the root קרא (q-r-ʾ), meaning to call or summon, with the word here. Psalm 18:6 shows the call reaching the LORD’s ears; Psalm 116:2 reveals that the ear is already inclined, and that is why the call continues.
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