Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 40:1
“I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
NIV · New International Version
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
WEB · World English Bible
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me, and heard my cry.
What does Psalms 40:1 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 40:1
I waited patiently for the Lord,.... Or "waiting I waited" (i); which denotes continuance, constancy, and patience; and which Christ exercised in the garden, when he submitted himself entirely to the will of God; and on the cross, when he continued in sure hope and firm expectation of his help and assistance, though he was for a while forsaken by him; see Isaiah 50:7; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry; both in the garden, by delivering him from fear of death; and on the cross, by upholding, helping, and assisting him, by carrying him through his sufferings and death, and raising him from the dead; see Isaiah 49:8. (i) "expectando expectavi", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus Musculus…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 40:1–5
His humble attendance upon God and his believing expectations from him in those depths: I waited patiently for the Lord, Psa 40:1. Waiting, I waited. He expected relief from no other than from God; the same hand that tears must heal, that smites must bind up (Hos 6:1), or it will never be done. From God he expected relief, and he was big with expectation, not doubting but it would come in due time.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 40:1–3
1. In waiting I waited The beginning of this psalm is an expression of thanksgiving, in which David relates that he had been delivered, not only from danger, but also from present death. Some are of opinion, but without good reason, that it ought to be understood of sickness. It is rather to be supposed that David here comprehends a multitude of dangers from which he had escaped.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 40:1–4 (WEB)
1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me, and heard my cry. 2He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand. 3He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. 4Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, and doesn’t respect the proud, nor such as turn away to lies.
Cross references
- Psalms 27:13–14
- Psalms 37:7
- James 5:7–11
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.
- Psalms 34:15
- Psalms 116:2
- Daniel 9:18
My God, turn your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name; for we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies’ sake.
- Psalms 130:2