Old Testament
Deuteronomy 26:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So we cried out to the LORD, the God of our ancestors. The LORD heard our cries and saw our suffering, our exhausting labor, and our oppression.
Compare translations
And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:
What Deuteronomy 26:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Israel are recalling a moment of deep distress. They cried out to God, who is described as the God of their ancestors, showing a connection to their heritage. Their cries were not ignored; God listened to their pleas. He recognized their suffering, the hard work they were enduring, and the oppression they faced. This moment highlights the importance of reaching out to God in times of trouble. It reassures us that God is aware of our struggles and is compassionate towards our pain. The verse emphasizes that God is not distant; He is actively engaged in the lives of those who seek Him. This relationship is built on trust and the acknowledgment of our vulnerabilities. When we feel overwhelmed, we can remember that God sees us and hears our cries for help, just as He did for the Israelites. This connection can bring comfort and hope in our own difficult times, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that help is available to us.
How to apply Deuteronomy 26:7 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that you can reach out to God. He hears your cries and understands your struggles. Take a moment to express your feelings and seek His support. Trust that He is aware of your situation and will provide comfort and guidance as needed. You are not alone in your journey, and help is available to you through faith and prayer.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 26:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 26:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 26:7 mean?
Deuteronomy 26:7 recounts how the Israelites cried out to God during their suffering and oppression in Egypt. It emphasizes that God heard their cries and recognized their hardships, showing His compassion and involvement in their struggles.
What is the significance of crying out to God in Deuteronomy 26:7?
Crying out to God in Deuteronomy 26:7 signifies a plea for help during times of distress. It highlights the importance of reaching out to God in difficult situations, assuring believers that He listens and cares for their suffering.
What does 'the God of our ancestors' refer to in Deuteronomy 26:7?
The phrase 'the God of our ancestors' in Deuteronomy 26:7 refers to the God worshipped by the forefathers of the Israelites, establishing a connection to their heritage and faith. It underscores the continuity of God's relationship with His people across generations.
How does Deuteronomy 26:7 relate to personal struggles today?
Deuteronomy 26:7 relates to personal struggles today by reminding individuals that God is aware of their pain and suffering. Just as He listened to the Israelites, He is attentive to our cries for help, offering comfort and support in challenging times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.