Old Testament
Psalms 102:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Do not hide your face from me in the day when I am in trouble. Incline your ear to me; in the day when I call, answer me speedily.
Compare translations
Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.
What Psalms 102:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is expressing a deep sense of urgency and desperation in prayer. The plea to God not to hide His face signifies a longing for God's presence and attention during times of trouble. The psalmist feels overwhelmed and seeks immediate help, asking God to listen and respond quickly. This reflects a common human experience of feeling abandoned or unheard in difficult times. The request for God to incline His ear suggests a desire for a close and attentive relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of communication in prayer. The repetition of 'the day when I call' highlights the immediacy of the psalmist's need, showcasing a heartfelt cry for divine intervention. Overall, this verse captures the essence of seeking God in times of distress, illustrating the need for reassurance and support from a higher power.
How to apply Psalms 102:2 to your life
When facing challenges, we can take comfort in knowing that God hears our cries for help. This verse encourages us to approach God with our troubles, trusting that He is attentive and ready to respond. We should not hesitate to seek His presence in our times of need.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms 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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 Psalms 102:2
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 Psalms 102:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 102:2 mean?
Psalms 102:2 expresses a plea for God's immediate attention during times of trouble. The psalmist is asking God not to hide His presence and to listen and respond quickly to his cries for help.
What is the meaning of 'hide your face' in Psalms 102:2?
The phrase 'hide your face' in Psalms 102:2 signifies a feeling of abandonment or distance from God. The psalmist is longing for God's presence and reassurance during a time of distress.
How can I apply Psalms 102:2 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 102:2 by turning to God in prayer when facing challenges, trusting that He hears you and is ready to help. It encourages open communication with God during difficult times.
What themes are present in Psalms 102:2?
Psalms 102:2 highlights themes of urgency in prayer, the need for divine presence, seeking help, and the importance of communication with God during distress.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.