Old Testament
Psalms 18:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In my distress I called upon the LORD and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, into his ears.
Compare translations
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.
What Psalms 18:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a moment of deep distress and desperation. He turns to the LORD, calling out for help and crying out to God. The psalmist emphasizes that God hears him, indicating a personal relationship where God is attentive to his needs. The mention of God's temple suggests a sacred space where prayers are offered, reinforcing the idea that God is present and listening. The phrase 'my cry came before him, into his ears' highlights the assurance that God is not distant; He is actively engaged in the psalmist's plight. This verse serves as a reminder that in times of trouble, one can reach out to God, who is always ready to listen and respond. It reflects the importance of prayer and the comfort that comes from knowing that God hears our cries, no matter how desperate the situation may seem.
How to apply Psalms 18:6 to your life
When facing difficult times, remember to call upon God in prayer. He is always listening and ready to help. Trust that your cries are heard, and find comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your struggles.
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 Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 18:6
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 18:6
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 18:6 mean?
Psalms 18:6 expresses the psalmist's deep distress and his call for help to the LORD. It highlights the assurance that God hears his cries and is present in times of trouble.
What is the meaning of 'my cry came before him, into his ears' in Psalms 18:6?
The phrase 'my cry came before him, into his ears' emphasizes that God is attentive and responsive to the psalmist's prayers. It reassures believers that their pleas are heard by God.
How can I apply Psalms 18:6 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 18:6 by turning to God in prayer whenever you face difficulties. Trust that He hears you and find comfort in knowing you are not alone.
What themes are present in Psalms 18:6?
The themes in Psalms 18:6 include distress, prayer, divine hearing, God's presence, and the assurance of a personal relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.