THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Because He discerned no wrongdoing within my heart. And He attended to the cry of my supplication.
Psalm 66 (65):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
Therefore hath God heard me, and hath attended to the voice of my supplication.
אָ֭כֵן שָׁמַ֣ע אֱלֹהִ֑ים הִ֝קְשִׁ֗יב בְּק֣וֹל תְּפִלָּתִֽי׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
4 Church Fathers comment on this verse
- Augustine of Hippo
- Euthymios Zigabenos
- Irenaeus (Klementjewsky)
- Psalter with Commentaries (Cave Monastery in Kiew)
Euthymios Zigabenos
He expressed that he sought with a pure heart, and thus the Lord listened to him and considered the voice of his supplication. In this regard, we are called to emulate the divine King David, for if we desire our prayers to be answered by God, we must approach Him with a clear conscience and a heart free from accusations against ourselves. St. Cyril observes that the boldness of the saints is remarkable. They pray with confidence to God, openly sharing their true selves in prayer. This is not born of vanity, as the minds of the saints are devoid of pride; instead, in their righteousness, they make known their virtuous actions to guide us, teaching us how to conduct our lives.
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The Great Athanasius adds that he extols God, having turned away from all unrighteousness, and thus he trusts that he will be heard. He notes that not perceiving any wrong within himself aligns with Origen’s statement, "I know nothing of myself"; yet, as the Apostle Paul articulates, this does not imply justification, for God perceives what we may overlook, as expressed in the words, "Who can understand the fall of sin? Cleanse me from my hidden faults."
Irenaeus (Klementjewsky)
He proclaimed, “I will share what the God of my spirit has accomplished,” and thus he conveys the fruit of his commitments while counting the generous gifts bestowed by God. First and foremost, he declares, I will call upon Him with my mouth. This suggests that the Lord of my spirit has done this, granting me faith and instilling within me a longing for prayer. Through this gift, I have recognized my own neediness and also identified the benefactor to whom I must turn. He further acknowledges another blessing: I have been uplifted under my tongue, indicating that I have learned not only to pray but also to praise God and give thanks and glory to Him both openly and in secret for the blessings I have received.
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Augustine insightfully remarks that the phrase “under the tongue” highlights the practice of the righteous magnifying God, communicating not just in the hearing of people but also in private, addressing God Himself intimately.
He continues with a third point: If I perceive wrongdoing in my heart, may the Lord not hear me. To perceive wrongdoing in the heart means to harbor a love for sin within one’s innermost thoughts or to gaze upon wickedness with desire, as stated in the Gospel: whoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:28). Many may outwardly detest sin in word and action, condemning and punishing those who transgress; however, in the hidden depths of their hearts, they may take pleasure in unrighteousness and would willingly commit such acts if they faced no consequences. The Lord does not heed such individuals; He listens instead to those who genuinely detest wrongdoing from a pure heart and, when they do err, confess their sins and seek the Healer for restoration. David exemplified this, which is why he states, “For this reason, God has heard me; He listens to the voice of my prayer.” His affirmation that God has heard his prayers leads us to understand that if we seek God sincerely from a genuine heart and avoid unrighteousness, our prayers are not in vain.
Psalter with Commentaries (Cave Monastery in Kiew)
Ultimately, there will be an eternal praise of God, celebrating the anticipated resurrection of the faithful. This psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was composed by David as a prophetic expression of gratitude toward God for those who have returned from Babylonian captivity, a metaphor for demonic oppression. It especially conveys appreciation for the ultimate fulfillment of blessings promised to all believers, following the conclusion of earthly sufferings and tribulations. This is a preparation for the resurrection of the faithful, which will be realized in various ways, culminating in the final resurrection at the end of time as mentioned in Hebrews. Praise belongs to Christ's humanity, while His divinity shines in glory; both aspects are honored.
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All nations across the earth join in this celebration. Just as the Jews were liberated from their bondage in Babylon, all humanity has been freed from the grievous torment of the devil through the Incarnation of God and the Savior.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Ps 116 (114/115):1
- Ps 116 (114/115):2
- Heb 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, with a strong cry and tears, offering up prayers and supplications to him that was able to save him from death, was heard for his reverence.
- Lam 3:55Coph. I have called upon thy name, O Lord, from the lowest pit.
- Lam 3:56Coph. Thou hast heard my voice: turn not away thy ear from my sighs, and cries.
- Ps 34 (33):6
- 1 John 3:20For if our heart reprehend us, God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things.
- 1 John 3:22And whatsoever we shall ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments and do those things which are pleasing in his sight.