Bible Strands
Psalms 69:33
For the LORD listens to the needy and does not despise His captive people.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God and the assembly, placing this declaration between an invitation for the humble to rejoice (Psalms 69:32) and a command for creation to praise (Psalms 69:34).
The words — The Hebrew שֹׁמֵ֣עַ (sho.me.a) literally means "listening" or "hearkens," paired with אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים ('ev.yo.nim), which denotes the "needy" or "poor."
The thread — The motif of divine attention to the imprisoned appears in Psalms 68:6 and Zechariah 9:11, while Acts 5:18 records the historical arrest of the apostles without describing divine rescue.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to accept that God's attention is fixed on the poor and captive, and it demands that they stop measuring divine faithfulness by immediate deliverance or human approval.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.
Cross-references
- Psalms 68:6 God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.
- Acts 5:18 and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
- Zechariah 9:11 As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit.
- Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
- Psalms 146:7 He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free,
- Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,
- Psalms 12:5 “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
- Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...
- Psalms 10:17 You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear,
- Psalms 34:6 This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles.