Psalms – Chapter 140

Old Testament • 10 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 140 opens with the words: "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to thee." Across its 10 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and sin and divine judgment. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to thee.

2Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight; the lifting up of my hands, as evening sacrifice.

3Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and a door round about my lips.

4Incline not my heart to evil words; to make excuses in sins. With men that work iniquity: and I will not communicate with the choicest of them.

5The just man shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner fatten my head. For my prayer shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased:

6Their judges falling upon the rock have been swallowed up. They shall hear my words, for they have prevailed:

7As when the thickness of the earth is broken up upon the ground: Our bones are scattered by the side of hell.

8But to thee, O Lord, Lord, are my eyes: in thee have I put my trust, take not away my soul.

9Keep me from the snare, which they have laid for me, and from the stumblingblocks of them that work iniquity.

10The wicked shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass.

Important Verses in Psalms 140

“I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to thee.”

Psalms 140:1

“The just man shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner fatten my head. For my prayer shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased:”

Psalms 140:5

“But to thee, O Lord, Lord, are my eyes: in thee have I put my trust, take not away my soul.”

Psalms 140:8

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 140 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to thee." It concludes: "The wicked shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to thee." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1265).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 140 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 140, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 140 supports that call by drawing attention to the moral law as path to freedom within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 2772).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 140 about?

Psalms 140 contains 10 verses. It opens with "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to thee." and closes with "The wicked shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 140?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to thee." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Job 40Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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