Psalms – Chapter 141

Old Testament • 8 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 141 of Psalms begins: "Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 8 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and worship and praise. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave.

2I cried to the Lord with my voice: with my voice I made supplication to the Lord.

3In his sight I pour out my prayer, and before him I declare my trouble:

4When my spirit failed me, then thou knewest my paths. In this way wherein I walked, they have hidden a snare for me.

5I looked on my right hand, and beheld, and there was no one that would know me. Flight hath failed me: and there is no one that hath regard to my soul.

6I cried to thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my hope, my portion in the land of the living.

7Attend to my supplication: for I am brought very low. Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

8Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the just wait for me, until thou reward me.

Important Verses in Psalms 141

“Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave.”

Psalms 141:1

“I cried to thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”

Psalms 141:6

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 141 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 8 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave." The final verse reads: "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the just wait for me, until thou reward me. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: 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

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 141 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Leo the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1988).

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 141 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.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

The late section of Psalms—Chapter 141 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights the fear of the Lord as wisdom, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 74).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 302) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 141 about?

Psalms 141 contains 8 verses. It opens with "Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave." and closes with "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the just wait for me, until thou reward me. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 141?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 141?

This chapter mentions David.

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

2 Chronicles 7Shares people and themes with this chapterRevelation 5Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Samuel 6Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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