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Old Testament · Poetry

Psalms

150 prayers that let you say the thing you're actually feeling — including the parts you'd edit out.

Author
David and others
Written
Collected over centuries
Genre
Poetry
Length
150 chapters · 2,461 verses

What Psalms is about

Psalm 1 functions as the gateway to the entire Psalter, establishing a wisdom framework through the contrasting destinies of the righteous and the wicked. The Hebrew ashre ('blessed') opens the collection with a beatitude, and the central metaphor of the tree planted by streams of water (etz shatul) draws on ancient Near Eastern imagery of the well-watered garden. The tripartite progression—walk, stand, sit—depicts the gradual entrenchment in wickedness.

Likely placed as an editorial introduction to the Psalter during the post-exilic compilation, Psalm 1 reflects the influence of Deuteronomic theology and wisdom literature, particularly Jeremiah 17:7–8, which employs a strikingly similar tree metaphor.

Key themes

PrayerLamentPraiseTrust

Every verse in Psalms, explained

All 2,461 verses of Psalms have a page of their own — what the verse means, who is speaking, and where it sits in the story. Tap any verse number inside a chapter to open it.

Where to start in Psalms

Psalm 1 · Two PathsPsalm 23 · The Good ShepherdPsalm 51 · A Broken HeartPsalm 91 · Under His WingsPsalm 139 · Fearfully Made

Read Psalms with the notes built in

Tap any verse in BibleKey for its meaning and background, or any word for its Hebrew or Greek root — without leaving the page.

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All 150 chapters

Psalms
1 Two Paths The songbook opens not with a song but with a choice. Two roads, two lives, two endings. 2 The Anointed King The nations rage and plot. God laughs from heaven — then reveals His Son, set as king on Zion's hill. 3 A Morning After Betrayal David writes this fleeing from his own son Absalom. Surrounded by enemies, he lies down, sleeps, and wakes — because God sustains him. 4 Peace at Night When the day has gone wrong and the critics are loud, David finds something remarkable: peace enough to sleep. 5 A Morning Prayer Lead me in your righteousness. David brings his case to God at dawn, before the noise of the day takes over. 6 Tears on the Pillow A prayer soaked in weeping. David's bed is drenched with tears — but even drowning in grief, he expects God to hear. 7 The Righteous Judge David runs to God as a refuge and asks the Judge of all the earth to vindicate him. Let my integrity be my defense. 8 A Little Lower than the Angels David looks up at the night sky and asks the most human question: what is man that You are mindful of him? 9 A Song of Justice God has not forgotten the afflicted. David celebrates divine justice in an acrostic that marches through the alphabet and through God's faithfulness. 10 Where Are You, God? The wicked prosper and the helpless are crushed. Why do You stand far off, Lord? A cry that the oppressed have prayed in every century. 11 When the Foundations Crumble If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? David's answer: the Lord is on His throne. 12 Words, Words, Words Flattering lips and boastful tongues surround the faithful. But God's words are pure — silver refined seven times. 13 How Long? Four times David asks it: How long, O Lord? The psalm that gives permission to be honest about waiting. 14 The Fool's Creed The fool says in his heart: there is no God. David looks at humanity and sees corruption — but also a remnant God will restore. 15 Who May Dwell? Five verses that answer one question: who gets to live in God's presence? The answer isn't about ritual. It's about character. 16 The Path of Life David discovers that fullness of joy is found in God's presence. Death itself can't separate him from that hope. 17 Keep Me as the Apple of Your Eye A prayer for protection so intimate it borrows the language of a parent shielding a child. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings. 18 The Warrior's Song A sweeping epic of deliverance. God rides the storm, reaches into deep waters, and pulls David out. Gratitude on a grand scale. 19 Two Books The sky declares God's glory without a single word. Then the law speaks — and it's sweeter than honey. Creation and Scripture, both telling the same story. 20 Before the Battle A prayer for the king heading to war. Some trust in chariots, some in horses — but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 21 After the Victory The king rejoices in God's strength. What was asked for in Psalm 20 is celebrated here. Prayer answered, battle won. 22 My God, Why? Begins with a cry Jesus echoes on the cross. The anguish is real — but so is the turn toward praise that comes at the end. 23 The Good Shepherd Six verses that have carried more people through more dark valleys than any other passage in Scripture. 24 Lift Up Your Heads The ancient gates swing open for the King of Glory. Who is He? The Lord, strong and mighty in battle. 25 Teach Me Your Paths An acrostic prayer for guidance, forgiveness, and protection. David lays his shame on the table and asks God to remember mercy instead. 26 Test Me, O Lord David opens his life for inspection. Examine my heart, test my mind. A bold prayer from someone with nothing to hide. 27 One Thing I Ask One request above all others: to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty. Everything else is secondary. 28 My Rock David cries out and is heard. The silence breaks. His heart leaps — and his song returns. 29 The Voice of the Lord Seven thunderclaps of divine power. The voice of the Lord breaks cedars, shakes deserts, and strips forests bare. And in His temple, all cry: Glory! 30 Mourning into Dancing Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning. David celebrates a turnaround he didn't think was possible. 31 Into Your Hands The words Jesus spoke from the cross first appear here. David commits his spirit to the faithful God who has redeemed him. 32 The Relief of Confession David kept silent and his bones wasted away. Then he confessed — and the crushing weight lifted. The joy of forgiveness, hard-won. 33 Sing a New Song A psalm of creation and providence. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. He speaks, and the universe appears. 34 Taste and See Written after David escaped death by pretending to be insane. Out of humiliation comes one of the most beloved invitations in Scripture. 35 Fight My Battles David asks God to pick up shield and spear against his enemies. When you can't fight for yourself, you ask the Warrior to fight for you. 36 The Fountain of Life In God's light we see light. A meditation on divine love so vast it reaches to the heavens — while human wickedness crouches in the dark. 37 Don't Envy the Wicked The temptation to resent the success of evil people is ancient. David's counsel: be still, wait, and trust. The wicked are grass. 38 The Sinking Man David is drowning — in guilt, in pain, in isolation. His friends stand far off. His enemies close in. All he has left is God. 39 A Breath and a Shadow David resolves to stay silent — then can't hold it in. Life is a breath. A shadow. Show me how fleeting I am. 40 He Set My Feet on a Rock David waited patiently — and God reached into the miry pit and pulled him out. A psalm that moves from the depths to a new song. 41 The Sick Bed Even David's closest friend has turned against him. Jesus quotes this psalm about Judas — betrayal recognized across a thousand years. 42 Thirsting for God The writer talks to his own soul, preaching hope to himself in the middle of despair. Sometimes that's all you can do. 43 Send Out Your Light Why are you cast down, O my soul? The refrain returns. Send out Your light and Your truth — let them lead me to Your holy hill. 44 A Nation's Lament We haven't forgotten You — so why have You forgotten us? Israel cries out from defeat they didn't earn. Sometimes the godly suffer too. 45 A Royal Wedding A love song for the king and his bride. The language soars so high that the New Testament applies it to Christ. 46 Be Still The mountains are shaking. The waters are roaring. And a voice says: stop. Be still. Know that I am God. 47 Clap Your Hands God ascends with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Every nation is called to celebrate the King of all the earth. 48 The City of God Mount Zion, beautiful in elevation — the joy of the whole earth. A love letter to the city where God chose to dwell. 49 You Can't Take It with You Wealth can't ransom a soul. The rich and the poor both die. The psalm that levels every bank account. 50 God Speaks The Mighty One summons the earth and calls heaven as witness. He doesn't need your sacrifices — He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. 51 A Broken Heart David's prayer after his greatest failure. The most raw, honest confession in Scripture. 52 The Falling Tyrant A powerful man who boasts in evil will be uprooted like a tree. But the righteous are like an olive tree flourishing in God's house. 53 Humanity without God A reprise of Psalm 14 — the fool denies God, corruption spreads. But God looks down from heaven, still searching for those who seek Him. 54 Save Me by Your Name A short, urgent cry when strangers rise against David. Seven verses — prayer, confidence, and praise compressed into a single breath. 55 Betrayed by a Friend If an enemy attacked, I could bear it. But it was you — my companion, my close friend. The deepest wounds come from the nearest people. 56 When I Am Afraid Written when the Philistines seized David in Gath. In God I trust, I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? 57 In the Shadow of Your Wings David hides in a cave from Saul, and from that darkness writes one of the most soaring lines in the Psalter: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. 58 Unjust Judges A confrontation with rulers who deal out violence instead of justice. David prays for the kind of divine intervention that makes the world right. 59 Deliver Me from My Enemies Saul's men surround David's house. They prowl like dogs at night. David meets their menace with a song. 60 Defeated but Not Done Israel has suffered a military loss. David cries out: have You rejected us, God? Then grant us aid — for human help is worthless. 61 Lead Me to the Rock From the end of the earth David calls out — overwhelmed, far away, clinging to one hope: the Rock that is higher than I. 62 Silence before God For God alone my soul waits in silence. Twice David says it. Power belongs to God, and steadfast love. That's enough. 63 Thirst in the Desert In the wilderness of Judah, David's soul thirsts for God like dry land craves water. Even the desert becomes a place of worship. 64 Hidden Arrows Enemies plot in secret, sharpening their tongues like swords. But God will shoot His own arrow — sudden and decisive. 65 The Harvest Psalm God crowns the year with bounty. The meadows and valleys shout for joy and sing. Creation itself becomes a choir. 66 Come and See An invitation to witness what God has done. He turned the sea into dry land — they passed through the river on foot. Come, listen, and I'll tell you what He did for my soul. 67 A Blessing for All Nations May God be gracious to us — so that His way may be known on earth, His salvation among all nations. Blessing received to be given away. 68 The God Who Marches A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows — God sets the lonely in families and leads prisoners to freedom. Then He marches in triumph. 69 Sinking in Deep Waters David is drowning — literally and figuratively. The waters have come up to my neck. A psalm of desperation that Jesus made His own. 70 Hurry, God Five verses of raw urgency. Make haste to help me, O Lord. Sometimes prayer has no time for eloquence. 71 Growing Old with God From youth to gray hairs, the psalmist has known God's faithfulness. Now aging and weak, he asks: do not forsake me when my strength is spent. 72 The Righteous King A prayer for Solomon that reaches past Solomon. This king will defend the poor, crush the oppressor, and rule from sea to sea. 73 Almost Stumbled Asaph nearly lost his faith watching the wicked prosper — until he entered the sanctuary and saw the end of the story. 74 The Ruined Sanctuary The temple is destroyed. The enemy has set up their banners. How long, O God, will the foe mock? 75 The Cup of Judgment God holds a cup of foaming wine. The wicked will drink it to the dregs. Promotion comes from neither east nor west — but from God alone. 76 Glorious and Majestic God broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. The earth feared and was still when God arose to judge. 77 Remembering in the Dark In the night I remembered my song. Has God forgotten how to be gracious? Then the psalmist looks back — and remembers the sea. 78 The Long Story The longest historical psalm — a retelling of Israel's journey from Egypt to David. Remember, so the next generation won't forget. 79 Jerusalem in Ruins The nations have invaded. The dead lie unburied. How long, Lord? Will Your anger burn forever? A psalm prayed at every national catastrophe since. 80 Restore Us Israel is a vine God brought out of Egypt. Now its walls are broken and strangers pluck its fruit. Shine Your face on us, and we shall be saved. 81 If Only You Would Listen God's voice breaks through: I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. If only my people would listen. 82 God Judges the Gods God stands in the divine council and indicts the rulers of the earth. How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? 83 The Conspiracy Every enemy of Israel has allied against them. Do to them as you did to Midian — let them know that You alone are the Most High. 84 How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place Even the sparrow has found a home near God's altar. Better one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. 85 Revive Us Again Love and faithfulness meet. Righteousness and peace kiss. A psalm that imagines a future so good it reads like a dream. 86 Teach Me Your Way David's prayer is simple and vast: unite my heart to fear Your name. Among the gods there is none like You. 87 Born in Zion God counts the peoples and records: this one was born in Zion. A stunning vision of every nation finding its home in God's city. 88 The Darkest Psalm The only psalm that ends without a glimmer of hope. Darkness is my closest friend. Even Scripture makes room for the blackest night. 89 The Broken Promise? God promised David an eternal throne. Now the crown lies in the dust. The psalm swings from exuberant praise to anguished confusion. 90 Teach Us to Number Our Days The oldest psalm, attributed to Moses. A meditation on time and what makes every day precious. 91 Under His Wings A psalm of shelter. The safety described here isn't the absence of danger — it's the presence of God inside it. 92 The Sabbath Song The righteous flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon. A psalm for the day when work stops and gratitude begins. 93 The Lord Reigns Mightier than the thundering waves is the Lord on high. Three verses of pure majesty — the throne is established from of old. 94 The God of Vengeance How long will the wicked triumph? God hears every boast, sees every injustice. The one who made the ear — can He not hear? 95 Come, Let Us Sing An invitation to worship that carries a warning. Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah — the generation that heard God's voice and still wandered. 96 A New Song for All the Earth Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Let the heavens rejoice and the sea roar. Even the trees of the forest will sing before the coming Judge. 97 Fire Goes before Him The Lord reigns — and the mountains melt like wax. Light dawns for the righteous. The earth sees, and trembles. 98 Shout to the Lord Rivers clap their hands, mountains sing together. All creation celebrates a salvation the whole world will see. 99 Holy, Holy, Holy Three times the psalm declares God's holiness. He is a forgiving God — and a God who holds people accountable. Both, simultaneously. 100 Shout for Joy Five verses. Pure praise. It asks for nothing. It simply overflows. 101 A Leader's Pledge David sets a standard for his own household and kingdom: no deceit, no arrogance, no slander. Integrity starts at home. 102 A Prayer of the Afflicted My days vanish like smoke. My bones burn. But You, O Lord, endure forever. Human frailty meets divine permanence. 103 Bless the Lord David commands his soul to remember. Each verse widens the lens until the whole picture of God comes into view. 104 The Creation Psalm A poetic retelling of Genesis 1 — God stretches out the heavens like a tent, sends springs into the valleys, and makes the winds His messengers. 105 Remember His Wonders From Abraham to the exodus, God's faithfulness is retold as a song. He remembered His holy promise and brought His people out with joy. 106 We Sinned Like Our Fathers The other side of Psalm 105. Israel's history retold through the lens of rebellion — yet God saved them again and again for His name's sake. 107 Give Thanks Four stories of people in trouble — lost, imprisoned, sick, storm-tossed. Each time they cry out. Each time God delivers. Let the redeemed say so. 108 My Heart Is Steadfast A psalm assembled from pieces of earlier songs. David's confidence doesn't come from originality — it comes from tested truth. 109 The Prayer of the Wrongly Accused David's most severe imprecatory psalm. The curses are shocking — but they come from a man who has handed vengeance to God instead of taking it himself. 110 Sit at My Right Hand The most quoted psalm in the New Testament. A priest-king after the order of Melchizedek. Jesus asked the Pharisees about it — and they had no answer. 111 Great Are the Works of the Lord An acrostic of praise — each line beginning with the next Hebrew letter. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 112 The Blessed Life The companion to Psalm 111. What God is like (111) produces what His people become (112): generous, righteous, unafraid of bad news. 113 From the Dust God is so high He looks down on the heavens — yet He lifts the poor from the dust and seats them with princes. 114 The Sea Fled When Israel came out of Egypt, the sea looked and fled. The mountains skipped like rams. Even creation recognized the Exodus. 115 Not to Us Not to us, O Lord, but to Your name give glory. The idols of the nations have mouths but cannot speak. Our God does whatever He pleases. 116 I Love the Lord I love the Lord because He heard my voice. The snares of death entangled me — I called, and He delivered. Simple and profound. 117 The Shortest Psalm Two verses. Every nation, every people — praise the Lord. His love endures forever. Sometimes the most important things take the fewest words. 118 The Stone the Builders Rejected Open the gates of righteousness. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Jesus claimed this verse for Himself. 119 The Longest Chapter 176 verses. An elaborate love letter to God's word. It's not meant to be rushed. 120 Song of Ascent: The Cry The first of fifteen pilgrimage songs. The journey to Jerusalem begins with a cry from a place of conflict. Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. 121 Song of Ascent: The Hills I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? The pilgrim looks up — and finds a Guardian who never sleeps. 122 Song of Ascent: Jerusalem I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord. The joy of arriving at the destination. 123 Song of Ascent: Looking Up As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, so our eyes look to the Lord. A posture of dependence, held until mercy comes. 124 Song of Ascent: The Escape If the Lord had not been on our side — the flood would have swept us away. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. 125 Song of Ascent: Surrounded As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people. Immovable. Protective. Present. 126 Song of Ascent: Laughter and Tears When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Our mouths were filled with laughter. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 127 Song of Ascent: Unless the Lord Builds Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Solomon's psalm about the futility of anxious striving. 128 Song of Ascent: The Fruitful Home Your wife will be like a fruitful vine. Your children like olive shoots. A blessing on the ordinary, everyday life of faithfulness. 129 Song of Ascent: Plowed Backs They have plowed my back and made their furrows long. Israel has suffered — but the cords of the wicked are cut. 130 Song of Ascent: Out of the Depths De profundis. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning. 131 Song of Ascent: A Quieted Soul Three verses of stillness. I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother. Ambition surrendered. 132 Song of Ascent: David's Oath David swore to find a dwelling place for the Lord. God swore back — with an oath about David's throne that outlasts the stars. 133 Song of Ascent: Brothers in Unity How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. Like oil running down Aaron's beard, like dew on Mount Hermon. Brief, warm, unforgettable. 134 Song of Ascent: The Night Watch The last Song of Ascent. The pilgrims have arrived. Now they bless the servants who keep watch in the temple through the night. 135 Praise His Name The Lord chose Israel as His treasured possession. A hymn that celebrates divine choice and power with borrowed phrases from across the Psalter. 136 His Love Endures Forever Twenty-six verses. Twenty-six times the refrain: His steadfast love endures forever. Repetition becomes revelation. 137 By the Rivers of Babylon The exiles sit down and weep. How can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land? A psalm of grief that ends with rage. 138 A Whole Heart I give You thanks with my whole heart. Even kings will praise You when they hear what You've said. Bold gratitude from David. 139 Fearfully Made Nowhere you can go that God is not already there. This psalm moves from awe to intimacy. 140 Rescue Me Violent men plot evil. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent's. David prays for deliverance — and trusts that God maintains the cause of the afflicted. 141 Set a Guard Set a guard over my mouth, Lord. Keep watch over the door of my lips. The most dangerous weapon isn't the sword — it's the tongue. 142 No One Cares David is in a cave, alone. No one regards me. No refuge remains. Then he prays — and the cave becomes a sanctuary. 143 Teach Me to Do Your Will My spirit faints within me. David spreads his hands to God like parched earth waiting for rain. Lead me on level ground. 144 The Warrior's Prayer What is man that You regard him? David asks the question again — this time before battle. Then he picks up his sword. 145 Every Day I Will Bless You David's last psalm of praise. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. His greatness is unsearchable — but David searches anyway. 146 Do Not Trust in Princes Put no trust in human leaders — they die, and their plans perish. But the God of Jacob keeps faith forever. 147 He Heals the Brokenhearted God counts the stars and calls them each by name — and also binds up the wounds of the brokenhearted. Both. At the same time. 148 Let Everything Praise Sun, moon, stars, sea creatures, fire, hail, snow, mountains, trees, kings, young and old — everything that exists is summoned to praise. 149 A Double-Edged Sword A new song with a sword in hand. Praise in their mouths and a blade in their grip. The final psalms crescendo toward the grand finale. 150 Everything Praise The final psalm. Every instrument, every breath, every living thing — one great chorus. This is how the songbook ends.
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