Skip to main content

    Psalms 86 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 86 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 86

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 86:5

    "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteou…"

    Psalm 86:15

    "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious…"

    Explore Topics Related to Psalms 86

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    Psalm 16:1 Commentary

    In-depth study • Trust in God's Preservation

    Commentary

    Psalm 57:10 Commentary

    In-depth study • God's Mercy Reaches the Heavens

    Personality Quiz

    Which Psalm Writer Are You?

    Free KJV quiz on the writers of the Psalms — David, Asaph, the sons of Korah or

    Prayer

    David's Prayer of Repentance

    A heartfelt cry for mercy inspired by Psalm 51.

    Prayer

    Prayer of Gratitude (Psalm 100)

    A joyful prayer of thanksgiving rooted in Psalm 100.

    Bible Quiz

    Psalms Quiz

    Hymns, prayers, and praises from Israel's songbook.

    Psalms 86 Summary

    Psalm 86 is a personal prayer of David that weaves together petition, praise, and trust. David calls himself 'poor and needy,' asking God for mercy, joy, preservation, and teaching. The psalm is notable for its rich theology, declaring God's uniqueness, greatness, and steadfast love.

    David asks God to 'unite my heart to fear thy name' — a prayer for undivided devotion — and requests a 'token for good' to silence his enemies. The psalm reflects a deep, personal relationship with God built on daily dependence.

    Key Themes

    PrayerGod's UniquenessMercyUndivided HeartDaily Dependence

    Key Verses in Psalms 86

    "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name."

    — Psalms 86:11

    One of Scripture's most beautiful prayers for wholehearted devotion to God.

    "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth."

    — Psalms 86:15

    David's declaration of God's character echoes Exodus 34:6.

    Life Application

    Pray David's prayer: 'Unite my heart to fear thy name.' A divided heart — pulled between God and the world — leads to spiritual instability. Ask God daily to focus your devotion and teach you His ways.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Psalm 86 about?

    Psalm 86 is David's personal prayer combining petition and praise, asking for mercy, guidance, and an undivided heart devoted to God.

    What does 'unite my heart' mean in Psalm 86?

    David asks God to bring together his divided affections so he can worship God with complete, undistracted devotion rather than being pulled in multiple directions.

    Psalm 86 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Dependent, worshipful

    Best read for: Seeking focus, prayer for a unified heart

    Overview of Psalm 86: Teach Me Your Way, O Lord

    Psalm 86 is David's personal prayer of dependence, weaving together praise and petition. He declares himself poor and needy, asks God to preserve his soul, and appeals to God's unique greatness among the gods. He asks for an undivided heart to fear God's name and for God to show him a sign of favor. The psalm affirms that God is full of compassion, gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy.

    Key Themes

    Dependence
    Undivided Heart
    God's Character
    Mercy

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”
    — Psalm 86:11 (KJV)
    “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
    — Psalm 86:15 (KJV)

    Reflection

    An 'undivided heart' — one that fears God's name without competing loyalties — is David's bold request. In a world of divided attention, what would an undivided heart toward God look like for you?

    Historical Context

    The only psalm in Book III attributed to David, making it a personal gem amid communal psalms. David calls himself a 'servant' (ebed) five times, emphasizing submission rather than kingship. The request 'Unite my heart to fear Your name' reveals David's struggle with a divided heart—wanting God but pulled toward other things.

    How to Apply Psalm 86 Today

    Pray verse 11 daily: 'Unite my heart to fear Your name.' A divided heart is the root of most spiritual struggles. When you try to love God and the world simultaneously, ask Him to fuse your fragmented desires into a single burning focus on Him.

    A Prayer from Psalm 86

    Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me, for I am poor and needy. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord. You are great and do wondrous things; You alone are God. Amen.

    Read the full Psalm 86 devotional →
    Read the full summary of Psalms

    Free Bible widgets and more ways to read