Psalms 72:2
Psalms 72:2 in Multiple Translations
May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.
He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
He will judge thy people with righteousness, And thy poor with justice.
May he be a judge of your people in righteousness, and make true decisions for the poor.
May he rightly judge your people, and may he be fair to the poor.
Then shall he iudge thy people in righteousnesse, and thy poore with equitie.
He judgeth Thy people with righteousness, And Thy poor with judgment.
He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
But my feet were almost moved; my steps had well nigh slipped.
in order that I will judge your people fairly, that I will govern your oppressed people justly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 72:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 72:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָדִ֣ין
עַמְּ/ךָ֣
בְ/צֶ֑דֶק
וַ/עֲנִיֶּ֥י/ךָ
בְ/מִשְׁפָּֽט
יָדִ֣ין
dîyn
H1777
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַמְּ/ךָ֣
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
בְ/צֶ֑דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
Prep | N-ms
וַ/עֲנִיֶּ֥י/ךָ
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Conj | Adj | Suff
בְ/מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 72:2
יָדִ֣ין
dîyn
H1777
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To judge or plead a cause is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe acting as a judge or governing.
Definition: 1) to judge, contend, plead 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as judge, minister judgment 1a2) to plead a cause 1a3) to execute judgment, requite, vindicate 1a4) to govern 1a5) to contend, strive 1b) (Niphal) to be at strife, quarrel Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "to judge" H1778)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: (come) with a straight course. See also: Genesis 6:3; Psalms 72:2; Psalms 7:9.
עַמְּ/ךָ֣
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְ/צֶ֑דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
Prep | N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
וַ/עֲנִיֶּ֥י/ךָ
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Conj | Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
בְ/מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 72:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 72:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 72:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 72:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:2
- Sermons on Psalms 72:2
Context — Endow the King with Your Justice
1Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness.
2May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.
3May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. 4May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 32:1 | Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. |
| 2 | Psalms 72:12–14 | For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight. |
| 3 | Revelation 19:11 | Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. |
| 4 | Isaiah 9:7 | Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. |
| 5 | Isaiah 11:2–5 | The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist. |
| 6 | Job 34:19 | who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. |
| 7 | Isaiah 32:17 | The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. |
| 8 | Psalms 82:3–4 | Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. |
| 9 | 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.” |
| 10 | Psalms 45:6–7 | Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. |
Psalms 72:2 Summary
This verse is a prayer that the king would make fair and just decisions for God's people, especially those who are struggling or hurting. It's a reminder that God cares deeply about justice and righteousness, and wants us to live according to His standards (as seen in Micah 6:8). The verse also highlights the importance of showing compassion and care for the afflicted, just as God does. By following God's principles of righteousness and justice, we can create a more just and compassionate world, reflecting the heart of God (see Matthew 25:31-46).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the king to judge God's people with righteousness?
It means the king is to make fair and just decisions, as God would, following the principles of righteousness found in scripture, such as Isaiah 11:4 and Proverbs 31:9.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse reflects God's heart for justice and righteousness, which is seen throughout scripture, including Psalms 89:14 and Jeremiah 9:24.
What is the difference between righteousness and justice in this verse?
Righteousness refers to living according to God's standards, while justice refers to the fair and impartial application of those standards, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:31-46.
Why are the afflicted mentioned specifically in this verse?
The afflicted are mentioned because they are often the most vulnerable and in need of protection and justice, which is a key aspect of God's character, as seen in Psalms 140:12 and Isaiah 1:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate God's righteousness and justice in my own life, especially towards those who are afflicted or marginalized?
- How can I pray for my leaders to have God's wisdom and justice, as described in this verse?
- What does it mean for me to seek righteousness and justice in my own relationships and community, and how can I apply the principles of this verse in practical ways?
- In what ways can I show compassion and care for the afflicted, as God does, and how can I be an advocate for justice in my sphere of influence?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:2
He shall judge thy people with righteousness,.... Or, "so shall he judge"; or, "that he may judge" (n), as the Syriac and Arabic versions; having the judgments and righteousness of God given him, he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:2
He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. He shall judge ... thy poor with judgment - the afflicted ones among the people of God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:2
He shall judge, to wit, if thou givest him what I have desired. And by this prediction he doth tacitly admonish him of, and oblige him to, the performance of his duty herein. Or, Let him judge; the future being put for the imperative, as hath been oft observed. So it is a prayer. Thy people; for they are thine more than his; and therefore he must not govern them according to his own will and pleasure, but according to the rules of thy word, and for thy service and glory. Thy poor; or, thy afflicted or oppressed ones, for such are thine in a special manner; thou art their Judge and Patron, , and hast commanded all thy people, and especially kings and magistrates, to take a singular care of them, because they have few or no friends.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:2
Psalms 72:2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.Ver. 2. He shall judge thy people with righteousness] sc. If thou please to remember thy promise to me, and to answer this my prayer of faith founded thereupon. And thy poor] Or, thine afflicted. The people (the poor afflicted especially) are the Lord’ s and therefore not to be tyrannized over and trampled on by their governors.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 72:2
(1, 2) The order of the words should be noticed—“judgments,” “righteousness,” “righteousness,” “judgment”—as offering a good instance of introverted parallelism. With regard to the meaning of the words we are placed on practical ground; they refer to the faculty of judging in affairs of government, of coming to a great and fair decision. In fact, whether Solomon be the intended subject of the poem or not, the prayer made in his dream at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:9) is the best comment on these verses. (Comp. Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 32:1.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 72:2
Verse 2. He shall judge thy people with righteousness] With justice and mercy mixed, or according to equity. And thy poor with judgment.] Every one according to the law which thou hast appointed; but with especial tenderness to the poor and afflicted.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:2
2. He shall give sentence to thy people with righteousness, And to thine afflicted ones with Judgement. Many commentators render the verbs throughout the Ps. as optatives, Let him give sentence, and so forth. In Psalms 72:8 ff. this rendering is required by the form of the verb; but here the form is a simple future. The administration of the king endowed with divine capacities for ruling is described (Psalms 72:2; Psalms 72:4; Psalms 72:6), together with the resultant blessings (3, 5, 7). The rendering give sentence is adopted to indicate that the Heb. word is different from that in Psalms 72:4. It has been argued that ‘thine afflicted ones’ implies that the nation was at the time in a state of depression and humiliation: but the term is not necessarily coextensive with ‘thy people’; it denotes, as frequently in the prophets, the poorer classes, who especially needed the protection of good government. See Isaiah 3:14-15; Isaiah 10:2; Jeremiah 22:16; Amos 8:4.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:2
He shall judge thy people with righteousness - On this verse see the notes at Isaiah 11:3-4. The fact that this so entirely accords with the description in Isa.
Sermons on Psalms 72:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Christ in Isaiah) Part 2 by Tom Orr | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking to excel in Christian experience. He refers to the verse in 1 Corinthians 12 where it says to earnestly desire the |
|
(Isaiah) Our Beautiful King by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the Lord and His attributes. He encourages the listeners to meditate on the images of the Lord as a river, a s |
|
As Your Righteousness- 1 cor.1:30 by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the foundational role of righteousness in the believer's life, as presented in 1 Corinthians 1:30. He explains that true peace and spiritual prosperity can |
|
Marks of the Righteous by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the characteristics of true ministers of God as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, highlighting that they will proclaim the all-sufficiency of Christ and li |
|
Jerusalem – Center of Worship and Government by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Jerusalem as the center of worship and government, asserting that the Jewish people will be the royal nation under Christ's dominio |
|
Epistle 284 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the peace and truth of Christ, who removes the curse and rules in righteousness. He encourages believers to let righteousness flow |
|
A Vision of the King by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the blessed occupation of prayerfully searching God's Word to discover new glories of Him, emphasizing the inexhaustible theme of the written |