King James Version

What Does Psalms 102:14 Mean?

Psalms 102:14 in the King James Version says “For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 102 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.”

Psalms 102:14 · KJV

Context

12

But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.

13

Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

14

For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

15

So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

16

When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.

Read Psalms 102 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The servants' favor (ratsah) toward Zion's stones and dust demonstrates deep love for God's dwelling place, even in its ruined state. This devotion to the physical symbols of God's presence reflects proper attachment to sacred things. The temple's destruction didn't diminish Israel's love for God's house. This prefigures Christian devotion to the church, though our temple is spiritual (1 Cor 3:16-17). Christ cleansed the physical temple (John 2:13-17) but ultimately became the true temple where God dwells among His people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon in 586 BC, the exiles mourned over the temple ruins. Even stones and dust became precious as reminders of God's former presence and promises of future restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does your attitude toward corporate worship reveal about your love for God's presence?
  2. How does understanding believers as God's temple transform your view of the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רָצ֣וּ2 of 8

“take pleasure”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

עֲ֭בָדֶיךָ3 of 8

“For thy servants”

H5650

a servant

אֶת4 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲבָנֶ֑יהָ5 of 8

“in her stones”

H68

a stone

וְֽאֶת6 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲפָרָ֥הּ7 of 8

“the dust”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

יְחֹנֵֽנוּ׃8 of 8

“and favour”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 102:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 102:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 4:2Nehemiah 4:6Ezra 3:1-3Psalms 137:5-6Nehemiah 2:3Ezra 7:27

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