King James Version

What Does Psalms 123:2 Mean?

Psalms 123:2 in the King James Version says “Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mi... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 123 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Psalms 123:2 · KJV


Context

1

A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

2

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

3

Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

4

Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A simile illustrates dependent watching: 'Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.' The double comparison (male servants, female maidens) emphasizes universality - all who depend on masters exhibit this attentive watching. Servants watch the master's hand for signals, commands, provision, and protection. The hand symbolizes power, action, and provision. This watching is active, not passive - alert readiness to respond to divine direction. The phrase 'until that he have mercy' reveals the specific need: divine compassion and intervention. Waiting 'upon' the LORD combines expectation with submission. The comparison to servants might seem demeaning in modern contexts, but it accurately depicts human dependence on God - we are creatures serving Creator, subjects before Sovereign. Dignity comes not from autonomy but from relationship with the Master.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient household structures, servants' welfare depended entirely on masters' disposition. Attentive service resulted in provision; neglect brought punishment. The comparison would resonate powerfully in a culture familiar with master-servant dynamics. The emphasis on 'hand' reflects how non-verbal communication directed servant activity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the servant-master relationship illuminate the believer's relationship with God?
  2. What does it mean to watch God's 'hand' for direction and provision?
  3. Why is waiting 'until' God shows mercy important rather than demanding immediate response?
  4. How does modern emphasis on autonomy conflict with this posture of dependence?
  5. In what ways can believers cultivate attentive watching of God's direction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
הִנֵּ֨ה1 of 18
H2009

lo!

עֵ֭ינֵינוּ2 of 18

Behold as the eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עֲבָדִ֡ים3 of 18

of servants

H5650

a servant

אֶל4 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַ֪ד5 of 18

look unto the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֲֽדוֹנֵיהֶ֗ם6 of 18

of their masters

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

עֵ֭ינֵינוּ7 of 18

Behold as the eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

שִׁפְחָה֮8 of 18

of a maiden

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

אֶל9 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַ֪ד10 of 18

look unto the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

גְּבִ֫רְתָּ֥הּ11 of 18

of her mistress

H1404

mistress

כֵּ֣ן12 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עֵ֭ינֵינוּ13 of 18

Behold as the eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֶל14 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֣ה15 of 18

wait upon the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ16 of 18

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַ֝֗ד17 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שֶׁיְּחָנֵּֽנוּ׃18 of 18

until that he have mercy

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 123:2 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 123:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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