King James Version

What Does Psalms 141:2 Mean?

Psalms 141:2 in the King James Version says “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. set: Heb. di...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 141 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. set: Heb. directed”

Psalms 141:2 · KJV

Prayer

Context

1

A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

2

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. set: Heb. directed

3

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

4

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Read Psalms 141 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." The metaphor: tikon tefillati ketoret lefanekha (may be established my prayer as incense before You). Kun (be established/set forth) suggests placement; tefillah (prayer); ketoret (incense) was burned on the golden altar twice daily (Exodus 30:7-8, 34-38). Incense symbolized prayers ascending to God (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). Mas'at kapai minchat arev (the lifting of my hands, the evening offering). Nasa (lift up); kaph (palm of hand); minchah (grain offering/gift offering); erev (evening). Lifted hands expressed supplication, praise, surrender. The verse connects prayer with worship—prayer as spiritual sacrifice replacing physical offerings. Hebrews 13:15 similarly speaks of offering "the sacrifice of praise...the fruit of our lips."

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Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle/temple liturgy included twice-daily incense offerings (morning and evening) on the golden altar in the Holy Place (Exodus 30:7-8). The incense's fragrant smoke symbolized prayers ascending to God's throne. Only priests could offer incense, entering the Holy Place for this sacred duty. When Zacharias entered to burn incense, the angel Gabriel appeared announcing John's birth (Luke 1:8-22). Jesus's crucifixion occurred at the hour of evening sacrifice (3 PM). The tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:51) symbolized direct access to God through Christ's sacrifice. Believers became priests offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5, 9), with prayers as incense before God's throne.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing prayer as "incense" (sweet-smelling sacrifice) transform your prayer life?
  2. What does it mean that believers now have direct access to offer prayers without earthly priests or altars?
  3. In what ways should prayer be as regular and intentional as the twice-daily incense offerings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
תִּכּ֤וֹן1 of 8

“be set forth”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

תְּפִלָּתִ֣י2 of 8

“Let my prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

קְטֹ֣רֶת3 of 8

“thee as incense”

H7004

a fumigation

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ4 of 8

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מַֽשְׂאַ֥ת5 of 8

“and the lifting up”

H4864

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

כַּ֝פַּ֗י6 of 8

“of my hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

מִנְחַת7 of 8

“sacrifice”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

עָֽרֶב׃8 of 8

“as the evening”

H6153

dusk

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 141:2 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 141:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 8:3-4Revelation 5:81 Timothy 2:8Proverbs 15:8Daniel 9:21Malachi 1:11

Test Your Knowledge

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