King James Version

What Does Psalms 143:2 Mean?

Psalms 143:2 in the King James Version says “And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 143 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.”

Psalms 143:2 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

2

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

4

Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. This plea introduces one of Scripture's most profound theological statements: universal human unrighteousness before God's perfect standard. The imperative "enter not into judgment" (al-tavo bemishpat, אַל־תָּבוֹא בְמִשְׁפָּט) begs God not to proceed with formal legal proceedings against David. Though God's servant, David knows he cannot withstand divine scrutiny.

"In thy sight" (lephanekha, לְפָנֶיךָ) means literally "before your face," in God's direct presence where nothing is hidden. The assertion "no man living be justified" (lo-yitsdak kol-chai, לֹא־יִצְדַּק כָּל־חָי) uses tsadaq (צָדַק), the root for righteousness—to be declared righteous, vindicated, or acquitted. David declares the impossibility of self-justification before God.

This verse profoundly anticipates Romans 3:20: "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight." Paul quotes Psalm 143:2 to establish universal sinfulness and the necessity of justification by faith alone. What David feared—standing in judgment—Christ endured, bearing our judgment so we might receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Believers can therefore cry "Abba, Father" rather than fleeing judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 143 is the last of the seven Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), used throughout church history for confession and intercession. Early Christians recited these psalms during Lent. The psalm's superscription attributes it to David but provides no specific historical context, making it applicable to any believer's experience of guilt and need for divine mercy. The theology here—human unrighteousness before God's holiness—permeates the entire Old Testament witness and finds systematic expression in Paul's Romans exposition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that 'no man living be justified' in God's sight deepen appreciation for justification by faith?
  2. What is the difference between fearing judgment as an unbeliever versus as a repentant servant of God?
  3. How should this verse shape your approach to confession and prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְאַל1 of 11
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תָּב֣וֹא2 of 11

“And enter”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְ֭מִשְׁפָּט3 of 11

“not into judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֶת4 of 11
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ5 of 11

“with thy servant”

H5650

a servant

כִּ֤י6 of 11
H3588

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

לֹֽא7 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִצְדַּ֖ק8 of 11

“be justified”

H6663

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

לְפָנֶ֣יךָ9 of 11

“for in thy sight”

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

כָל10 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חָֽי׃11 of 11

“shall no man living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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 143:2 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 143:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 7:20Job 25:4Romans 3:20Psalms 130:31 John 1:10Job 14:3

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