King James Version
What Does Psalms 17:2 Mean?
“Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.”
Psalms 17:2 · KJV
Context
1
A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. the right: Heb. justice not: Heb. without lips of deceit
2
Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
3
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryDavid appeals for vindication from God's presence, knowing only God's eyes see what is upright ('mesharim'—equity/uprightness). This demonstrates confidence in divine omniscience and perfect justice. The Hebrew 'mishpat' (vindication/judgment) acknowledges God as the righteous Judge who sees beyond human appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). This anticipates believers' final vindication at Christ's judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Written when David faced false accusations, likely from Saul's court. Ancient Near Eastern legal proceedings often failed to discover truth, but God's judgment was certain.
Reflection Questions
- How do you maintain integrity when only God sees the full truth?
- Do you trust God's vindication more than human approval?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsמִ֭לְּפָנֶיךָ1 of 6
“from thy presence”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מִשְׁפָּטִ֣י2 of 6
“Let my sentence”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
יֵצֵ֑א3 of 6
“come forth”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
עֵ֝ינֶ֗יךָ4 of 6
“let thine eyes”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
תֶּחֱזֶ֥ינָה5 of 6
“behold”
H2372to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
מֵישָׁרִֽים׃6 of 6
“the things that are equal”
H4339evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv
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 17:2 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 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge