King James Version

What Does Psalms 17:7 Mean?

Psalms 17:7 in the King James Version says “Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those t...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. by thy: or, them which trust in thee from those that rise up against thy right hand”

Psalms 17:7 · KJV

Context

5

Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. slip: Heb. be not moved

6

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.

7

Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. by thy: or, them which trust in thee from those that rise up against thy right hand

8

Keep me as the apple of the eye , hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

9

From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. oppress: Heb. waste my: Heb. my enemies against the soul

Read Psalms 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David appeals to God's 'steadfast love' ('chesed'—covenant faithfulness) shown to those who take refuge in Him. The phrase 'by Your right hand' indicates God's power and saving action. This parallels Exodus 15:6 celebrating God's right hand shattering enemies. The refuge motif anticipates believers' security in Christ—nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). Reformed theology sees election as the ultimate expression of covenant love.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

References God's pattern of delivering those who trust Him, established throughout Israel's history from the Exodus onward.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's covenant love deepen your sense of security?
  2. In what ways do you actively take refuge in God rather than other securities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַפְלֵ֣ה1 of 6

“Shew thy marvellous”

H6395

to distinguish (literally or figuratively)

חֲ֭סָדֶיךָ2 of 6

“lovingkindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

מוֹשִׁ֣יעַ3 of 6

“O thou that savest”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

חוֹסִ֑ים4 of 6

“them which put their trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

מִ֝מִּתְקוֹמְמִ֗ים5 of 6

“in thee from those that rise up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בִּֽימִינֶֽךָ׃6 of 6

“by thy right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

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 17:7 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 17:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 60:5Psalms 5:11-12Psalms 20:6Psalms 31:21Isaiah 41:10Exodus 15:6

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