King James Version

What Does Psalms 7:17 Mean?

Psalms 7:17 in the King James Version says “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.”

Psalms 7:17 · KJV

Context

15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. He made a pit: Heb. He hath digged a pit

16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

17

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

Read Psalms 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. This triumphant conclusion transforms the psalm from desperate plea to confident worship. Having poured out his complaints and appealed for divine justice, David now commits to praise—not because circumstances have necessarily changed, but because God's character remains constant.

"I will praise" (odeh, אוֹדֶה) means to give thanks, confess, or acknowledge publicly. David's praise is not private sentiment but public declaration of God's goodness. This verb often appears in contexts of fulfilled deliverance (Psalm 18:49; 30:9), suggesting David writes with confidence that God will act, even if vindication hasn't yet arrived.

"According to his righteousness" (ke-tzidqo, כְּצִדְקוֹ) provides the basis for praise. David will praise God in proportion to or in accordance with God's righteous character. Since God's righteousness is infinite, so should our praise be boundless. God's righteousness guarantees He will act justly, vindicate the innocent, and punish wickedness—all grounds for worship.

"The name of the LORD most high" combines two divine titles: Yahweh (covenant name) and Elyon (Most High). Elyon emphasizes God's supremacy over all powers, spiritual and earthly. No matter how powerful David's enemies, God reigns supreme. The "name" represents God's full character and reputation—everything He has revealed about Himself. To sing praise to His name is to celebrate all He is and does.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Psalms, vows of future praise often conclude laments (Psalm 13:5-6; 35:18; 71:22-24). This pattern reflects ancient Israel's worship practices. Worshipers would bring thank offerings to the temple after deliverance, publicly testifying to God's faithfulness. David's commitment to praise "according to righteousness" anticipates such public worship.

The title "Most High" (El Elyon) first appears in Genesis 14:18-20 when Melchizedek, king of Salem, blessed Abram by "God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth." This ancient divine title emphasized God's sovereignty over all creation and all lesser powers—particularly relevant when facing human enemies who seem powerful but are ultimately subject to the Most High.

Ancient Near Eastern peoples believed in hierarchies of gods, with some deities more powerful than others. Israel's monotheism insisted there is only one God, and He is supreme over all. Calling Yahweh "Most High" wasn't comparing Him to other deities (who don't exist) but asserting His absolute sovereignty over all creation, all nations, and all powers.

For Christians, praising God's righteousness takes on added dimensions. God's righteousness was revealed most fully at the cross, where both His justice (punishing sin) and His mercy (forgiving sinners) met in Christ (Romans 3:25-26). The righteous God satisfied His own justice and extended grace to the unrighteous. This gives Christians even greater reason than David to praise "according to His righteousness."

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you cultivate a practice of praising God 'according to His righteousness' even before seeing deliverance from current trials?
  2. What is the relationship between understanding God's character (His righteousness) and the quality or authenticity of your worship?
  3. In what ways does publicly declaring God's goodness (like David's vow of praise) strengthen both your faith and others' encouragement?
  4. How does recognizing God as 'Most High'—sovereign over all powers—change your perspective on intimidating circumstances or enemies?
  5. What specific attributes of God's righteousness should shape your praise this week, and how will you express that worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אוֹדֶ֣ה1 of 7

“I will praise”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יְהוָ֥ה2 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כְּצִדְק֑וֹ3 of 7

“according to his righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וַ֝אֲזַמְּרָ֗ה4 of 7

“and will sing praise”

H2167

properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so

שֵֽׁם5 of 7

“to the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֥ה6 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עֶלְיֽוֹן׃7 of 7

“most high”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

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 7:17 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 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 9:2Psalms 71:15-16Psalms 98:2Psalms 111:3Psalms 92:8Daniel 4:34

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