King James Version

What Does Psalms 72:13 Mean?

Psalms 72:13 in the King James Version says “He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 72 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.”

Psalms 72:13 · KJV

Salvation

Context

11

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

12

For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.

13

He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

14

He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

15

And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised. shall be given: Heb. one shall give

Read Psalms 72 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king 'shall spare the poor and needy' and 'save the souls of the needy,' showing both compassion and power. 'Spare' means treat with mercy; 'save' means deliver from danger. This goes beyond charity to actual rescue and transformation. Christ saves not just bodies but souls—providing eternal salvation, not mere temporal relief. Yet spiritual salvation often includes tangible care for physical needs, as Jesus's ministry demonstrated (healing, feeding, etc.).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Saving 'souls' uses Hebrew 'nephesh,' meaning life or person—the whole being, not just spiritual aspect. Biblical salvation is holistic, addressing spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's salvation address your whole person, not just spiritual dimension?
  2. What is the relationship between evangelism (saving souls) and mercy ministry (meeting physical needs)?
  3. How can you reflect Christ's compassion by 'sparing' and 'saving' the vulnerable around you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יָ֭חֹס1 of 7

“He shall spare”

H2347

properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate

עַל2 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דַּ֣ל3 of 7

“the poor”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים4 of 7

“and needy”

H34

destitute

וְנַפְשׁ֖וֹת5 of 7

“the souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים6 of 7

“and needy”

H34

destitute

יוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃7 of 7

“and shall save”

H3467

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

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 72:13 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 72:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 34:16Matthew 5:3Psalms 109:31Job 5:15-16Matthew 18:10James 2:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 72 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 72 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes