King James Version

What Does Psalms 72:15 Mean?

Psalms 72:15 in the King James Version says “And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and da...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 72 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 72:15 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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

16

There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

17

His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. endure: Heb. be his name shall be: Heb. shall be as a son to continue his father's name for ever

Read Psalms 72 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king shall live, and people will give him gold of Sheba, pray for him continually, and daily praise him. This describes perpetual reign with ongoing tribute, intercession, and worship. The gold recalls the Queen of Sheba's gifts; the continual prayer suggests the king's dependence on divine help despite earthly power. Only Christ's eternal reign and the church's unceasing intercession (Hebrews 7:25) and praise fully satisfy this prophecy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

'He shall live' points to the king's longevity or, messianically, to Christ's resurrection and eternal life. Human kings die; the Son lives forever, making His priesthood and kingship permanent (Hebrews 7:24-25).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's eternal life guarantee the permanence of His saving work?
  2. What 'gold' can you offer King Jesus in worship and devotion?
  3. How can you participate in the continual prayer and daily praise due to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וִיחִ֗י1 of 11

“And he shall live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וְיִתֶּן2 of 11

“and to him shall be given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לוֹ֮3 of 11
H0
מִזְּהַ֪ב4 of 11

“of the gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

שְׁ֫בָ֥א5 of 11

“of Sheba”

H7614

sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district

וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל6 of 11

“prayer also shall be made”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

בַּעֲד֣וֹ7 of 11
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

תָמִ֑יד8 of 11

“for him continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

כָּל9 of 11
H3605

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

הַ֝יּ֗וֹם10 of 11

“and daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יְבָרֲכֶֽנְהֽוּ׃11 of 11

“shall he be praised”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

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 72:15 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 72:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 10:14Revelation 5:8-14Jude 1:25Hebrews 10:19-221 John 1:2Revelation 1:5-6

Places in This Verse

Sheba 1Region · Modern: Sheba · 15.35°N, 44.21°E18 verses across 8 books
View all places in Psalms 72 →

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