King James Version

What Does Psalms 72:3 Mean?

Psalms 72:3 in the King James Version says “The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 72 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

Psalms 72:3 · KJV


Context

1

A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. for: or, of

2

He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

3

The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

4

He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

5

They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mountains and hills bringing peace and righteousness depicts comprehensive prosperity—even topography participates in the blessing of righteous rule. 'Peace' (shalom) encompasses wholeness, flourishing, and right relationships. Righteousness produces peace (Isaiah 32:17); unjust rule creates chaos. This vision anticipates the Messianic kingdom where nature itself participates in redemption's blessings (Isaiah 11:6-9, Romans 8:21). Christ's reign brings cosmic renewal, not just individual salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mountains and hills were strategic military positions. Their bringing peace rather than war symbolized security under just governance. Agricultural abundance also depended on rain on hills, making this image include both security and provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does righteous leadership create conditions for broad societal flourishing (peace)?
  2. What does it mean that even creation (mountains, hills) participates in the blessings of Christ's reign?
  3. How can you work for 'peace' (shalom) in your community through promoting righteousness and justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִשְׂא֤וּ1 of 6

shall bring

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הָרִ֓ים2 of 6

The mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שָׁ֘ל֥וֹם3 of 6

peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

לָעָ֑ם4 of 6

to the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וּ֝גְבָע֗וֹת5 of 6

and the little hills

H1389

a hillock

בִּצְדָקָֽה׃6 of 6

by righteousness

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)


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 72:3 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 72:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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