Psalms 101:1 Meaning and Explanation
“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist vows to celebrate both God's compassion and justice through song.
The Context of Psalms 101:1
Opening declaration of a royal psalm vowing righteous leadership.
What Does Psalms 101:1 Mean?
The opening verse of a royal psalm establishes its core commitment: the singer will make God's character—particularly His mercy and judgment—the subject of their praise. This combines two essential aspects of God's nature into a unified declaration of worship.
By singing of both mercy and judgment together, the psalmist acknowledges God's complete character and commits to celebrating how these qualities work together in His rule. This sets the foundation for the vow of righteous conduct that follows.
Psalms 101:1 in the Original Language
shīr (שִׁיר), 'sing' — to make music, proclaim publicly through song.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 101:1
What does Psalms 101:1 mean?
The psalmist vows to celebrate both God's compassion and justice through song.
What is the context of Psalms 101:1?
Opening declaration of a royal psalm vowing righteous leadership.