Psalms 141:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks that his prayer ascend to God like incense and his raised hands be accepted as an evening sacrifice.
The Context of Psalms 141:2
Prayer presented as a spiritual offering acceptable to God.
What Does Psalms 141:2 Mean?
The imagery draws from the temple worship: incense rose in the Holy Place as an offering, and hands lifted in supplication were a gesture of prayer. By comparing his prayer to these sacred acts, David seeks acceptance of his plea.
This verse expresses the desire that his words and posture of worship reach God and be received as an acceptable offering. The parallel structure (incense/lifting of hands, prayer/evening sacrifice) suggests that genuine prayer from the heart is as valuable to God as formal temple rituals.
Psalms 141:2 in the Original Language
qeṭōret (קְטֹרֶת), 'incense' — a fragrant offering that rose to heaven as a symbol of prayer ascending to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 141:2
What does Psalms 141:2 mean?
The psalmist asks that his prayer ascend to God like incense and his raised hands be accepted as an evening sacrifice.
What is the context of Psalms 141:2?
Prayer presented as a spiritual offering acceptable to God.