Psalm 17:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Context of Psalm 17:1
Psalm 17:1 is a petition to the God of justice. The speaker brings a case forward before the divine judge rather than a human court. He uses the language of legal proceedings: 'Hear the right' suggests presenting a righteous cause, and his request for God to 'give ear' to prayer shows he is seeking a fair hearing. The phrase 'that goeth not out of feigned lips' emphasizes that his words come from an honest heart, contrasting with the falsehood of his accusers.
What Does Psalm 17:1 Mean?
Psalm 17:1 is a petition to the God of justice. The speaker brings a case forward before the divine judge rather than a human court. He uses the language of legal proceedings: 'Hear the right' suggests presenting a righteous cause, and his request for God to 'give ear' to prayer shows he is seeking a fair hearing. The phrase 'that goeth not out of feigned lips' emphasizes that his words come from an honest heart, contrasting with the falsehood of his accusers.
The psalmist's opening move is to establish his credibility before God. He wants to be heard because his cause is right and his words are true. This sets the tone for the entire prayer: rather than manipulating God with flattery or elaborate rhetoric, the speaker appeals directly to God's sense of justice, knowing that God judges the heart and can distinguish genuine prayer from mere pretense. The emphasis on truthfulness suggests the psalmist faces enemies who speak falsely or twist words, making his commitment to honest speech a form of integrity.
Psalm 17:1 in the Original Language
The opening appeal uses the language of the law court, framing prayer as a plea for just judgment.
Bible Verses Related to Psalm 17:1
How to Apply Psalm 17:1 Today
Come before God with sincerity and truth. When you pray, let your words reflect the honest desire of your heart, and trust that God sees and judges what is genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalm 17:1
What does Psalm 17:1 mean?
Psalm 17:1 is a petition to the God of justice. The speaker brings a case forward before the divine judge rather than a human court. He uses the language of legal proceedings: 'Hear the right' suggests presenting a righteous cause, and his request for God to 'give ear' to prayer shows he is seeking a fair hearing. The phrase 'that goeth not out of feigned lips' emphasizes that his words come from an honest heart, contrasting with the falsehood of his accusers.
What is the context of Psalm 17:1?
Psalm 17:1 is a petition to the God of justice. The speaker brings a case forward before the divine judge rather than a human court. He uses the language of legal proceedings: 'Hear the right' suggests presenting a righteous cause, and his request for God to 'give ear' to prayer shows he is seeking a fair hearing. The phrase 'that goeth not out of feigned lips' emphasizes that his words come from an honest heart, contrasting with the falsehood of his accusers.
How can I apply Psalm 17:1 today?
Come before God with sincerity and truth. When you pray, let your words reflect the honest desire of your heart, and trust that God sees and judges what is genuine.