Psalms 33:22 Meaning and Explanation
“Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist prays for God's mercy to rest upon the people according to their hope in God.
The Context of Psalms 33:22
The psalm concludes with a prayer for God's mercy based on the hope the people place in Him.
What Does Psalms 33:22 Mean?
The psalm closes with a prayer that brings together the two movements: cosmic affirmation of God's power and personal petition for His mercy. The request is that God's mercy be upon the people—that His compassionate care, the very mercy they have discussed and placed hope in, would actively settle upon them. This prayer assumes that while God is able to extend mercy, the request acknowledges that the people genuinely need it. Mercy comes not as debt but as grace.
The phrase "according as we hope in thee" expresses a confidence that forms the basis of the prayer. Hope is not wishful thinking but expectation grounded in knowledge of God's character. The more fully people embrace hope in God, the more fully they position themselves to receive His mercy. The prayer moves from remembering God's cosmic sovereignty and protection to trusting that His mercy will meet the needs of those who place their hope entirely in Him.
Psalms 33:22 in the Original Language
mercy (חֶסֶד, chesed) — covenant love, loyal love, or mercy; God's enduring commitment to those in relationship with Him
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 33:22
What does Psalms 33:22 mean?
The psalmist prays for God's mercy to rest upon the people according to their hope in God.
What is the context of Psalms 33:22?
The psalm concludes with a prayer for God's mercy based on the hope the people place in Him.