Psalms 72:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to grant righteous judgment to the king.
The Context of Psalms 72:1
The opening petition sets the psalm's central theme: a king ruled by God's standards.
What Does Psalms 72:1 Mean?
This psalm is a royal prayer attributed to Solomon's time, though its language suggests it may have been composed for coronation ceremonies. The request is fundamentally theological—that the king function as God's instrument in administering justice and reflecting divine character.
The psalmist identifies kingship itself as a gift from God, not a crown earned by human power. By asking God to impart His judgments and righteousness, the prayer establishes the king's authority as derivative, resting entirely on divine wisdom and moral alignment.
Psalms 72:1 in the Original Language
mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), 'judgments' — decisions or rules that embody justice and right order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 72:1
What does Psalms 72:1 mean?
The psalmist asks God to grant righteous judgment to the king.
What is the context of Psalms 72:1?
The opening petition sets the psalm's central theme: a king ruled by God's standards.