Psalms 72:13 Meaning and Explanation
“He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king will show mercy to the poor and rescue their very lives.
The Context of Psalms 72:13
The king's mercy protects and preserves the lives of the destitute.
What Does Psalms 72:13 Mean?
Sparing the poor and needy suggests an active choice of compassion—the king has the power to harm but chooses protection instead. The verb 'spare' carries the weight of merciful restraint. The phrase 'save the souls of the needy' elevates the action beyond physical survival to preservation of life itself in its fullest sense.
This verse emphasizes that the king's compassion extends not just to their material circumstances but to their fundamental existence. The doubled focus on the poor and needy emphasizes their centrality to the king's moral universe and his primary responsibility.
Psalms 72:13 in the Original Language
chanah (חָנַן), 'spare' — to show favor or mercy, to treat with grace rather than harshness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 72:13
What does Psalms 72:13 mean?
The king will show mercy to the poor and rescue their very lives.
What is the context of Psalms 72:13?
The king's mercy protects and preserves the lives of the destitute.