Psalms 72:17 Meaning and Explanation
“His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king's name and memory will be eternal, and all humanity will find blessing through him.
The Context of Psalms 72:17
The king's legacy and name become eternal sources of blessing.
What Does Psalms 72:17 Mean?
This verse marks a turning point: the king's significance transcends his lifetime. His name endures as long as the sun—an eternal legacy. The repetition ('his name shall endure...his name shall be continued') emphasizes the permanence of his memory and influence. His name becomes a source of blessing itself.
The statement that all nations will call him blessed suggests that his impact becomes universal blessing—not that they call him 'blessed one' but that in his name, blessing is invoked and received. This transforms the king from ruler into a figure through whom God's blessing flows to all humanity, making him a channel of eternal grace.
Psalms 72:17 in the Original Language
shmo (שְׁמוֹ), 'his name' — in Semitic thought, one's name contains and expresses one's essence and power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 72:17
What does Psalms 72:17 mean?
The king's name and memory will be eternal, and all humanity will find blessing through him.
What is the context of Psalms 72:17?
The king's legacy and name become eternal sources of blessing.