Psalms 143:2
Psalms 143:2 in Multiple Translations
Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
And enter not into judgment with thy servant; For in thy sight no man living is righteous.
Let not your servant come before you to be judged; for no man living is upright in your eyes.
Please don't place me, your servant, on trial, because nobody is innocent in your sight.
(And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant: for in thy sight shall none that liueth, be iustified)
And enter not into judgment with Thy servant, For no one living is justified before Thee.
Don’t enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous.
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
My mercy, and my refuge: my support, and my deliverer: My protector, and I have hoped in him: who subdueth my people under me.
I am one who serves you; do not judge me, because you know that everyone has done things that are wrong►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 143:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 143:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַל
תָּב֣וֹא
בְ֭/מִשְׁפָּט
אֶת
עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
כִּ֤י
לֹֽא
יִצְדַּ֖ק
לְ/פָנֶ֣י/ךָ
כָל
חָֽי
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תָּב֣וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
בְ֭/מִשְׁפָּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִצְדַּ֖ק
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/פָנֶ֣י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
חָֽי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 143:2
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תָּב֣וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בְ֭/מִשְׁפָּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִצְדַּ֖ק
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
לְ/פָנֶ֣י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חָֽי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 143:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 143:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
- Sermons on Psalms 143:2
Context — I Stretch Out My Hands to You
1O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me.
2Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.
3For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. 4My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:20 | Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. |
| 2 | Romans 3:20 | Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. |
| 3 | Job 25:4 | How then can a man be just before God? How can one born of woman be pure? |
| 4 | Psalms 130:3 | If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? |
| 5 | 1 John 1:10 | If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us. |
| 6 | Galatians 2:16 | know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. |
| 7 | Job 14:3 | Do You open Your eyes to one like this? Will You bring him into judgment before You? |
| 8 | Job 15:14 | What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous? |
| 9 | Exodus 34:7 | maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” |
| 10 | Job 4:17 | ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God, or a man more pure than his Maker? |
Psalms 143:2 Summary
This verse means that the psalmist is asking God not to judge him because he knows he is not perfect and has done wrong things. He recognizes that no one is good enough to stand before God on their own, which is why we need God's mercy and forgiveness (as seen in Psalms 51:1-2 and Romans 5:8). The psalmist is humble and honest about his sinfulness, and he is seeking God's compassion instead of judgment. This reminds us that we all need God's forgiveness and mercy every day, and we should approach Him with humility and trust in His love for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be brought into judgment by God?
To be brought into judgment by God means to be held accountable for our actions and to face His evaluation of our lives, as seen in Psalms 96:13 and Ecclesiastes 12:14. This is a sobering thought, as the verse reminds us that no one is righteous before Him.
Is it true that no one is righteous before God?
According to Psalms 143:2, no one alive is righteous before God, which is supported by other scriptures such as Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23. This emphasizes our need for God's mercy and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Why would the psalmist ask God not to bring him into judgment?
The psalmist asks God not to bring him into judgment because he recognizes his own sinfulness and knows that he cannot stand before God on his own merit, as seen in Job 9:2-3 and Psalms 130:3. He is crying out for God's mercy and compassion instead of judgment.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that we all fall short of God's standards and need His forgiveness and mercy every day, as seen in 1 John 1:8-9. It encourages us to approach God with humility and to seek His grace and pardon continually.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am falling short of God's standards, and how can I ask for His mercy and forgiveness?
- How does the knowledge that no one is righteous before God affect my relationships with others and my own sense of self-righteousness?
- In what ways can I demonstrate humility and recognition of my sinfulness before God, like the psalmist in this verse?
- What are some practical ways I can seek God's mercy and pardon in my daily life, and how can I trust in His faithfulness to forgive me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:2
And enter not into judgment with thy servant,.... The house of judgment, as the Targum, or court of judicature; God is a Judge, and there is and will be a judgment, universal, righteous, and eternal;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:2
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. And enter not into judgment with thy servant - for my many shortcomings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
But when I appeal to thy righteousness, I do it only with respect to mine enemies, whose cause as well as their persons is worse than mine, but not in reference to thee, as if I could absolutely justify myself upon a severe trial at the tribunal of thy justice; for if thou shouldst rigorously examine all the passages of my heart and life, I dread the thoughts and consequences of it. Be justified, to wit, upon terms of strict justice, without thy indulgence and infinite mercy.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
Psalms 143:2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.Ver. 2. And enter not into judgment with thy servant] This is insignis sententia, siqua usquam in sacris literis extat (saith Beza), an excellent sentence as any is in all the Bible, saying the same that St Paul doth, Romans 3:24, that justification is by faith alone, and not by works. David would not be dealt with in strictness of justice. Lord, go not to law with me, so some render it; go not into the judgment hall, so the Chaldee. All St Paul’ s care was, that when he was sought for by God’ s justice, he might be found in Christ, not having his own righteoushess which is of the law, &c., Philippians 3:9. The best lamb should be slaughtered, except the ram had been sacrificed, that Isaac might be saved. Woe to the life of man, saith an ancient, though never so commendable, if it should have judgment without mercy; if there be not an επιεικεια to moderate that ακριβοδικαιον, the severity of utmost right. We read of a certain Dutch divine, who being about to die, was full of fears and doubts. And when some said to him, You have been so active and faithful, why should you fear? Oh, said he, the judgment of man and the judgment of God are different.
Sordet in conspectu Iudicis, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
(2) And enter not.—The Divine justice has just been invoked, and now the appellant suddenly seems to deprecate it. These verses really sum up the apparent paradox of the Book of Job, as also the expressions recall that Book. (See Job 4:17; Job 9:2; Job 9:32; Job 14:3, seq., Job 15:14; Job 22:4, &c) In one breath Job frequently pours forth pathetic protestations of his innocence, and dread lest God should take him at his word and arraign him for trial. Man, in his desire to have his character vindicated before man, appeals to the just Judge, but instantly falls back with a guilty sense that before that tribunal none can stand: “For merit lives from man to man, And not from man, O Lord, to Thee. Shall . . . be justified.—This follows the LXX. Better, is just.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
Verse 2. Enter not into judgment] אל תבוא al tabo. Do not come into court, either as a Witness against me, or as a Judge, else I am ruined; for thou hast seen all my ways that they are evil, and thy justice requires thee to punish me. Nor can any soul that has ever lived be justified in the sight of thy justice and righteousness. Had I my desert from thee, I should have worse than even my unnatural son intends me. O what a relief is Jesus crucified to a soul in such circumstances!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:2
2. enter not into judgment with thy servant] Do not put me on my trial and pass sentence on me according to my deserts. For the phrase cp. Job 9:32; Job 14:3; Isaiah 3:14. Thy servant is not a mere formal expression of humility: it denotes ‘one who is devoted to Thy service,’ and this relation is the ground of his plea. Cp. Psalms 143:12. be justified] Rather, be righteous. Cp. Psalms 130:3, and many passages in Job, where the truth of man’s unholiness in the sight of God is emphasised, e.g. Job 4:17; Job 9:2; Job 15:14; Job 25:4. St Paul quotes this passage freely in Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16, substituting πᾶσασὰρξ, ‘all flesh,’ for πᾶςζῶν.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:2
And enter not into judgment with thy servant - Do not deal with me on the ground of justice as toward “thee;” do not mark my own offences against thee, when I plead that justice may be done as between me and my fellow-men.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:2
2. Enter not into judgment—A bitter element in David’s trouble with Absalom, which does not appear in his matters with Saul, is his own guilt. David had so sinned, and in such various ways, that pardon must be his first relief.
Sermons on Psalms 143:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Due Consideration of God Necessary by John Owen | John Owen emphasizes the necessity of a proper understanding of God as the ultimate judge in relation to the doctrine of justification. He argues that recognizing God's greatness, |
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More on Contrasting Results for Self-Exaltation and Humility by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, emphasizing the dangers of self-righteousness and the blessings of humility before God. The Pharisee's p |
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Gospel Meetings-Shannon Hills 03 by Worth Ellis | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difficulty of getting people to recognize their need for salvation. He shares a personal story of a young girl who attended a series of |
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1 John 1:10 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our sinfulness, arguing that to claim one has never sinned is to contradict God's truth and make Him a liar. He explains that s |
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Prayer Sighs by A.W. Pink | Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 36031 preaches on the concept of becoming useless, as described by the Greek word 'achreioo', meaning to make unprofitable or morally corrupt. |
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General Counsels to Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the nature of sin and its consequences, urging young men to recognize its true evil and the cost of atonement through |
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The New Quest and Law of Life. 7:1-29 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher embarks on a new quest to discover 'the Good' in a high law for life under the sun, possibly found in the fear of God. He seeks wisdom a |