Psalms 72:13
Psalms 72:13 in Multiple Translations
He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed.
He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
He will have pity on the poor and needy, And the souls of the needy he will save.
He will have pity on the poor, and be the saviour of those who are in need.
He has pity on the poor and needy—he saves their lives!
He shalbe mercifull to the poore and needie, and shall preserue the soules of the poore.
He hath pity on the poor and needy, And the souls of the needy he saveth,
He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy.
He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
And I said: Then have I in vain justified my heart, and washed my hands among the innocent.
They will pity those who are weak and needy; he saves the people’s lives.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 72:13
BAB
Word Study
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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 72:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָ֭חֹס
עַל
דַּ֣ל
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
וְ/נַפְשׁ֖וֹת
אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים
יוֹשִֽׁיעַ
יָ֭חֹס
chûwç
H2347
to pity
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דַּ֣ל
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Conj | Adj
וְ/נַפְשׁ֖וֹת
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | N-cp
אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj
יוֹשִֽׁיעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 72:13
יָ֭חֹס
chûwç
H2347
"to pity"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To pity or have compassion on someone means to show kindness and care for their well-being, like God's compassion for his people. It involves covering or protecting them from harm.
Definition: (Qal) to pity, have compassion, spare, look upon with compassion
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: pity, regard, spare. See also: Genesis 45:20; Ezekiel 5:11; Psalms 72:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דַּ֣ל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
וְ/נַפְשׁ֖וֹת
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | N-cp
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
יוֹשִֽׁיעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 72:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 72:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:13
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:13
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:13
- Sermons on Psalms 72:13
Context — Endow the King with Your Justice
11May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.
12For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.
13He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed.
14He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight. 15Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him; may they bless him all day long.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 34:16 | I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ |
| 2 | Psalms 109:31 | For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from the condemners of his soul. |
| 3 | Matthew 5:3 | “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. |
| 4 | Job 5:15–16 | He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth and from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. |
| 5 | Matthew 18:10 | See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. |
| 6 | James 2:5–6 | Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? |
Psalms 72:13 Summary
This verse, Psalms 72:13, tells us that the king will be kind and show pity to the poor and needy, and save the lives of those who are being treated unfairly. This is a picture of God's heart, as we see in Psalms 68:5, where God is called the Father of the fatherless and the Champion of widows. The king's actions are a reflection of God's love and care for those in need, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches us to care for the least of these. We can learn from this verse to show kindness and compassion to those around us who are struggling, just like the king does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the king to 'take pity' on the poor and needy in Psalms 72:13?
Taking pity on the poor and needy means showing compassion and kindness towards them, as seen in the example of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, where he showed mercy to the man in need.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse reflects God's heart for the poor and needy, as stated in Proverbs 19:17, where it says that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.
What does it mean for the king to 'save the lives of the oppressed'?
Saving the lives of the oppressed means rescuing them from their troubles and difficulties, much like God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 14:13-31.
How can we apply this verse to our lives today?
We can apply this verse by showing kindness and compassion to those in need, as encouraged in Galatians 2:10, where we are reminded to remember the poor, and as seen in the example of Jesus, who said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him, in Matthew 25:31-46.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show pity and kindness to the poor and needy in my community, just like the king in Psalms 72:13?
- How can I be more aware of the oppressed around me and take action to help them, as the king does in this verse?
- What does this verse teach me about God's heart for justice and compassion, and how can I reflect that in my own life?
- In what ways can I partner with God to bring rescue and salvation to those who are oppressed, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:13
He shall spare the poor and needy,.... Pity them, have mercy and compassion on them, and sympathize with them; such an one is Christ, a merciful King, as well as High Priest, who is touched with a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:13
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. -All kings shall serve, Him because He is the Saviour of the needy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:13
The souls, properly so called; this being Christ’ s proper work to save souls; or, the lives, which oppressors shall endeavour to take away.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:13
Psalms 72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.Ver. 13. He shall spare the poor and needy] Hereby David showeth his son and all his successors, Qualis debeat esse rex bonus, what manner of man a king ought to be. Regiment without righteousness turneth into tyranny; it is but robbery with authority. O. Scipio Nasica for his good government was surnamed Optimus by the Senate, and had a house given him at the public charge, in Via Sacra, that the poor might repair to him.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:13
13. He shall have pity on the weak and needy, And the souls of the needy shall he save. The weak may include the sick as well as the poor. Cp. Psalms 40:1; Psalms 82:3-4; Isaiah 10:1; Isaiah 11:4; Amos 4:1. Souls primarily = lives, and so in Psalms 72:14.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:13
He shall spare the poor and needy - He will have pity on; he will show mercy or favor to them. And shall save the souls of the needy - Will guard and defend them; will be their protector and friend.
Sermons on Psalms 72:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God’s War on Poverty and Riches by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "God's War on Poverty and Riches," Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of poverty and riches from a biblical perspective. He highlights that God is not |
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Why Revival Tarries - Part 2 by Henry Blackaby | This sermon emphasizes the importance of shepherding God's people with a shepherd's heart, ensuring that none are lost but all are guided and kept in the full character and nature |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 31-35 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches putting on entertaining programs to draw crowds instead of focusing on sound doctrine. He emphasizes that people with it |
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Two Things God Promises to Do for His Church by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a little boy who disobeys his mother's warning and ventures into the woods outside their house. The boy gets lost and becomes scare |
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The Power of Purity by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the power of purity, highlighting the importance of being pure in heart and action as vessels for the Holy Spirit. It discusses the struggle with imperfectio |
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Lost Four Things Brainerd Learned by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching the truth of the Gospel to lost people rather than trying to prove doctrines to them. He emphasizes the need to c |
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The God Who Seeks by Selwyn Hughes | Selwyn Hughes preaches on the unique aspect of Christianity's focus on personal salvation, highlighting how Christianity is a rescue religion that proclaims the good news of God co |