Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

PSALMS 119:132KJV
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Psalms 119:132 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:132 mean?

Psalms 119:132 is a prayer asking God to look kindly on the speaker and show mercy, just as God has always done for those who love His name. The verse expresses a longing for God’s attention and compassionate treatment, based on God’s consistent kindness to faithful people.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be the psalmist, addressing God directly in a moment of need or humility. The request is not for special treatment, but for the same mercy God regularly shows to those who are devoted to Him. This verse fits into the larger context of Psalm 119, where the writer repeatedly seeks God’s help and favor while affirming love for God’s teachings and character.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:132

  • "Look" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to turn or pay attention. The psalmist is asking God to turn His face toward him, a way of asking for personal attention and care.
  • "Merciful" (חָנַן, chanan): This word carries the idea of showing grace or favor. The speaker is asking for undeserved kindness, not something earned.
  • "Usest" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): Often translated as "judgment" or "custom," here it refers to God’s usual way of acting toward those who love Him. The psalmist appeals to God’s established pattern of mercy.
  • "Love" (אָהַב, ahav): This word means deep affection or devotion. The verse highlights that God’s mercy is especially shown to those who truly love His name.
  • "Name" (שֵׁם, shem): In the Hebrew Bible, "name" often stands for God’s character and reputation. Loving God’s name means honoring and valuing who God is.

Why Psalms 119:132 matters

  • Psalms 119:132 clarifies that God’s mercy is not random but is consistently shown to those who are devoted to Him, emphasizing God’s reliability.
  • The verse highlights the personal relationship between the psalmist and God, showing that it is appropriate to ask for God’s attention and kindness based on His known character.
  • This verse ties into the larger theme of Psalm 119, where the writer’s love for God’s ways is met with God’s faithful care, reinforcing the connection between devotion and divine mercy.

Where else these words appear

“merciful” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 102:14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

“Look” Hebrew H6437 · used in 128 verses

  • Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
  • Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.