Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

PSALMS 123:2KJV
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Psalms 123:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 123:2 mean?

Psalms 123:2 uses the image of servants and a maiden watching their masters’ and mistress’s hands to describe how the people look to the LORD for help and mercy. The verse expresses a posture of dependence and expectation, showing that the people are waiting patiently for God to act kindly toward them.

The speaker is the psalmist, representing a group (likely Israel) who are addressing God in prayer. The setting is one of need or distress, where the people see themselves as completely reliant on God’s favor, just as servants depend on their masters for direction and provision. The verse highlights humility and trust, showing that the people are looking to God alone for relief.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 123:2

  • eyes (עַיִן, ‘ayin): This word appears several times, emphasizing the act of watching closely and attentively. The repetition underlines the intensity and focus of the people’s hope in God.
  • hand (יָד, yad): In this context, “hand” refers to the source of action, provision, or signal. Servants would watch a master’s hand for a gesture or sign, just as the people wait for God’s action.
  • mercy (חָנַן, chanan): This word means to show favor or be gracious. The people are not demanding but are waiting for God to show kindness out of His own will.

Why Psalms 123:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the people’s hope is not in their own strength or other sources, but in God alone, much like servants have no other provider but their master.
  • The imagery of watching the hand highlights a readiness to respond and a deep dependence, not just passive waiting.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, which is a prayer for mercy in the face of contempt or hardship, showing a humble, trusting approach to God.

Where else these words appear

“mistress” Hebrew H1404 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 16:4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
  • Genesis 16:9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
  • Isaiah 24:2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.

“maiden” Hebrew H8198 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • 2 Samuel 14:12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.

“mercy” 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.