Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

PSALMS 141:2KJV
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Psalms 141:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 141:2 mean?

Psalms 141:2 describes the psalmist’s desire for his prayer to be as pleasing and acceptable to God as the incense and evening sacrifices offered in the temple. The verse uses the imagery of worship rituals to express a longing for God to receive and value his prayer and the lifting of his hands.

David is speaking to God, likely in a time of trouble or distress, asking that his prayers be received with the same favor as the formal acts of worship in ancient Israel. By comparing his prayer to incense and sacrifice, David connects his personal devotion to the communal worship practices that were central to Israel’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 141:2

  • "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): This word refers to a spoken plea or request directed to God, highlighting the personal and heartfelt nature of David’s words.
  • "incense" (קְטֹרֶת, qetoret): Incense was burned in the temple as a symbol of prayers rising to God; mentioning it here shows David’s hope that his prayer would be just as welcome and pleasing.
  • "lifting up" (מִנְחָה, minchah): This word is often used for a grain offering or sacrifice, but here it is connected to the act of raising hands in prayer, linking a physical gesture to the ritual of sacrifice.
  • "evening" (עֶרֶב, erev): The evening sacrifice was a daily offering in the temple, marking a regular time of worship; David’s mention of it shows his desire for his prayers to be part of this ongoing relationship with God.

Why Psalms 141:2 matters

  • Psalms 141:2 clarifies that personal prayer can be as meaningful to God as the formal rituals performed in the temple, emphasizing the value of sincere devotion over outward ceremony.
  • The verse highlights the connection between private faith and public worship, showing that both are important ways to seek God’s presence and favor.
  • By using the imagery of incense and sacrifice, Psalms 141:2 helps readers understand how ancient Israelites viewed prayer as an offering, not just words, but something precious given to God.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H4864 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 43:34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:6 And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
  • Jeremiah 40:5 Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

“incense” Hebrew H7004 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
  • Numbers 16:18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
  • Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

“evening” Hebrew H6153 · used in 130 verses

  • Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
  • Leviticus 15:18 The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • 1 Kings 10:15 Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.