Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

PSALMS 17:7KJV
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Psalms 17:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 17:7 mean?

Psalms 17:7 is a prayer asking God to show extraordinary kindness and to rescue those who trust Him from their enemies. The verse highlights God’s unique ability to save people who rely on Him, especially when they are threatened or attacked.

David, the writer, is speaking directly to God during a time when he feels surrounded by those who oppose him. He appeals to God’s “marvellous lovingkindness,” asking for a display of God’s faithful love and power to deliver. The verse shows David’s confidence that God protects those who put their trust in Him, even in dangerous situations.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 17:7

  • "marvellous" (פָּלָא, palaʾ): This word means something wonderful or extraordinary, often describing acts that go beyond normal human ability. David is asking God to act in a way that is surprising and unmistakably divine.
  • "lovingkindness" (חֶסֶד, ḥesed): This word refers to steadfast love, loyalty, or mercy. It is a key term for God’s faithful, covenant love—David is not just asking for kindness, but for the deep, committed love God shows to His people.
  • "savest" (יָשַׁע, yashaʿ): This verb means to deliver or rescue. The focus is on God’s power to save, especially in situations where human help is not enough.
  • "hand" (יָמִין, yamin): Literally “right hand,” which in the Bible often symbolizes strength and skill. David is asking for God’s powerful intervention.
  • "trust" (חָסָה, ḥasah): This word means to seek refuge or take shelter. It paints a picture of someone running to God for protection, like taking cover from a storm.
  • "up" (קוּם, qum): Here, it refers to those who “rise up” against David—his enemies who are actively opposing him.

Why Psalms 17:7 matters

  • The verse clears up that David is not just asking for any help, but for a display of God’s extraordinary, faithful love in a time of real danger.
  • The use of words like ḥesed (lovingkindness) and yamin (right hand) emphasizes that David relies on God’s unique, covenant-based relationship and His unmatched power.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm by showing David’s trust in God as his only true protector, setting the tone for the rest of his prayer for deliverance.

Where else these words appear

“marvellous” Hebrew H6395 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 8:22 And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.
  • Exodus 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
  • Psalms 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

“trust” Hebrew H2620 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
  • Psalms 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
  • Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.