O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

PSALMS 36:10KJV
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Psalms 36:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 36:10 mean?

Psalms 36:10 is a prayer asking God to keep showing steadfast love to those who truly know Him, and to keep acting with fairness toward people who are sincere and upright in their hearts. The verse expresses a desire for God’s faithful care and just treatment to continue for those who are devoted to Him.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God, asking for ongoing kindness and righteousness for people who have a genuine relationship with God and whose intentions are good. The verse comes in the middle of a psalm that contrasts the wicked with those who trust in God, highlighting the special care God gives to those who seek Him honestly.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 36:10

  • "Lovingkindness" (חֶסֶד, ḥesed) means steadfast love or loyal kindness. This word often describes God’s faithful, covenant love—a love that is dependable and not based on changing feelings.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yadaʿ) means more than just intellectual knowledge; it often refers to a close, personal relationship or recognition. Here, it points to people who have a real, lived connection with God.
  • "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah) refers to doing what is right and just, especially in how God acts toward people. It emphasizes God’s fairness and moral integrity.
  • "Upright" (יָשָׁר, yashar) describes someone who is straight, honest, or morally upright. It highlights the inner sincerity of the people David is praying for.
  • "Heart" (לֵב, lev) in Hebrew often means the center of a person’s thoughts, intentions, and will—not just emotions. Being "upright in heart" points to genuine integrity, not just outward behavior.

Why Psalms 36:10 matters

  • Psalms 36:10 clarifies that God’s steadfast love and fairness are not automatic for everyone, but are especially directed toward those who truly know Him and are sincere in their hearts.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of an authentic relationship with God, not just outward actions or religious rituals.
  • In the wider context of the psalm, this request highlights the contrast between the wicked and those who seek God, showing that God’s care is a response to genuine faithfulness and integrity.

Where else these words appear

“continue” Hebrew H4900 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
  • Nehemiah 9:30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
  • Isaiah 13:22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

“upright” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.