Psalms 72:19 (KJV)

What does Psalms 72:19 mean?

Psalms 72:19 praises God’s name without setting a time limit and expresses the wish that God’s glory fill the whole earth. The verse brings the psalm to a close by turning attention from the king’s rule to God, whose greatness is to be recognized everywhere.

Following the praise in verse 18, the speaker pictures God’s glory filling the earth as completely as something fills a space. The repeated “Amen” gives a firm close to the praise and the wish expressed in the verse.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 72:19

• “glorious” — כָּבוֹד (kavod): This word can carry the sense of honor or greatness. Calling God’s name “glorious” associates that name with the honor due to God.
• “glory” — כָּבוֹד (kavod): The same Hebrew word stands behind both “glorious” and “glory” in this verse. The praise of God’s glorious name and the wish for the earth to be filled with his glory are closely linked.
• “Amen” — אָמֵן (amen): The word expresses agreement or affirmation, with a sense such as “surely” or “so be it.” Saying it twice adds emphasis to the close.

Why Psalms 72:19 matters

• The praise reaches beyond the land ruled by the king. The wish is that the “whole earth” be filled with God’s glory, giving the closing words a worldwide scope.
• The ending also marks a division in the collection of psalms. The note in verse 20 says that the prayers of David are ended, and Psalm 73 begins the next part of the collection.