He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

PSALMS 72:2KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 72:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 72:2 mean?

Psalms 72:2 describes a ruler who will govern the people fairly, using righteousness as his standard and giving special attention to judging the poor with justice. The verse highlights the expectation that leadership should be marked by fairness and moral integrity, especially toward those who are vulnerable.

This verse is part of a prayer or wish for the king, traditionally attributed to Solomon or written about him. The psalmist is asking God to help the king rule in a way that reflects God’s own justice, especially in how he treats the common people and the poor. The focus is on the king’s responsibility to act rightly and to ensure that those with less power receive fair treatment.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 72:2

  • "judge" (דִּין, din): This word often means to govern or to make decisions, not just in a legal sense but as a way of guiding the people. It emphasizes the king’s active role in leading with discernment.
  • "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq): This word points to doing what is right and just, according to God’s standards. It is not just about following rules but about acting with integrity and fairness.
  • "poor" (עָנִי, ani): This term refers to those who are afflicted, humble, or in need. The verse singles out the poor to stress that true justice cares for those who might otherwise be overlooked.
  • "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word means justice or a fair decision. It underlines the idea that the king’s judgments should be equitable, especially for those who are vulnerable.

Why Psalms 72:2 matters

  • Psalms 72:2 clarifies that biblical justice is not just about punishing wrongdoers but about actively promoting fairness and protecting the rights of the poor.
  • The verse sets a high standard for leadership, showing that rulers are expected to reflect God’s character in their decisions, especially toward those who are powerless.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse introduces a vision of an ideal king whose reign brings blessing and justice to all, not just the privileged.

Where else these words appear

“judge” Hebrew H1777 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
  • Job 36:31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
  • Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

“poor” Hebrew H6041 · used in 78 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

“righteousness” Hebrew H6664 · used in 109 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Psalms 52:3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.