Psalm 11 7

Psalm 11:7 kjv

For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Psalm 11:7 nkjv

For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

Psalm 11:7 niv

For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.

Psalm 11:7 esv

For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.

Psalm 11:7 nlt

For the righteous LORD loves justice.
The virtuous will see his face.

Psalm 11 verses

Psalm 11 7 Meaning

Psalm 11:7 proclaims the immutable character of God and its profound implications for humanity. It asserts that Yahweh, the Lord, is inherently righteous, meaning His very nature is just and true. Because of this core attribute, He actively loves and upholds righteous deeds and actions. The verse concludes with a powerful promise: those who are "upright" in their character and conduct will ultimately "behold His face," signifying an intimate relationship, divine favor, and the privilege of His direct presence and approval. This verse offers assurance to the godly that their trust in a just God is well-founded, guaranteeing their ultimate vindication and blessed fellowship with Him.

Psalm 11 7 Context

Psalm 11 is a psalm of David expressing his unwavering trust in God amidst severe persecution and the temptation to flee. Earlier verses describe the wicked sharpening their arrows, targeting "the upright in heart," and advise David to "flee like a bird to your mountain" (Ps 11:1). His companions urged him to abandon his post because "the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Ps 11:3). Against this backdrop of despair, treachery, and crumbling social order, David's confidence remains rooted not in his own ability or escape, but in God's sovereign control and inherent righteousness. He acknowledges God's throne in heaven, His keen sight upon humanity (Ps 11:4-5), and His ultimate judgment on the wicked (Ps 11:6). Psalm 11:7 serves as the culminating affirmation of David's faith, providing the theological bedrock for his refusal to give in to fear: the very character of God guarantees justice and blesses the upright. It assures both David and the original audience that even when earthly justice falters, divine justice prevails, and intimate fellowship with God awaits those who remain faithful.

Psalm 11 7 Word analysis

• For (כִּֽי - kî): This conjunction indicates cause or reason. It links the previous statement (God tests the righteous, punishes the wicked) to God's inherent nature, providing the theological ground for why things will ultimately be set right. It explains why the righteous should trust Him and why He will act as described.

• the LORD (יְהֹוָה - YHWH): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, unchanging, and faithful relationship with His people. This name underlines His authority and eternal character. The divine name stresses that it is this specific God, Israel's God, who is just and righteous, not merely a generic deity.

• is righteous (צַדִּיק - tzaddiq): An adjective meaning "just," "innocent," "righteous." It describes God's fundamental nature, His perfect adherence to moral and ethical standards. God doesn't just do righteous things; He is righteousness itself. This term is foundational to His character as Judge and King.

• He loves (אָהֵֽב - ahev): The verb "to love," indicating active affection, strong desire, and approval. It's not passive acceptance but a deliberate valuing. God's righteousness is not merely an abstract quality but informs His will and affections; He passionately embraces what is good and just.

• righteousness (צְדָק֤וֹת - tzedaqot): This is the plural form of tzedaqah, meaning "righteous acts," "just deeds," or "justice." It refers to the ethical and moral conduct that aligns with God's character. God doesn't just love righteousness in principle; He loves it manifested in actions, both His own and those of His people.

• the upright (יָשָׁ֣ר - yashar): Means "straight," "level," "right," or "righteous." It refers to those whose conduct is morally sound, honest, and in line with God's commands—those who walk a "straight path" before God. This describes the character of humanity, in contrast to God's perfect righteousness.

• will behold (יֶֽחֱזוּ - yeḥezu): The verb "to see," "to look at," "to perceive." In this context, it implies more than mere physical sight; it suggests a deep apprehension, a direct encounter, enjoyment of presence, and spiritual perception. It indicates the experience of favor and intimacy.

• His face (פָנֵֽימוֹ - paneimo): Literally "His face." In Hebrew thought, "face" often signifies presence, favor, revelation, and intimate encounter. To "behold God's face" is to stand in His favor, to experience His presence directly, to have intimate communion, and to be in His gracious light, without judgment. It can refer to future eschatological blessing, or present spiritual favor.

• For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness: This phrase establishes the foundational theological premise of the psalm. It emphasizes the complete congruence between God's character (tzaddiq) and His active will (ahev tzedaqot). This moral perfection means He cannot be indifferent to injustice; His nature compels Him to act righteously and to champion righteous conduct. This directly counters the despair expressed by those who believed the "foundations are being destroyed" and righteousness seems futile (Ps 11:3).

• the upright will behold His face: This is the climactic promise and assurance of the verse. It depicts the ultimate reward for those who align their lives with God's righteous standards. "Beholding His face" goes beyond a mere glance; it is an idiom for intimate fellowship, divine approval, knowing Him personally, and experiencing His full favor and blessing. This phrase represents ultimate vindication and reward for faithfulness.

Psalm 11 7 Bonus section

The imagery of "beholding His face" in Psalm 11:7 resonates throughout Scripture, moving from rare and awesome encounters in the Old Testament to a blessed promise in the New. In the Old Testament, to see God's face was often associated with death or divine judgment (Ex 33:20). Yet, exceptions existed for special revelation or intimate fellowship (Ex 33:11 for Moses). This verse points to a state where "seeing God's face" is a sign of favor and life, not destruction, for the upright. This anticipation is powerfully fulfilled in the New Testament:

• The Beatitude in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God," directly connects moral integrity (purity of heart leading to uprightness) with the promise of seeing God, either spiritually in this life, in a future personal encounter at death, or corporately in the New Creation.
• The Apostle Paul speaks of seeing "face to face" as opposed to dimly in 1 Corinthians 13:12, implying a future clarity of knowledge and presence with God.
• Revelation 22:4 culminates this promise, depicting the redeemed in the New Heavens and New Earth stating, "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads," signifying complete and permanent intimate fellowship with the Lord.

Thus, Psalm 11:7 not only reassures David of immediate divine favor but also foreshadows the eschatological hope for all who are justified and live righteously, guaranteeing ultimate and everlasting communion with the Living God.

Psalm 11 7 Commentary

Psalm 11:7 provides the theological climax of David’s defiant trust in God amidst chaos and pressure. It grounds David’s confidence not in his own strength or ability to flee, but in the unchangeable character of God. The phrase "For the LORD is righteous" acts as an anchor in a tumultuous sea, asserting God's absolute moral integrity. This divine righteousness is not passive; God "loves righteousness" – He has an active affection and zeal for justice and good conduct, driving His involvement in human affairs. This is crucial: if God is righteous and loves righteousness, then He cannot remain aloof from injustice; He will inevitably act. The concluding promise, "the upright will behold His face," is a profound statement of divine favor and ultimate blessing. In the ancient Near East, seeing a king's face implied access, favor, and the ability to live securely under his rule. For a righteous person to "behold God’s face" means not just escaping His judgment, but entering into intimate fellowship and experiencing His approving presence. It signifies vindication in this life and promised blessedness beyond, reflecting a deep spiritual privilege. It assures believers that though the wicked may thrive temporarily and foundations seem to crumble, God's nature guarantees a just outcome and ultimate fellowship for those who live in integrity.