Psalm 72 11

Psalm 72:11 kjv

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

Psalm 72:11 nkjv

Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him.

Psalm 72:11 niv

May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.

Psalm 72:11 esv

May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!

Psalm 72:11 nlt

All kings will bow before him,
and all nations will serve him.

Psalm 72 verses

Psalm 72 11 Meaning

This verse expresses a prayer or a prophetic declaration for the ideal, righteous king—ultimately the Messiah. It anticipates a future time when every earthly ruler and every people group will acknowledge the sovereignty of this anointed King by bowing in homage and rendering loyal service to Him. It portrays a worldwide submission to divine authority.

Psalm 72 11 Context

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, attributed to or written for King Solomon. It serves as a prayer and prophecy for the Davidic monarch, detailing the characteristics and scope of an ideal reign. While it reflects some historical elements of Solomon’s initial kingdom, its grand, global, and perpetual vision far surpasses any earthly king's reign. The psalm portrays a ruler defined by justice, righteousness, compassion for the poor, peace, and abundance, whose dominion extends to the ends of the earth. Verse 11 specifically highlights the universal recognition of this king's authority, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic reign of Jesus Christ. It sets a standard against which all earthly kings are measured, and in so doing, contrasts the finite and imperfect rule of man with the eternal and perfect reign of God's Anointed.

Psalm 72 11 Word analysis

• May all kings (כָּל־מְלָכִים - kōl-melaḵîm):
  • כָּל־ (kōl): "all, every." This emphatic word underscores the absolute universality of the homage, leaving no exceptions among rulers. It signifies complete and total inclusion.
  • מְלָכִים (melaḵîm): "kings, rulers, potentates." This Hebrew plural term refers to heads of states or sovereign authorities. The scope is global, encompassing all earthly crowns and thrones, no matter their power or location.
  • Significance: This transcends any ordinary earthly political ambition, foreshadowing a spiritual and universal kingship. It challenges the common ancient Near Eastern notion of powerful, self-glorifying human rulers by anticipating their submission to a superior, divine authority.
• fall down before him (יִשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ לּוֹ - yištaḥăwû lô):
  • יִשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ (yištaḥăwû): "may they bow down, prostrate themselves, do homage, worship." This is a key Hishpa'el (intensive, reflexive causative) form of the Hebrew verb שָׁחָה (shachah). This word signifies profound reverence, absolute submission, and often spiritual worship. It is the act of lying prone on the ground.
  • לּוֹ (lô): "to him, before him." The pronominal suffix directs the act of prostration to the King.
  • Significance: In the ancient world, this act of prostration was reserved for deities or for powerful emperors claiming divine status. Its application to the Messiah elevates His standing far above that of a mere human king, pointing to His divine nature and ultimate authority. It implies voluntary, heartfelt reverence, not forced subservience. This stands as a polemic against the idolatry and self-exaltation of earthly kings by asserting that all true worship and ultimate fealty belong to God's chosen King.
• and all nations (וְכָל־גּוֹיִם - wəḵōl-gôyim):
  • וְכָל־ (wəḵōl): "and all, and every." Reiterates the concept of totality and inclusion.
  • גּוֹיִם (gôyim): "nations, peoples, Gentiles." The plural form, often used in Hebrew for non-Israelite peoples or ethnic groups distinct from Israel.
  • Significance: This emphasizes the inclusive nature of the Messiah's kingdom, extending salvation and governance beyond the chosen people to all humanity. It foreshadows the New Covenant reality where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation are united under Christ.
• serve him (יַעַבְדֻהוּ - yaʿavdūhû):
  • יַעַבְדֻהוּ (yaʿavdūhû): "may they serve him." From the Hebrew verb עָבַד (ʿāḇaḏ), meaning "to work, serve, labor, cultivate, be enslaved." In this context, it implies loyal obedience, practical submission, and perhaps tribute. It signifies more than just a gesture; it indicates active allegiance and participation in His kingdom purposes.
  • Significance: Service here is a sign of ultimate fealty and acknowledgment of the King's dominion. It is not oppressive forced labor, but willing submission to a just and righteous rule that benefits those who serve Him, implying a recognition of His rightful authority and beneficial reign.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "May all kings fall down before him": This phrase emphasizes universal personal homage from rulers. It speaks of recognition from the highest political powers, suggesting a reordering of worldly authority under the Messiah. The prostration highlights profound submission and awe.
  • "and all nations serve him": This phrase expands the scope to include all peoples, emphasizing active, willing service. This suggests not just recognition of authority but participation in the King's purpose, reflecting the expansion of His kingdom among all humanity. Together, these two parallel clauses cover both leadership and populace, indicating comprehensive and pervasive dominion.

Psalm 72 11 Bonus section

• This verse climactically expresses a core tenet of the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam 7) – the promise of an everlasting kingdom and a seed whose rule would be universally acknowledged.
• The transition throughout Psalm 72 from an initial plea for Solomon to a grand, Messianic vision, reaches a zenith in verse 11 and paves the way for the doxology at the end of the psalm, marking the conclusion of Book Two of the Psalms (Ps 72:18-19).
• The language of universal homage and service resonates with Old Testament prophecies foretelling the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, finding its full New Testament manifestation in the Great Commission (Mt 28:18-20) and the Revelation of a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping God (Rev 7:9-10).
• The envisioned scene implicitly contrasts the tyrannical rule common among ancient kings with the just and merciful reign of the Messianic King described elsewhere in the psalm (e.g., His deliverance of the needy and oppressed in Ps 72:4, 12-14). Their homage is due to His unparalleled righteousness and peace, not simply His power.

Psalm 72 11 Commentary

Psalm 72:11 stands as a magnificent expression of the future glory of God's Messiah. Initially a prayer for Solomon, its expansive language immediately points beyond him to a universal reign characterized by ultimate peace and justice. The prostration of "all kings" before the anointed ruler signifies profound respect and worship, transcending mere political allegiance to encompass a spiritual surrender. This act of "falling down" or "bowing low" traditionally reserved for divine figures, highlights the King's unique, divinely appointed authority. Simultaneously, "all nations" are called to "serve him," implying active loyalty, willing obedience, and contributions to His kingdom. This paints a picture of a reconciled world where national boundaries and rivalries dissolve under the unifying, benevolent, and righteous governance of God's King. It proclaims the eventual reality where Jesus Christ's authority is acknowledged globally, not through conquest alone, but through His inherent glory and just rule, establishing an enduring kingdom where true peace and righteousness prevail among all peoples.