Psalm 72 13

Psalm 72:13 kjv

He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

Psalm 72:13 nkjv

He will spare the poor and needy, And will save the souls of the needy.

Psalm 72:13 niv

He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.

Psalm 72:13 esv

He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.

Psalm 72:13 nlt

He feels pity for the weak and the needy,
and he will rescue them.

Psalm 72 verses

Psalm 72 13 Meaning

Psalm 72:13 portrays the ideal, righteous king as one who demonstrates profound compassion and takes active steps to deliver the most vulnerable members of society. The verse emphasizes his mercy towards those who are socio-economically disadvantaged and those in dire need, ensuring their very lives are preserved from destruction or oppression. It speaks to a divinely-inspired empathy that moves the ruler to salvific action for the weak.

Psalm 72 13 Context

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, attributed to Solomon (or perhaps about Solomon, by David), serving as a prayer or prophetic wish for a king. It outlines the ideal characteristics and outcomes of a righteous monarch's reign, particularly one who rules with divine wisdom and justice. While initially applicable to earthly kings of Israel, its comprehensive scope, global dominion, eternal duration, and universal blessing strongly point to its ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic King, Jesus Christ. Verses 12-14 specifically describe the king's compassionate governance, emphasizing his concern for the marginalized and oppressed, which is a hallmark of true biblical leadership and righteousness.

Psalm 72 13 Word analysis

• He will have pity: (יָחֹס, yaḥos). From the Hebrew root ḥus, meaning to pity, to feel compassion, to spare. This denotes an inward feeling of tenderheartedness and sympathy, going beyond mere indifference to actively care for someone's well-being. It signifies mercy that leads to protection and preserving. This verb is often used to describe God's compassion for His people, indicating that the king embodies a divine characteristic.
• on the poor: (עַל־דָּל, ʿal-dal). Dal refers to the one who is low, weak, or insignificant, often economically or socially. It speaks of physical weakness, humility, or abject poverty. These are the marginalized, easily oppressed, and lacking a powerful voice or means of defense.
• and needy: (וְאֶבְיוֹן, wəʾevyon). Evyon implies someone who is utterly destitute, utterly dependent, and lacking basic necessities. This term often appears in conjunction with dal, intensifying the sense of helplessness and severe want. Together, they represent the most vulnerable stratum of society.
• and save: (יוֹשִׁיעַ, yošîaʿ). From the root yāšaʿ, meaning to deliver, help, rescue, or bring salvation. This is a verb of action, implying active intervention to deliver someone from a dire situation, danger, or destruction. It speaks of physical rescue and provision, a profound act of liberation.
• the lives: (וְנַפְשׁוֹת, wənaṗšōwt). Plural of nefesh, which encompasses more than just physical life. It means soul, self, or a whole being. The implication is that the king's care is not superficial but extends to the very essence of their existence, their security, and their future, protecting them from total ruin or death.
• of the needy: (אֶבְיוֹנִים, ʾevyônîm). Repeated use of evyon, here in plural form. This repetition emphasizes the particular focus on this group—the desperately poor—and highlights the breadth of the king's compassion, reaching many such individuals. It also stresses the depth of their need that necessitates salvation.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "He will have pity on the poor and needy": This phrase highlights the compassionate character of the ideal king. It's not just a duty but an intrinsic empathy towards the weakest, reflecting a divine attribute. This compassion contrasts sharply with the often oppressive rulers of the ancient world.
  • "and save the lives of the needy": This signifies active and transformative intervention. Pity is followed by tangible salvation, which secures the very existence and future of the desperately poor. It’s a powerful statement of deliverance from threat, bringing security and hope where there was only destitution and peril.

Psalm 72 13 Bonus section

The qualities attributed to the king in Psalm 72 are largely seen as supra-human, transcending the capabilities of any earthly monarch, pointing directly to the future Messiah. This verse, therefore, describes a key aspect of the Messiah's perfect reign: not just power and dominion, but righteous and compassionate rule that uplifts the downtrodden. It emphasizes that true divine kingship is characterized by merciful justice, protecting the very breath of life for those most susceptible to extinction. This concept forms a strong polemic against the often cruel and self-serving monarchs of the ancient Near East, portraying a King whose character is truly aligned with the righteous attributes of Yahweh. The pairing of dal and evyon throughout the Old Testament consistently underscores the depth of destitution and highlights God's particular concern for such individuals, further emphasizing the divine nature of the pity and salvation described in this verse.

Psalm 72 13 Commentary

Psalm 72:13 offers a poignant and profound characteristic of a truly righteous ruler: a king whose heart is so moved by the plight of the "poor and needy" that he actively intervenes to "save their lives." This is not passive empathy but an active, salvific compassion. The term "poor and needy" (dal and evyon) encompasses the weakest, most vulnerable, and most utterly dependent members of society, those easily exploited and whose very existence is often precarious.

The ideal king described here does not merely offer handouts; he addresses the root causes of their suffering, ensuring their "lives" (nefesh – their entire being) are secured. This includes protection from exploitation, provision in destitution, and defense against injustice. This is a clear indicator of God's heart for the oppressed, reflected in the Messianic King, Jesus Christ, who continually ministered to the sick, the marginalized, and the poor during His earthly ministry. His actions consistently demonstrated profound pity (Matt 9:36, Luke 7:13) and active salvation (Luke 4:18-19, Matt 11:5) for those in dire need, whether physically or spiritually.

For practical usage, this verse calls believers to reflect God's compassion in their own lives by caring for the vulnerable, supporting ministries that serve the poor, and advocating for justice for the marginalized, recognizing that genuine faith expresses itself in active love.