Psalm 72 8

Psalm 72:8 kjv

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

Psalm 72:8 nkjv

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 72:8 niv

May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 72:8 esv

May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth!

Psalm 72:8 nlt

May he reign from sea to sea,
and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 72 verses

Psalm 72 8 Meaning

Psalm 72:8 declares the vast and boundless extent of the righteous king's dominion. While initially referring to the ideal reign of a human king, particularly Solomon, its universal scope and profound descriptors undeniably point to the ultimate, global, and everlasting reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This verse prophecies Christ's spiritual sovereignty over all people and His future literal dominion over all the earth, characterized by justice and peace.

Psalm 72 8 Context

Psalm 72 is titled "A Psalm of Solomon" (or "for Solomon" or "concerning Solomon"), a prayer or prophecy describing the ideal king. While initially addressing a human king, likely Solomon, its grandeur and universal claims far exceed any earthly monarch's actual accomplishments, hinting at a greater fulfillment. The surrounding verses (Ps 72:1-7, 9-14) speak of the king's righteousness, justice for the poor, long life, and prosperity—qualities that perfectly align with the expected Messianic King. The verse fits into a pattern of Davidic psalms that use hyperbole to anticipate a reign truly representative of God's own sovereignty, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ's spiritual and physical dominion.

Psalm 72 8 Word analysis

• He shall have dominion (Heb. yirdeh): From the verb radah, meaning "to tread down, rule, have dominion." This term evokes powerful, authoritative, and sovereign rule. It is the same word used in Gen 1:26, 28, where God gives mankind dominion over the earth, indicating a divine, God-given right to rule. In the context of the king, it signifies an uncontested and expansive authority, going beyond mere political governance to comprehensive, ultimate sovereignty.
• also from sea to sea (Heb. miyyam `ad-yam): This is a poetic expression signifying vast geographical expanse, typically boundless or encompassing all. It may allude to the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, or more broadly, the ultimate reaches of the globe from one great body of water to another. It implies not just great length, but a comprehensive and complete domain, encompassing all lands and peoples within those extremities.
• and from the river (Heb. uminhār): Typically refers to "the River," meaning the Euphrates. The Euphrates served as a symbolic northern/eastern boundary of the promised land of Israel (e.g., Gen 15:18; Deut 1:7). In a messianic context, its inclusion suggests that the full, divinely promised borders of the kingdom will be realized, expanding beyond any literal historical reign.
• unto the ends of the earth (Heb. `ad-ʾapsê-ʾāreṣ): This phrase emphasizes ultimate universality, literally "to the extremities of the earth" or "the ends of the inhabited world." It signifies a reach without limits, extending to the farthest and most remote regions. Combined with "sea to sea," it removes any geographical constraints, confirming a worldwide and truly global scope of rule.
• (Words-group Analysis): "from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth": This dual-phrase constructs a powerful hyperbole, portraying an unprecedented and absolute territorial claim. The progression from defined (though vast) boundaries to absolute "ends of the earth" highlights the increasing scale, moving from geographical limits (seas, a specific river) to utter boundlessness. This makes it impossible to fully apply to any human king, underscoring its messianic nature as the universal, righteous reign of Christ. The imagery conveys completeness and totality of influence and control over the entire creation.

Psalm 72 8 Bonus section

The "dominion" described in this verse is not one of oppression or tyranny, but is intricately linked with the righteousness, justice, and compassion mentioned in other verses of Psalm 72. This distinguishes the Messiah's rule from typical worldly empires built on conquest. The fulfillment of this verse signifies that every aspect of creation and every nation will ultimately be subjected to Christ's benevolent authority. This ultimate dominion over all things directly contrasts the temporary and limited power of earthly rulers and pagan deities. The vastness of this kingdom speaks to the unlimited nature of God's redemptive plan through His Son, Jesus Christ, who gathers people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation under His eternal rule.

Psalm 72 8 Commentary

Psalm 72:8 powerfully depicts the extensive dominion of the prophesied Messianic King. What earthly kings often aspired to through conquest—a vast empire—the righteous King receives as a divine right and administers with perfect justice and peace (as indicated by surrounding verses). His reign extends not merely over Israel but reaches "from sea to sea" and "to the ends of the earth," encompassing all peoples and nations. This universal reach, starting symbolically from established geographical markers like the Euphrates, transcends any literal earthly kingdom to encompass a global spiritual and future physical reality. It foreshadows Jesus Christ's undisputed authority over all creation and His benevolent reign over His redeemed people, a reign that has no geographical or temporal limits.