Psalms 36:10

KJV

O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

O continue {H4900} thy lovingkindness {H2617} unto them that know {H3045}{H8802)} thee; and thy righteousness {H6666} to the upright {H3477} in heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Continue your grace to those who know you and your righteousness to the upright in heart.

Berean Standard Bible

Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

American Standard Version

Oh continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee, And thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 36:10 is a fervent prayer, a petition for the perpetual manifestation of God's covenantal love and perfect justice towards those who are in a genuine, transformative relationship with Him. This verse serves as a profound climax to a section that extols the immeasurable greatness and faithfulness of God's character (verses 5-9), standing in stark contrast to the pervasive wickedness and deceit of humanity described in the psalm's opening verses (1-4). It beautifully transitions from the contemplation of divine attributes to a heartfelt plea for their continued outpouring upon the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 36 is structured as a powerful contrast between human depravity and divine excellence. The psalm opens with a stark depiction of the wicked, whose transgression speaks to their heart, lacking the fear of God and engaging in deceitful, destructive acts (verses 1-4). Immediately following this grim assessment, the psalmist pivots dramatically in [Psalms 36:5-9](/psalms/36-5-9 "Psalms 36:5-9 - God's Boundless Attributes") to an awe-filled celebration of God's boundless attributes: His "lovingkindness reaches to the heavens," His "faithfulness to the clouds," His "righteousness is like the mountains of God," and His "judgments are like the great deep." This section culminates in the declaration that God preserves both man and beast, and that in His light, we see light. Verse 10, therefore, is not an isolated plea but a natural and necessary response to this profound theological reflection. Having contemplated the vastness of God's character and His universal provision, the psalmist now specifically requests that these very attributes—His lovingkindness and righteousness—be *continued* and applied to those who actively "know" Him and are "upright in heart," thus drawing a clear distinction between the beneficiaries of God's general goodness and the recipients of His covenantal faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription attributes this psalm to David, placing it within the historical context of the Israelite monarchy, the themes are timeless and deeply rooted in the covenantal theology of ancient Israel. The concepts of "lovingkindness" (*hesed*) and "righteousness" (*tsedeq*) are foundational to understanding God's relationship with His people. *Hesed* was a crucial term in ancient Near Eastern treaties and covenants, denoting loyal, steadfast love and faithfulness, particularly within a committed relationship. For Israel, it underscored God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham and Moses, as revealed in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Character Revealed"). *Tsedeq* encompassed not only moral rectitude but also God's active intervention to set things right, to deliver, and to save, often in a judicial sense. The psalm reflects the worldview of a people who understood God as both transcendent and immanent, actively involved in human affairs, and whose character was the ultimate standard for justice and compassion. The prayer for God to "continue" these attributes implies a recognition of His past faithfulness and an earnest desire for His ongoing, active presence in the lives of His devoted followers, a common theme in Israelite lament and petition.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 36:10 encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the book of Psalms and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **God's Enduring Attributes**, emphasizing that His lovingkindness and righteousness are not fleeting but are eternal aspects of His character, which He is petitioned to "continue." This speaks to the unchangeable nature of God, a source of great comfort and stability for believers. Secondly, the verse underscores **Covenant Loyalty (Lovingkindness)**, using the rich Hebrew term *hesed*, which signifies God's steadfast, loyal, and unfailing love, particularly towards those with whom He has entered into a covenant relationship. It is a love that endures despite human failings, reflecting God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness"). Thirdly, it points to **Divine Justice and Salvation (Righteousness)**, with *tsedeq* referring to God's moral perfection, His just governance of the world, and His acts of deliverance and salvation for His people. It is God's right action that brings order out of chaos and redemption to the oppressed. Fourthly, the phrase "them that know thee" introduces the theme of **Intimate Knowledge of God**. This is not mere intellectual acquaintance but a deep, experiential, and transformative relationship with the Lord, characterized by trust, obedience, and personal communion. It aligns with the prophetic call to "know the Lord" as the ultimate good, as seen in [Jeremiah 9:24](/jeremiah/9-24 "Jeremiah 9:24 - Glorying in Knowing the Lord"). Finally, "upright in heart" speaks to **Integrity of Heart**, describing those whose inner being is sincere, morally sound, and genuinely aligned with God's will, contrasting sharply with the deceitful hearts of the wicked described earlier in the psalm. This integrity is a prerequisite for experiencing the full measure of God's covenantal blessings, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - The Beatitude of the Pure in Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Continue (Hebrew, _mâshak'_):** a primitive root; to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.). This verb implies drawing out, extending, or prolonging. In the context of Psalms 36:10, it is a petition for God's attributes to be perpetually manifested. It speaks to the psalmist's desire for God's ongoing, active presence and blessing, indicating a reliance on God's unchanging nature and His enduring covenantal faithfulness.
* **Lovingkindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** from חָסַד; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty; favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. This is one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," or "covenant loyalty." It describes a deep, unwavering commitment and faithfulness within a relationship, particularly God's loyal and gracious disposition towards His people. It is not merely a feeling but an active, enduring demonstration of loyalty and benevolence, often manifested in acts of deliverance and preservation, as seen in [Psalms 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalms 107:1 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good"). In Psalms 36:10, the petition for God to "continue" His *chêçêd* highlights its perpetual nature and the psalmist's reliance on God's unchanging covenant faithfulness.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. The Hebrew verb *yâdaʻ* signifies more than intellectual comprehension. It denotes an intimate, experiential, and often covenantal knowledge, implying a relationship of deep personal acquaintance, trust, and obedience. To "know God" in this biblical sense means to have a transforming relationship with Him, to acknowledge His authority, to live in accordance with His will, and to experience His presence and power in one's life, as exemplified in [Hosea 6:3](/hosea/6-3 "Hosea 6:3 - Let Us Know the Lord"). It is a knowledge that shapes one's identity and conduct, distinguishing those who genuinely follow God from those who merely acknowledge His existence.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** from צָדַק; rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity); justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). This term encompasses God's moral perfection, His just character, and His actions that establish justice and order in the world. It refers to God's inherent attribute of being perfectly right and fair in all His dealings. Crucially, in a salvific context, *tsᵉdâqâh* also describes God's active intervention to deliver His people, to vindicate the oppressed, and to set things right according to His divine standard, as seen in [Isaiah 45:8](/isaiah/45-8 "Isaiah 45:8 - Righteousness and Salvation from God"). The prayer for God to "continue" His *tsᵉdâqâh* is a plea for His ongoing, active intervention on behalf of the upright.
* **Upright (Hebrew, _yâshâr'_):** from יָשַׁר; straight (literally or figuratively); convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). This term describes a state of moral rectitude and integrity, indicating that one is straight, just, and righteous in character and conduct.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything. In biblical anthropology, the "heart" signifies the totality of one's inner being—the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and moral character. To be "upright in heart" means that one's deepest intentions, motives, and inner disposition are sincere, pure, and aligned with God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee;":** This clause is a fervent plea for God's enduring covenant loyalty (*chêçêd*) to remain active and manifest towards a specific group: "them that know thee." The imperative "continue" (Hebrew: *māšaḵ*) implies a drawing out or extending, suggesting a desire for God's steadfast love, which has been experienced in the past, to be perpetually poured out. The recipients are not merely those who have intellectual knowledge of God, but those who are in a deep, personal, and transformative relationship with Him—a knowledge rooted in experience, trust, and obedience, reflecting a true covenant partnership.
* **"and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.":** This second clause parallels the first, extending the petition for God's divine attributes to another group, described as "the upright in heart." God's "righteousness" (*tsᵉdâqâh*) here refers to His moral perfection, His just actions, and His saving interventions. The "upright in heart" are those whose inner being, their core character, is sincere, honest, and morally pure before God, free from duplicity or hidden sin. This phrase emphasizes internal integrity and moral alignment with God's standards, contrasting with the deceitful and wicked described earlier in the psalm. The prayer is that God's justice and saving power would continually be applied to vindicate, protect, and guide those who walk in integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 36:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and thy righteousness to the upright in heart") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first ("O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee"). "Lovingkindness" is paralleled with "righteousness," and "them that know thee" with "the upright in heart," creating a balanced and emphatic statement that deepens the petition. This parallelism highlights the interconnectedness of God's attributes and the corresponding qualities of His people. The verse also utilizes **Personification** indirectly, as God's "lovingkindness" and "righteousness" are treated as active forces that God can "continue" or "extend," almost as if they are tangible gifts. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Supplication** or **Petition**, a direct address to God, expressing a heartfelt request. This direct address underscores the psalmist's intimate relationship with the divine and his confidence in God's willingness to respond to the prayers of His faithful. Finally, the verse provides a powerful **Contrast** with the earlier depiction of the wicked, implicitly defining the characteristics of those who are truly God's people and thus worthy recipients of His ongoing favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 36:10 stands as a testament to the unchanging character of God and the vital importance of a genuine relationship with Him. It asserts that God's *chêçêd* (steadfast love) and *tsᵉdâqâh* (righteousness/justice) are not arbitrary or transient, but are foundational to His very being and are continually available to those who align themselves with Him. The petition to "continue" these attributes underscores a theological truth: God's faithfulness is eternal, and His people can confidently appeal to His nature for ongoing provision, protection, and guidance. This verse also highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant: God's unwavering commitment is extended to those who "know" Him experientially and whose hearts are "upright," emphasizing that true relationship with God involves both intimate knowledge and moral integrity. It is a powerful reminder that while God's general goodness extends to all creation, His specific covenant blessings are reserved for those who walk in His ways.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord Proclaims His Name")
* [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23-24 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Glorying in Knowing the Lord")
* [Psalms 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Psalms 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of Your Throne")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 36:10 invites believers to a profound self-examination and a renewed commitment to an authentic walk with God. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's existence and instead cultivate a deep, experiential "knowing" of Him, one that transforms our inner being and aligns our hearts with His will. This "knowing" is nurtured through consistent prayer, diligent study of His Word, and active obedience to His commands. The promise that God's lovingkindness and righteousness will "continue" for those who truly know Him and are upright in heart offers immense encouragement and assurance. In a world often marked by instability and injustice, this verse reminds us that God's character is our unwavering anchor. It calls us to live with integrity, sincerity, and faithfulness, trusting that as we strive to reflect His character, His steadfast love and perfect justice will continually encompass and sustain us, guiding our paths and vindicating our lives. It is a daily invitation to draw near to the One whose nature is to bless and uphold His devoted children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know" God experientially, beyond intellectual understanding?**
* **In what areas of my life can I cultivate greater "uprightness in heart," ensuring my inner being aligns with God's will?**
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's "lovingkindness" and "righteousness" impact my trust and confidence in Him amidst life's challenges?**
* **How can my life better reflect the attributes of God's lovingkindness and righteousness to those around me?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the word "continue" in this verse?**

Answer: The word "continue" (Hebrew: *māshaḵ*, H4900) is crucial because it implies a drawing out, extending, or prolonging. It's a petition for God's already demonstrated attributes of lovingkindness (*chêçêd*) and righteousness (*tsᵉdâqâh*) to be perpetually manifest and applied to His faithful people. It speaks to the psalmist's confidence in God's unchanging nature and His desire for God's ongoing, active presence and blessing in the lives of those who are in a right relationship with Him. It's a prayer for the enduring operation of God's covenantal faithfulness.

**How does "knowing God" in this verse differ from simply believing in God?**

Answer: In biblical thought, "knowing God" (*yâdaʻ*, H3045) is far more than intellectual assent or mere belief. It signifies an intimate, personal, and transformative relationship, akin to the knowledge between a husband and wife, as seen in [Genesis 4:1](/genesis/4-1 "Genesis 4:1 - Cain and Abel Knows Eve"). It involves experiential acquaintance, deep trust, and a life lived in active obedience and communion with Him. It implies a covenantal relationship where one's life is shaped by God's character and will. Simply believing in God might acknowledge His existence, but "knowing" Him means walking with Him, experiencing His presence, and being changed by His truth, as seen in the call to "know the Lord" in [Hosea 6:3](/hosea/6-3 "Hosea 6:3 - Let Us Know the Lord").

**What does "upright in heart" imply, and why is it important?**

Answer: "Upright in heart" (Hebrew: *yâshâr lêb*, H3477, H3820) describes those whose inner being, their core character and motives, are sincere, honest, and morally pure before God. It implies integrity, authenticity, and a lack of duplicity, contrasting sharply with the deceitful and wicked described in the opening verses of Psalms 36. This uprightness is important because it is the internal disposition that aligns with God's character and enables one to truly "know" Him and receive His continued lovingkindness and righteousness. It suggests that God's covenant blessings are not indiscriminately given but are poured out on those who genuinely seek to live in accordance with His righteous standards, as Jesus Himself taught in [Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - The Beatitude of the Pure in Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 36:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "lovingkindness" (*chêçêd*) and "righteousness" (*tsᵉdâqâh*). God's steadfast love, promised throughout the Old Testament, is perfectly revealed in Christ's incarnation, His life of selfless service, His atoning death on the cross, and His resurrection, as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). Jesus is the faithful Son who perfectly "knows" the Father, having an eternal, intimate relationship with Him, as He declares in [John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - I Know My Own and My Own Know Me"). Furthermore, Jesus is the only one who is truly "upright in heart," without sin or blemish, perfectly fulfilling God's righteous standard, as testified in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Sympathizes with Our Weaknesses"). Through His perfect life and sacrificial death, Christ became the means by which God's righteousness is imputed to us, justifying those who believe, as explained in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Thus, the prayer for God to "continue" His lovingkindness and righteousness is answered definitively in the ongoing work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, who enable us to "know" God truly and empower us to live with "upright hearts," as we are conformed to the image of the One who perfectly embodies both attributes, as we read in [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 24:7

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Psalms 97:10

Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalms 97:11

Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

Hebrews 8:11

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

Psalms 9:10

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Jeremiah 22:16

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.