Psalms 72:14

Translation
King James Version
He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
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KJV (with Strong's)
He shall redeem H1350 H8799 their soul H5315 from deceit H8496 and violence H2555: and precious H3365 H8799 shall their blood H1818 be in his sight H5869.
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Complete Jewish Bible
He will redeem them from oppression and violence; their blood will be precious in his view.
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Berean Standard Bible
He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight.
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American Standard Version
He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence; And precious will their blood be in his sight:
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World English Bible Messianic
He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
He shall redeeme their soules from deceite and violence, and deare shall their blood be in his sight.
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Young's Literal Translation
From fraud and from violence he redeemeth their soul, And precious is their blood in his eyes.
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See also
Psalms 116:15Revelation 19:21 Thessalonians 2:151 Thessalonians 2:162 Samuel 4:9Luke 1:68Luke 1:75
In the KJVVerse 15,015 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 72:14 powerfully portrays the ideal king's profound commitment to his vulnerable subjects, depicting him as an active redeemer who liberates them from the pervasive threats of deceit and violence. This verse underscores the immense value he places on their very lives, asserting that their suffering and existence are held in the highest esteem in his sight. It not only describes the attributes of a just earthly monarch but also prophetically anticipates the ultimate, perfect reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalms 72 is a royal psalm, often attributed to Solomon, serving either as a prayer for or a prophecy about a righteous king. It is strategically placed in the Psalter as a vision of ideal kingship, immediately following a collection of Davidic psalms and preceding a doxology that concludes Book Two of the Psalms. The preceding verses Psalms 72:12-13 emphasize the king's compassion for the poor and needy, his deliverance of the afflicted, and his pity for the weak. Verse 14 naturally flows from this, detailing how he delivers them and the profound motivation behind his actions—their inherent value. The subsequent verses Psalms 72:15-17 continue to describe the king's prosperity, the flourishing of his kingdom, and his enduring name, reinforcing the blessed nature of his reign and the universal scope of his benevolent rule.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Composed likely during the Solomonic era, this psalm reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of kingship, where the monarch was often seen as God's representative on earth, responsible for upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable. Unlike many pagan kings who were often despotic, the ideal Israelite king was expected to embody the divine attributes of righteousness and mercy, particularly towards the marginalized. The threats of "deceit and violence" were omnipresent in the ancient world, encompassing political intrigue, social injustice, economic exploitation, and physical aggression. A king's ability to protect his people from such dangers was a hallmark of his legitimate and divinely sanctioned rule, ensuring stability, peace, and prosperity within the kingdom. This expectation of a just ruler is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, as seen in the prophetic calls for justice in Isaiah 1:17 and Amos 5:24.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalms 72 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Righteous Kingship, portraying a monarch whose rule is characterized by active intervention on behalf of the oppressed, reflecting God's own character of justice and mercy (Psalm 82:3-4). Secondly, it underscores the theme of Divine Redemption and Deliverance, emphasizing that true liberation comes from a powerful, compassionate figure who values life and actively works to free those enslaved by injustice and harm. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, from the Exodus narrative (e.g., Exodus 6:6) to prophetic promises of future restoration. Finally, the verse powerfully asserts the Inherent Value of Human Life, particularly the lives of the vulnerable. The phrase "precious shall their blood be in his sight" elevates human life to a sacred status, demanding protection and justice, a theme foundational to biblical ethics (e.g., Genesis 9:6).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Redeem (Hebrew, gâʼal', H1350): This verb (H1350) signifies more than mere rescue; it carries the profound connotation of a kinsman-redeemer (goel) who acts on behalf of a relative to restore their freedom, property, or honor. It implies a personal, active, and often costly intervention to liberate from bondage, danger, or injustice. In this context, the king assumes the role of the divine "goel," demonstrating a deep, familial commitment to his subjects' well-being and actively intervening to reclaim them from oppressive forces.
  • Deceit (Hebrew, tôk', H8496): This term (H8496) denotes oppression, fraud, and malicious falsehood. It refers to the insidious, hidden dangers that undermine trust and exploit the vulnerable, often through manipulation or betrayal. It highlights the king's role in exposing and counteracting the subtle, yet destructive, forces that operate beneath the surface of society, ensuring justice even in hidden corners.
  • Precious (Hebrew, yâqar', H3365): This adjective (H3365) conveys high value, rarity, and honor. When applied to "blood" (life), it signifies that the lives of the king's subjects are not cheap or expendable but are esteemed as highly valuable and worthy of protection. Their suffering or death is not overlooked but is seen as a significant loss that demands the king's attentive and protective response, motivating his intervention.

Verse Breakdown

  • "He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence": This clause establishes the king's active and protective role. "Their soul" (Hebrew, nephesh, H5315) refers to their very being, their life, emphasizing that the king's redemption is comprehensive, touching the core of their existence. The king acts as a deliverer, rescuing his people from the twin threats of insidious treachery ("deceit," Hebrew tôk) and overt oppression ("violence," Hebrew châmâç, H2555). This redemption is not passive but involves a powerful, intentional intervention to liberate them from these destructive forces that threaten their well-being and life itself.
  • "and precious shall their blood be in his sight": This powerful declaration underscores the king's profound valuation of his subjects' lives. "Blood" (Hebrew, dâm, H1818) is a common biblical metonymy for life itself, particularly life that is vulnerable or unjustly shed. The phrase conveys that the king holds their lives in the highest esteem; their suffering or death is not trivial but is of immense significance to him. This deep regard motivates his redemptive actions and ensures that any harm inflicted upon them will not go unnoticed or unaddressed, promising justice and vindication, as their very existence is highly valued in his "sight" (Hebrew, ʻayin, H5869).

Literary Devices

Psalms 72:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Metonymy is evident in the use of "blood" to represent "life" itself, emphasizing the sacredness and value of human existence in the king's eyes. The pairing of "deceit and violence" functions as a merism, encompassing the full spectrum of evil and oppressive forces, from the subtle and treacherous to the overtly brutal, against which the king offers comprehensive protection. The description of the king's actions and his profound valuation of human life also serves as foreshadowing, pointing beyond any earthly monarch to the ultimate Messianic King. The psalm's language, particularly the active verb "redeem" and the declarative "precious," also exhibits a strong sense of personification of the king's attributes, making his compassion and protective power tangible and dynamically present.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse profoundly articulates God's heart for justice and the sanctity of human life, particularly for the vulnerable. It reveals a divine principle that true authority is exercised in protective, redemptive action on behalf of the oppressed. The king's commitment to redeeming his people from deceit and violence, and his valuing of their "blood" (lives) as precious, mirrors God's own character as the ultimate Redeemer and Defender of the weak. This theological truth underpins the biblical call for social justice, reminding believers that their compassion and advocacy for the marginalized are reflections of God's own nature. It also speaks to the profound worth of every individual, created in God's image, whose life is inherently valuable in His sight, regardless of their social standing or vulnerability, demanding protection and justice from those in authority and from the community of faith.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 72:14 offers a profound lens through which to view divine care and our human responsibility. It assures us that in a world often marred by treachery and brutality, there is a King who not only sees but actively intervenes to redeem and protect. This truth should instill deep confidence and hope in the hearts of believers, knowing that our lives are not cheap or expendable in God's economy, but are held as supremely precious. This understanding compels us to live lives that reflect this divine value, both in how we steward our own existence and how we treat others. It calls us to embody the king's compassion, to stand against deceit and violence in all their forms, and to advocate for the vulnerable and oppressed in our communities, remembering that their "blood" is precious in God's sight. Our faith is not merely a private affair but a public commitment to justice and mercy, mirroring the heart of our King and extending His redemptive work into a broken world.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the assurance that your "blood is precious in his sight" impact your sense of self-worth and security amidst life's challenges?
  • In what specific ways can we, as followers of the King, actively "redeem" others from "deceit and violence" in our spheres of influence, reflecting His character?
  • What forms of "deceit" and "violence" are most prevalent in our society today, and how might this verse call us to respond with prophetic courage and compassionate action?
  • How does the ideal king described in this psalm challenge our contemporary understandings of leadership and power, urging us toward servant leadership and justice?

FAQ

Who is the "He" in Psalms 72:14, and how does this verse apply to us today?

Answer: The "He" primarily refers to the ideal king of Israel, traditionally Solomon, whose reign is described in Psalms 72. However, the attributes and scope of this king's reign are so perfect and expansive that they transcend any human monarch, pointing prophetically to the ultimate, righteous King—the Messiah, Jesus Christ. For us today, the verse applies in two primary ways: first, it assures us of God's character as the ultimate Redeemer and Protector, who values every human life. Second, it serves as a model for human leadership and for believers, calling us to embody compassion, justice, and protection for the vulnerable, reflecting the heart of our divine King and participating in His ongoing work of redemption in the world (Matthew 25:40).

What does it mean for "their blood" to be "precious in his sight"?

Answer: The phrase "their blood" is a powerful metonymy for "their life" or "their very existence." When the psalm declares that "precious shall their blood be in his sight," it means that the king (and ultimately God) holds the lives of his subjects, especially the vulnerable and oppressed, in the highest possible esteem. Their existence is not cheap or expendable; their suffering or death is not trivial. This profound valuation motivates the king's active intervention to redeem them from harm and ensures that any injustice against them is taken seriously and addressed. It underscores the sanctity and inherent worth of every human life in God's eyes, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from the prohibition against murder in Genesis 9:6 to Christ's teaching on the value of each individual (Matthew 10:29-31).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 72:14 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords. While the psalm describes an ideal earthly monarch, its magnificent scope and attributes of perfect justice, compassion, and redemptive power could only be fully realized in the person and work of the Messiah. Jesus, as the divine "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew, goel), perfectly embodies the "He" who "shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence." He redeems humanity not merely from earthly oppression but from the ultimate deceit of sin and the violence of spiritual death, purchasing our freedom with His own precious blood (Ephesians 1:7 and 1 Peter 1:18-19). The declaration that "precious shall their blood be in his sight" is profoundly demonstrated by Christ's willingness to lay down His life for us, proving the immeasurable value He places on every individual (John 15:13 and Romans 5:8). His kingdom, unlike any earthly reign, is one of eternal justice and peace, where the vulnerable are truly cared for, and every life is cherished and secured in His everlasting love, a reign that will never end (Luke 1:32-33 and Revelation 11:15).

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 72
"From usuries and iniquity He shall redeem the souls of them" [Psalm 72:14]. What are these usuries but sins, which are also called debts? [Matthew 6:12] But I think they have been called usuries, because more of ill is found in the punishments than has been committed in the sins. For, for example's sake, while a man-slayer kills only the body of a man, but can no wise hurt the soul; of himself both soul and body is destroyed in hell. Because of such despisers of present commandment and deriders of future punishment has been said, "I coming would have exacted with usuries," [Matthew 25:27] from these usuries are redeemed the souls of the poor by that blood which has been shed for the remission of sins. He shall redeem, I say, from usuries, by remitting sins which owed larger punishments: but He shall redeem from iniquity, by helping them by grace even to do righteousness. Therefore the same two things have been repeated which were said above. For in that which is above, "He shall spare the helpless and poor man," there is understood "from usuries:" but in that which there he says, "and the souls of the poor He shall save;" there seems to have been implied, "from iniquity:" so that the words "He shall redeem," are understood with both. So when He shall spare the poor and helpless man, and shall save the souls of the poor: thus "from usuries and iniquity He shall redeem the souls of them. And honourable shall be the name of Him in the presence of them." For they give honour to His name for so great benefits, and they respond that "meet and right it is" to render thanks to the Lord their God. Or, as some copies have it, "and honourable is the name of them in the presence of Him:" for even if Christians seem despicable to this world, the name of them in the presence of Him is honourable, who to them has given it, no longer remembering those names in His lips, whereby before they used to be called, when they were bound fast by the superstitions of the Gentiles, or signed with names derived from their own evil deserts, before they were Christians, which name is honourable in the presence of Him, even if it seems despicable to enemies.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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