Psalms 72:17

KJV

His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

KJV (with Strong's)

His name {H8034} shall endure for ever {H5769}: his name {H8034} shall be continued {H5125}{H8735)}{H8675)}{H5125}{H8686)} as long as {H6440} the sun {H8121}: and men shall be blessed {H1288}{H8691)} in him: all nations {H1471} shall call him blessed {H833}{H8762)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May his name endure forever, his name, Yinnon, as long as the sun. May people bless themselves in him, may all nations call him happy.

Berean Standard Bible

May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed.

American Standard Version

His name shall endure for ever; His name shall be continued as long as the sun: And men shall be blessed in him; All nations shall call him happy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 72:17 serves as a magnificent climax to a psalm that intricately weaves together the ideals of righteous earthly kingship with the prophetic vision of the Messiah's eternal and universal reign. While initially a prayer for or a description of King Solomon's ideal dominion, its language transcends human limitations, declaring an unending name and a global impact of blessing, ultimately pointing to the everlasting kingdom and worldwide salvation brought by Jesus Christ, the ultimate Davidic King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 72 concludes the second book of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72) and is traditionally attributed to Solomon, or written about him, as indicated by the superscription "Of Solomon." It stands out as a "royal psalm," focusing on the characteristics and blessings of a just king. The psalm begins with a prayer for the king to judge righteously, especially for the poor and needy, and then expands to describe the prosperity, peace, and dominion that such a reign would bring. Verse 17 acts as a powerful summary and climactic declaration, extending the king's influence and name into eternity and across all nations, thereby setting the stage for the doxology that concludes the book in [Psalms 72:18-19](/psalms/72-18 "Psalms 72:18-19 - Doxology"). This verse, therefore, moves beyond the temporal reign of any earthly monarch, hinting at a deeper, divine fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 72 is likely the Solomonic era, a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and expansive influence for Israel. Solomon's reign, though flawed, was seen as the zenith of the Davidic kingdom's glory, fulfilling many of the promises made to David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Ancient Near Eastern kings often had grand titles and aspirations of eternal fame, but the language here, especially "as long as the sun," elevates this to a divine promise. The concept of a king bringing blessing and justice to his people was central to Israelite kingship, which was meant to reflect God's own righteous rule. The expectation of a future, ideal king, a Messiah, was deeply ingrained in the culture, stemming from the Davidic covenant and various prophetic utterances promising an enduring dynasty and a righteous ruler who would bring universal peace and blessing, as seen in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Kingship and Human Rulership**, illustrating how an ideal earthly king's reign would mirror God's own eternal and just rule, while simultaneously pointing beyond human capacity to the ultimate King. Secondly, the theme of **Eternal Dominion** is prominent, with the king's "name" enduring "for ever" and "as long as the sun," contrasting sharply with the transient nature of all human empires and foreshadowing the everlasting kingdom of God's Messiah, as prophesied in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"). Thirdly, the theme of **Universal Blessing and Salvation** is central, as "all nations shall call him blessed," expanding the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond Israel to encompass the entire world, echoing the Abrahamic covenant in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). This highlights God's ultimate desire for all humanity to experience His goodness through His chosen ruler.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem_):** The Hebrew word שֵׁם (_shem_) is far more than a mere designation; it encapsulates a person's character, reputation, authority, and very essence. When it is said "His name shall endure for ever," it signifies that the king's character, his legacy, his authority, and the very nature of his reign will be perpetual and unchanging. This points to an eternal, unblemished reputation and an enduring influence that transcends time and mortality, a quality only truly fulfilled in the divine.

* **Endure/Forever (Hebrew, _l'olam_):** The phrase לְעוֹלָם (_l'olam_), translated as "for ever," denotes an indefinite, perpetual duration, often signifying eternity. Its usage here emphasizes the absolute timelessness of the king's name and reign. Unlike earthly dynasties that eventually crumble, the dominion described here is not subject to the limitations of human history or the passage of generations, indicating a divine quality to this kingship that transcends the temporal.

* **Continued/Sprout (Hebrew, _yinnon_):** The Hebrew word יִנּוֹן (_yinnon_), translated "shall be continued," is unique in the Old Testament and its precise meaning has been debated. It is often linked to the root נִין (_nin_), meaning "offspring" or "posterity," or to יָנַן (_yanan_), meaning "to sprout" or "to flourish." This suggests a perpetual lineage, a continuous flourishing, or an ever-renewing vitality of the king's influence and dynasty. This nuance strongly supports the Messianic interpretation, pointing to a perpetual "seed" or "offspring" whose reign would never cease, culminating in the eternal Son of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His name shall endure for ever":** This clause declares the absolute permanence of the king's reputation, character, and authority. It is a bold statement asserting an eternal legacy, implying a reign that is not subject to the rise and fall of earthly powers. This "name" represents the king's very being and all that he embodies, which is here proclaimed to be timeless and indestructible.

* **"his name shall be continued as long as the sun":** This phrase further amplifies the concept of eternal endurance by using a vivid, natural metaphor. The sun, a symbol of constancy and the source of life and light, serves as a benchmark for the duration of the king's name. As long as the cosmos exists in its current order, so too will this king's name and influence persist. This is a hyperbolic expression of unending reign, pointing beyond any mortal king to one whose dominion is woven into the very fabric of creation.

* **"and [men] shall be blessed in him":** This clause shifts focus from the king's enduring nature to his universal impact. The blessing is not merely *from* him but *in* him, suggesting that the king himself is the source or medium through which blessing flows. This points to a profound union with the king as the means of receiving divine favor, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. The bracketed "men" in the KJV indicates that the original Hebrew is simply "and they shall be blessed in him," implying a broad, inclusive scope.

* **"all nations shall call him blessed":** This final declaration expands the scope of the blessing to a global scale. It's not just that people *will be* blessed, but that "all nations" – every people group and ethnicity – will recognize and affirm the king as the source of this blessing, acknowledging his supreme goodness and the beneficence of his reign. This envisions a universal recognition and acclamation of the king's beneficent rule, signifying a worldwide impact and acceptance of his authority.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 72:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declarations of eternal duration, particularly "as long as the sun," which stretches the concept of an earthly king's reign beyond human possibility, hinting at a divine or divinely appointed ruler. **Symbolism** is used with "the sun" representing constancy, permanence, and the very order of creation, underscoring the unending nature of the king's dominion. The "name" itself is a powerful **metonymy**, standing for the king's entire character, reputation, authority, and legacy. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a profound example of **Typology**, where the ideal earthly king (Solomon) serves as a type or foreshadowing of the greater, ultimate King, the Messiah, whose reign alone can fully actualize the hyperbolic and universal promises made here. The parallel structure of the first two clauses, emphasizing the enduring "name," also creates a sense of emphatic repetition and reinforces the central theme of eternal dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 72:17 is a pivotal verse that bridges the Old Testament's anticipation of an ideal king with the New Testament's revelation of Jesus Christ. Theologically, it asserts the concept of an eternal, righteous kingdom, a core tenet of God's covenant promises to David. It elevates the Davidic king beyond mere temporal rule, imbuing his reign with divine qualities of perpetuity and universal beneficence. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which culminates in a ruler who brings not only justice and peace but also spiritual blessing to all humanity. The global scope ("all nations") reflects God's original intention for Abraham's seed to be a blessing to the entire world, demonstrating that salvation and divine favor are not confined to one people but are extended universally through the chosen King.

* [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom")
* [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Jesus")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of Our Lord and His Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 72:17 offers profound comfort and direction for believers today. In a world marked by transient leaders, shifting political landscapes, and fleeting fame, this verse reminds us that we serve an eternal King whose name, character, and reign are utterly unshakeable and everlasting. It calls us to place our ultimate hope and allegiance not in human institutions or temporary powers, but in the enduring sovereignty of Jesus Christ. As those who are "blessed in him," we are called to live out the reality of His kingdom, reflecting His justice, peace, and love in our spheres of influence. Furthermore, the vision of "all nations" calling Him blessed serves as a powerful impetus for global missions, reminding us of our mandate to proclaim His glorious name to every corner of the earth, participating in the expansion of His universal blessing. This verse inspires worship, confidence, and a forward-looking hope in the ultimate triumph of God's righteous and eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of an "enduring name" for the King challenge your perspective on earthly achievements and legacies?**
* **In what ways are you personally experiencing the "blessing" that comes from being "in Him," and how can you extend that blessing to others?**
* **What does it mean for "all nations to call him blessed," and how does this truth motivate your prayers and actions for global evangelism?**
* **How does the eternal nature of Christ's reign, as foreshadowed in this verse, provide comfort and stability in times of uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**Is Psalm 72:17 primarily about King Solomon or the Messiah?**

Answer: Psalm 72:17, like much of Psalm 72, operates on a dual level of interpretation. While it was likely composed for or about King Solomon, describing the ideal characteristics and aspirations for his reign, its language transcends the capabilities and lifespan of any earthly monarch. Phrases like "His name shall endure for ever" and "as long as the sun" point to an eternal dominion that no human king could achieve. Therefore, the psalm is understood as a **typological prophecy**, where Solomon (and the ideal Davidic king) serves as a type or foreshadowing of the ultimate, perfect King, the Messiah. The full and complete fulfillment of these grand declarations is found only in Jesus Christ, whose kingdom is truly eternal and whose blessing extends to "all nations" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Jesus")).

**What is the significance of "all nations shall call him blessed"?**

Answer: The declaration that "all nations shall call him blessed" is profoundly significant as it highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. It echoes the original promise made to Abraham that through his "seed," "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). This phrase signifies that the king's beneficent reign and the blessings he brings are not limited to Israel but extend to every people group and ethnicity on earth. It anticipates a future where the Messiah's influence and the salvation he offers will be recognized and celebrated globally, leading to a worldwide acknowledgment of his supreme goodness and authority. This vision is fully realized in the New Testament with the Great Commission, where disciples are commanded to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), bringing them into the blessing of Christ's eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 72:17 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "name" that "shall endure for ever" is none other than the name of Jesus, which is "above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - The Exaltation of Christ")). His reign is not merely "as long as the sun" but truly eternal, for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Reign of Jesus")). The unique Hebrew word _yinnon_, suggesting "sprout" or "offspring," beautifully points to Christ as the promised "branch" or "seed" of David, through whom the Davidic dynasty finds its perpetual and perfect continuation ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")). Crucially, it is "in Him" that "men shall be blessed," for Jesus Himself is the source and embodiment of all spiritual blessings, offering redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who believe ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Finally, the prophecy that "all nations shall call him blessed" is being progressively fulfilled as the gospel is proclaimed throughout the world, gathering people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" to worship the Lamb ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redemption from Every Nation")). Thus, Psalms 72:17 stands as a powerful testament to the Messiah's everlasting dominion, universal blessing, and the global scope of God's redemptive plan in Christ.

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

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Psalms 89:36

His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

Genesis 12:3

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Luke 1:48

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Philippians 2:10

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.