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Psalms 72:17

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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.

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)}.

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.

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.

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

Psalms 72:17 is a powerful and climactic verse in a psalm traditionally attributed to King Solomon, or written about him. While it describes the ideal reign of an earthly king, its language soars beyond human capabilities, pointing ultimately to the everlasting and universal reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Context

Psalm 72 is often considered a prayer for or about a king, likely Solomon, asking for divine wisdom to govern with justice and righteousness. The psalm details the characteristics of a righteous ruler: defending the poor, bringing peace, and extending dominion. However, the grandeur and eternal scope of verses like 17 suggest a prophetic layer, looking forward to a perfect king whose reign would transcend any earthly monarch. This duality is common in the Old Testament, where the earthly king often foreshadowed the coming Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Eternal Reign: The declaration "His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun" emphasizes the unending nature of this king's dominion. Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, the Messiah's kingdom is eternal, a concept echoed in prophecies of Christ's reign.
  • Universal Blessing: The phrase "and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed" highlights the global impact of this king. His reign is not limited to one people but brings salvation and prosperity to "all nations." This aligns with God's original promise to Abraham that through his seed, "all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3).
  • Messianic Prophecy: This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the prophetic nature of the Psalms regarding the Messiah. The attributes of an eternal name and universal blessing are fully realized only in Jesus Christ, whose name is above every name (Philippians 2:9) and who brings blessing to all who believe.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "His name shall endure for ever" uses the Hebrew word l'olam (לְעוֹלָם), meaning "forever" or "eternally," reinforcing the concept of timelessness. The word translated "continued" (יִנּוֹן, yinnon) is unique and debated; it can imply "to sprout" or "to have offspring," suggesting a perpetual lineage or dynasty. This nuance strengthens the Messianic interpretation, pointing to a king whose lineage and influence would never cease, culminating in the Everlasting Father.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 72:17 offers immense hope and assurance. It reminds us that we serve an eternal King, Jesus Christ, whose reign is not subject to earthly limitations or failures. We are among the "nations" who are blessed in Him and called to declare His name. This verse encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in His enduring sovereignty and participating in His mission to bring blessing to all peoples. It inspires worship and confidence in the ultimate victory of God's righteous kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 7:14 (15 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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

  • Genesis 12:3 (9 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Philippians 2:10 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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