Old Testament

Psalms 101:1

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

I will sing of mercy and judgment; to you, O LORD, I will sing.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.

What Psalms 101:1 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist expresses a commitment to praise God through song, focusing on two key attributes: mercy and judgment. Mercy refers to God's compassion and kindness, while judgment signifies His fairness and justice. By singing about these qualities, the psalmist acknowledges the importance of both in God's character and in the life of believers. This dual focus highlights that God is not only loving but also just, ensuring that righteousness prevails. The act of singing is a personal and communal expression of worship, indicating that the psalmist desires to share these truths with others. The phrase 'to you, O LORD' emphasizes a direct relationship with God, showing that worship is directed towards Him. This verse sets the tone for the psalm, which will explore themes of integrity and righteousness in the psalmist's life and leadership. Overall, it serves as a reminder of the balance between God's mercy and justice, encouraging believers to reflect these qualities in their own lives.

How to apply Psalms 101:1 to your life

This verse encourages us to incorporate praise into our daily lives, focusing on God's mercy and justice. We can reflect on how these attributes influence our actions and relationships, striving to embody mercy and fairness in our interactions with others.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Daniel

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Bethel

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 101:1

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 101:1

At a Glance — the Book of Psalms

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 101:1 mean?

Psalms 101:1 expresses the psalmist's commitment to praise God through song, focusing on His mercy and judgment. It highlights the importance of both God's compassion and justice in His character.

What is the meaning of mercy in Psalms 101:1?

In Psalms 101:1, mercy refers to God's compassion and kindness towards His people. The psalmist emphasizes this quality as a vital aspect of God's nature that deserves praise.

What is the meaning of judgment in Psalms 101:1?

Judgment in Psalms 101:1 signifies God's fairness and justice. The psalmist acknowledges that God's judgment is essential for ensuring righteousness and order in the world.

How can I apply Psalms 101:1 in my life?

You can apply Psalms 101:1 by incorporating praise into your daily routine, reflecting on God's mercy and justice. Strive to embody these qualities in your interactions with others, promoting kindness and fairness.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.