Old Testament
Psalms 17:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Hear the right, O LORD. Attend to my cry. Give ear to my prayer, that does not go out from deceitful lips.
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Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
What Psalms 17:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is calling out to God, asking Him to listen to his plea for justice. The phrase "Hear the right" indicates that the psalmist believes he is in the right and is seeking God's attention to his honest prayer. He emphasizes that his prayer is sincere and not spoken from deceitful or false lips. This highlights the importance of integrity in communication with God. The psalmist is confident that God will hear him because he is approaching Him with a pure heart, free from dishonesty. This verse sets the tone for the psalm, which is a plea for divine intervention and vindication against adversaries. It reflects a deep trust in God's ability to discern truth from falsehood and a desire for justice to prevail.
How to apply Psalms 17:1 to your life
When we pray, we should ensure our hearts are sincere and our words reflect truth. This verse encourages us to approach God with honesty, trusting that He hears our genuine cries for help and justice. It reminds us to seek integrity in our communication with others and with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
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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 17:1 mean?
Psalms 17:1 is a plea from the psalmist asking God to listen to his honest prayer for justice. The psalmist believes he is in the right and emphasizes that his words come from a place of sincerity, not deceit.
What is the meaning of 'Hear the right' in Psalms 17:1?
'Hear the right' indicates that the psalmist is confident in his righteousness and is asking God to pay attention to his plea for justice. It reflects his belief that he is seeking a fair outcome.
How does Psalms 17:1 relate to prayer?
Psalms 17:1 emphasizes the need for sincerity in prayer, encouraging believers to approach God with honest hearts. It reassures that God listens to genuine cries for help.
What themes are present in Psalms 17:1?
Key themes in Psalms 17:1 include prayer, sincerity, justice, and integrity. The verse reflects a deep trust in God's ability to discern truth and respond to honest pleas.
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