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Psalms 17:14

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 17:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is in [this] life, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is in [this] life, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
Psalms 17:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11They have now compassed us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast [us] down to the earth.
12He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, And as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
13Arise, O Jehovah, Confront him, cast him down: Deliver my soul from the wicked by thy sword;
14From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is in [this] life, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
15As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with [beholding] thy form. Psalm 18 For the Chief Musician. [A Psalm] of David the servant of Jehovah, who spake unto Jehovah the words of this song in the day that Jehovah delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: and he said,
← Psalms 17:13Psalms 17:15 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“men . . . world--all men of this present time. They appear, by fulness of bread and large families, to be prosperous; but (Psa 17:15) he implies this will be transient, contrasting his better portion in a joyful union with God hereafter. Next: Psalms Chapter 18”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“From men which are thy hand - Margin, “From men by thy hand.” Here the rendering in the common version would be still more harsh than in the previous verse, since it is at least unusual to call men “the hand” of God, in the sense that they are his instruments in accomplishing his purposes. The more obvious construction is to regard it as a prayer that God would deliver him by his own hand from “men” - from men that rose up against him. Compare 2 Samuel 24:14. From men of the world - A better construction of this would be “from men; from the world.” The psalmist prays first that he may be delivered from men by the hand of God. He then “repeats” the prayer, “from men, I say,” and then adds,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thy hand - Wherewith thou dost correct me. World - Who set their hearts upon this world, and neither have, nor desire any other portion. Belly - Mind or appetite, as that word is used, Job 20:20. Pro 20:30. Treasure - With extraordinary wealth and glory. Children - When many of thy faithful servants are barren, these are blessed with a numerous posterity. Psalms 17:15”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“which are: or, by men of: Luk 16:8; Joh 8:23, Joh 15:19, Joh 17:14; Jo1 4:4, Jo1 4:5 portion: Psa 49:17-19, Psa 73:12; Luk 12:19-21, Luk 16:25; Jam 5:5 belly: Job 12:6, Job 12:9, Job 21:7-15, Job 22:18 hid: Pro 2:4; Mat 13:44 they are full: etc. or, their children are full leave: Psa 39:6; Job 21:21, Job 27:14-17; Luk 16:27, Luk 16:28 Psalms 17:15”
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Related study paths

Read Psalms 17 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification