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Psalms 17:15

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 17:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “As 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,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

As 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 17:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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,
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What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“As for me - In strong contrast with the aims, the desires, and the condition of worldly individuals. “They” seek their portion in this life, and are satisfied; “I” cherish no such desires, and have no such prosperity. I look to another world as my home, and shall be satisfied only in the everlasting favor and friendship of God. I will behold thy face - I shall see thee. Compare Mat 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2. This refers naturally, as the closing part of the verse more fully shows, to the future world, and is such language as would be employed by those who believe in a future state, and by no others. This is the highest object before the mind of a truly religious man. The bliss of…”
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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
“I will - I do not place my portion in earthly treasures, but in beholding God's face, in the enjoyment of God's presence and favour; which is enjoyed in part in this life, but not fully. Satisfied - The time is coming, wherein I shall be abundantly satisfied with beholding thy face. Awake - When I arise from he dead. Likeness - With the image of God stamped upon my glorified soul. Next: Psalms Chapter 18”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“17:15 see you face to face: The psalmist does not allow temporary concerns raised by adversaries to stand in the way of his experiencing a real and lasting relationship with the Lord.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“As: Psa 5:7; Jos 24:15 I will: Psa 4:6, Psa 119:111; Job 19:26, Job 19:27; Co2 3:18 I shall: Psa 16:11, Psa 36:8, Psa 36:9, Psa 65:4; Mat 5:6; Rev 7:16, Rev 7:17, Rev 21:3, Rev 21:4, Rev 21:23 I awake: Psa 49:14; Job 14:12; Isa 26:19; Mat 27:52, Mat 27:53 with: Gen 1:26, Gen 1:27; Phi 3:21; Jo1 3:2, Jo1 3:3 Next: Psalms Chapter 18”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“With אני he contrasts his incomparably greater prosperity with that of his enemies. He, the despised and persecuted of men, will behold God's face בּצדק, in righteousness, which will then find its reward ( Mat 5:8, Heb 12:14), and will, when this hope is realised by him, thoroughly refresh himself with the form of God. It is not sufficient to explain the vision of the divine countenance here as meaning the experience of the gracious influences which proceed from the divine countenance again unveiled and turned towards him. The parallel of the next clause requires an actual vision, as in Num 12:8, according to which Jahve appeared to Moses in the true form of His being, without the…”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification