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Psalms 17:15

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Psalms 17:15 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Psalms expresses the deep desire of the psalmist to be in the presence of God. The psalmist declares his intention to seek God's face in righteousness, indicating a desire for a close and intimate relationship with the Lord. By beholding God's face in righteousness, the psalmist seeks to align himself with God's perfect and holy nature. The phrase "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" suggests a yearning for ultimate fulfillment and contentment that can only be found in God's presence. The psalmist anticipates a state of complete satisfaction and joy upon awakening to see God's likeness. This verse encapsulates the longing of every believer to experience the fullness of God's glory and to find true satisfaction in a deep relationship with Him.

Theological Overview

When the psalmist declares, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness," we see a beautiful portrayal of the believer's deep desire for communion with God. The theological interpretation of this verse speaks to the believer's longing for intimacy with the divine. The mention of "beholding thy face in righteousness" reflects the idea of being in the presence of God in a state of righteousness, pointing to the believer's desire for purity and holiness before God. The phrase "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" suggests a sense of fulfillment and joy that comes from being transformed into the likeness of God. This transformation signifies the ultimate goal of the believer, to be conformed to the image of God and experience complete satisfaction in His presence.

Psalms 17:15 in other translations

American Standard Version

As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with [beholding] thy form.

World English Bible

As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.

Douay-Rheims

And he sent forth his arrows, and he scattered them: he multiplied lightnings, and troubled them.

Geneva Bible (1599)

But I will beholde thy face in righteousnes, and when I awake, I shalbe satisfied with thine image.