As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just about a future heaven; it highlights that true satisfaction comes from becoming like God, not just seeing Him. This isn't merely an external encounter, but an internal transformation where the psalmist anticipates being fully remade in God's image, a deeper fulfillment than simply being in His presence.
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is contrasting his own hopes with those of the wicked, who find their satisfaction in worldly possessions and power. He's been pursued and slandered by his enemies, and in this psalm, he cries out to God, asserting his innocence and seeking protection. This verse marks the culmination of his prayer, where he expresses his ultimate desire for communion with God, looking beyond his present troubles to a future state of perfect satisfaction.
What truly satisfies the deepest longings of your soul? For David, it wasn't earthly wealth or the approval of men.
David contrasts his own aspirations with those of the wicked. While the wicked find their satisfaction in earthly possessions and fleeting prosperity, David declares his focus is on beholding God's face. This isn't just about seeing God, but about experiencing His presence, favor, and approval.
The Contrast
This isn't a denial of current distress, but a declaration of ultimate hope anchored in something far greater than temporary circumstances.
Can we truly draw near to God? David understood that a right relationship with Him isn't accidental but requires a specific condition.
David states he will behold God's face 'in righteousness.' This points to a crucial aspect of approaching a holy God.
More Than Just Behavior
Ask a follow-up
What happens when we truly 'wake up' to God? David anticipates a satisfaction that transcends this life.
The phrase 'when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness' points to a future, ultimate fulfillment.
Beyond Earthly Sleep
Understand the original words
tsedeq · Hebrew Noun
A state of moral integrity or uprightness, specifically being in right standing with God according to His standards and covenant requirements.
temunah · Hebrew Noun
Used to describe the external appearance or the visible form of a person or object; in a theological sense, it often refers to experiencing the manifestation or glory of God.
This passage directly echoes the psalmist's desire to 'behold Your face' and see God's 'likeness,' highlighting that seeing Jesus is equivalent to seeing the Father and experiencing transformation into His image.
1 Corinthians 13:12This verse speaks to the ultimate satisfaction found in seeing God 'face to face,' directly correlating with the psalmist's longing for satisfaction in God's likeness upon 'awakening.'
Romans 8:29This passage illuminates the 'likeness' the psalmist anticipates, explaining that believers are predestined to be conformed to the image of God's Son, fulfilling the deep satisfaction of beholding God's form.
Psalm 16:11This verse from another Psalm by David expresses a similar hope for future joy in God's presence, stating 'in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,' which amplifies the psalmist's expectation of satisfaction.
Philippians 3:21The glorious transformation into Christ's likeness that Paul anticipates upon Christ's return directly parallels David's hope of being satisfied with God's likeness when he 'awakes.'
clarkePsalms 17:15: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
As for me - I cannot be satisfied with such a portion. I will behold thy face - Nothing but an evidence of thy approbation can content my soul. In righteousness - I cannot have thy approbation unless I am conformed to thy will. I must be righteous in order that my heart and life may please thee. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness - Nothing but God can sat…
poolePsalms 17:15: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
I do not envy this their felicity, but my hopes and happiness are of another nature. I do not place my portion in earthly and temporal treasures, as they do, but in beholding God’s face , i.e. in the enjoyment of God’s presence and favour; which is indeed enjoyed in part in this life, but not fully and to satisfaction, or which David here speaks, as appears from the last cl…
The verse isn't just about a future heaven; it highlights that true satisfaction comes from becoming like God, not just seeing Him. This isn't merely an external encounter, but an internal transformation where the psalmist anticipates being fully remade in God's image, a deeper fulfillment than simply being in His presence.
David is contrasting his own hopes with those of the wicked, who find their satisfaction in worldly possessions and power. He's been pursued and slandered by his enemies, and in this psalm, he cries out to God, asserting his innocence and seeking protection. This verse marks the culmination of his prayer, where he expresses his ultimate desire for communion with God, looking beyond his present troubles to a future state of perfect satisfaction.
David is contrasting his own hopes with those of the wicked, who find their satisfaction in worldly possessions and power. He's been pursued and slandered by his enemies, and in this psalm, he cries out to God, asserting his innocence and seeking protection. This verse marks the culmination of his prayer, where he expresses his ultimate desire for communion with God, looking beyond his present troubles to a future state of perfect satisfaction.
"As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." — The verse isn't just about a future heaven; it highlights that true satisfaction comes from becoming like God, not just seeing Him. This isn't merely an external encounter, but an internal transfor…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026