Psalm 17:15
“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”
King James Version
David's expectation of seeing God's face after death, a personal resurrection hope fulfilled in Christ's risen appearance.
Fulfillment References
1 John 3:2 Revelation 22:4
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe hope of beholding God's face and awaking in His likeness is fulfilled in seeing Jesus — for to see the glorified Christ is to see God (John 14:9): 'we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2). The one God we awake to behold is the Lord Jesus.
JewishRead of vindication and intimate communion with God; 'awake' is taken by some of morning deliverance, by others (especially later) of resurrection. A cherished verse on the hope of God's presence.
CatholicA witness to the beatific vision — the soul satisfied in seeing God's face — and to resurrection ('when I awake').
ProtestantThe believer's resurrection hope of seeing God and being conformed to His likeness (cf. 1 John 3:2); the saint's eternal satisfaction is set against the worldly portion of v. 14.
AcademicWhether 'awake' means resurrection or morning vindication is debated; in context it likely contrasts the psalmist's communion with God against his enemies' earthly reward, with later tradition reading resurrection.
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Cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.