Psalm 118:16
Explore the Psalm 118:16 meaning and summary with context and commentary explained. This study includes verse insights, deep explanation, word analysis, and cross-references.
Psalm chapter 118 - The Cornerstone Of Salvation
Psalms 118 articulates a grand processional through the gates of righteousness, celebrating a victory that seemed impossible to human eyes. It introduces the profound prophecy of the 'stone which the builders refused' becoming the headstone of the corner, a work that is 'marvelous in our eyes.' This chapter establishes that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes or military strength.
Psalm 118:16
ESV: the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!"
KJV: The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
NIV: The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"
NKJV: The right hand of the LORD is exalted; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
NLT: The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph.
The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things!
Meaning
Psalm 118:16 proclaims the absolute power and active victory of the living God. It declares that God's strength is supremely elevated above all things, and that this divine power actively accomplishes mighty, valiant, and decisive deeds. It is a resounding affirmation of the irresistible and triumphant might of the Lord, experienced as deliverance and salvation by His people.
Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exo 15:6 | "Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power..." | God's powerful victory over enemies |
| Exo 15:12 | "You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them." | Divine intervention in judgment |
| Deu 33:2 | "At His right hand was a fiery law for them." | God's authoritative law and guidance |
| 1 Sam 2:9 | "for not by strength shall a man prevail." | Human power is insufficient; God's power is key |
| 2 Sam 8:6 | "And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went." | God granting military victory |
| Psa 18:35 | "Your right hand holds me up..." | God's sustaining and supportive power |
| Psa 20:6 | "...saved by the victorious power of His right hand." | Salvation through God's power |
| Psa 44:3 | "not by their own sword... but by your right hand and your arm." | God, not human might, brings victory |
| Psa 60:5 / 108:6 | "that your beloved ones may be delivered, save with your right hand..." | Plea for God's saving intervention |
| Psa 74:11 | "Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?" | Plea for God to act powerfully |
| Psa 89:13 | "You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand, and Your right hand is exalted." | Direct parallel, God's exalted, strong hand |
| Psa 98:1 | "His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him." | God's saving power in action |
| Isa 41:10 | "I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." | God's righteous support and sustenance |
| Isa 41:13 | "For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand..." | God's guiding and strengthening presence |
| Isa 63:12 | "who led them by the right hand of Moses... to make for Himself an everlasting name?" | God's guidance and historic intervention |
| Jer 32:17 | "...by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for You." | General declaration of God's limitless power |
| Act 2:33 | "Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God..." | Jesus' exaltation and divine authority |
| Act 5:31 | "God exalted Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior..." | Christ's saving office and supreme position |
| Rom 8:34 | "Christ Jesus... who is at the right hand of God and indeed is interceding for us." | Christ's intercession from a position of authority |
| Eph 1:20 | "He raised Him... and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places..." | Christ's supremacy over all powers |
| Col 3:1 | "...where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." | Believers' identification with Christ's authority |
| Heb 1:3 | "He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." | Christ's ultimate authority and finished work |
| Heb 10:12 | "...He sat down at the right hand of God." | Christ's completed atonement |
| 1 Pet 3:22 | "who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God..." | Christ's rule and power |
| Rev 1:17 | "He laid his right hand on me and said, 'Fear not...'" | Christ's comforting authority |
Context
Psalm 118 is the concluding psalm of the Hallel group (Psalms 113-118), which was integral to Israelite festival worship, especially Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot. It expresses profound gratitude and joy for God's enduring steadfast love (ḥesed) and powerful deliverance from affliction. The psalm depicts the psalmist's personal experience of being surrounded by enemies and brought to the brink of death, only to be miraculously saved by God's mighty intervention. It emphasizes placing trust in the LORD rather than in human strength or princes (v. 8-9). Historically, it encapsulates both individual triumph over adversity and corporate Israelite celebration of national deliverance, possibly a military victory or return from exile, consistently attributing all salvation and strength solely to God's hand.
Word analysis
The right hand (יָמִין - yemîn): In the biblical world, the right hand was symbolically associated with strength, honor, authority, action, and success. Anthropomorphically, when ascribed to God, "the right hand" signifies His decisive power, active might, and sovereign authority without implying a physical limitation. It highlights God's ability to act forcefully and victoriously in the world. This imagery distinguishes the dynamic, powerful God from impotent idols whose "hands" are lifeless.
of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "LORD." It points to God's self-existent, eternal nature and His unchanging faithfulness to His covenant people. Its inclusion here underscores that the unmatched power and victory belong specifically to the one true God who enters into relationship with humanity, thereby confirming His unique sovereignty and reliability.
is exalted (רוּם - râma): This verb means to be high, lifted up, glorified, elevated, or supremely eminent. In the context of God's right hand, it signifies the triumph, supreme authority, and glorious display of divine power. It suggests that God's might is not merely great, but preeminent, raised above all other forces and unchallengeable.
doeth valiantly (עָשָׂה חַיִל - ʿâśâ ḥayil): This phrase translates to "perform mighty deeds," "act powerfully," or "accomplish strength." ʿâśâ means "to do" or "to make," indicating action. Ḥayil is a versatile noun denoting strength, power, valor, military force, or wealth/effectiveness. Combined, the phrase depicts a powerful, decisive, and victorious execution of will, a demonstration of effective might leading to triumph over opposition.
Words-group analysis:
- "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly": This verse employs a forceful rhetorical device of repetition, called anadiplosis, where "the right hand of the LORD" concludes the previous phrase (Psa 118:15) and initiates this one, emphasizing divine action. The repetition within verse 16 itself—"the right hand of the LORD... the right hand of the LORD"—acts as synonymous parallelism. It intensifies the focus solely on God as the source of all victorious power. The first clause, "is exalted," proclaims the status and supreme majesty of God's power. The second clause, "doeth valiantly," clarifies and elaborates on what that exaltation means in practical, dynamic terms: it is not passive but actively triumphs.
Commentary
Psalm 118:16 serves as a foundational declaration of unwavering faith in God's active, invincible power. The double emphasis on "the right hand of the LORD" is not redundancy but a deliberate, powerful affirmation that all true strength and decisive action for salvation originate from God alone. "Is exalted" communicates that God's power is supreme, towering above every conceivable threat or human limitation; it is inherently majestic and beyond challenge. This status, however, is not static. "Doeth valiantly" describes the dynamic outworking of this supreme power. It denotes vigorous, effective, and conquering action—God not merely has strength, but He uses it to secure victory, overcome adversaries, and bring about His purposes. This verse instills confidence that divine power is continually at work for His people's deliverance, making it a source of profound comfort and a call to resolute trust in His capabilities.
Bonus section
The profound implications of Psalm 118:16 extend deeply into Christology. While rooted in Israel's historical experiences of deliverance, the full meaning of God's exalted and valiant "right hand" is realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His resurrection from the dead, His ascension into heaven, and His subsequent session at the "right hand of God" (as highlighted in Acts and Hebrews) represent the ultimate expression of this very truth. It signifies His absolute authority, His triumph over sin and death, and His ongoing reign and intercession on behalf of believers. Thus, this psalm is not only a historical anthem but a prophetic pointer to the final, cosmic victory achieved through the Messiah, assuring all who trust in Him of ultimate salvation and victory secured by the same mighty right hand.
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