King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:15 Mean?

Psalms 118:15 in the King James Version says “The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.”

Psalms 118:15 · KJV

Salvation

Context

13

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

14

The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

15

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

16

The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

17

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Read Psalms 118 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. This verse transitions from battle narrative to victory celebration. Kol rinah vishu'ah b'aholei tzadikim (voice of ringing cry and salvation in tents of the righteous). Rinah (ringing cry/shout) describes loud jubilation, celebratory shouting, triumphant praise—not quiet private thanks but public, exuberant victory celebration. Yeshu'ah (salvation) indicates deliverance, victory, rescue—the same root as Jesus's name (Yeshua). Aholei tzadikim (tents/dwellings of the righteous) suggests both individual households and corporate worship spaces where God's people gather.

The cause of celebration: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly (y'min YHWH osah chayil). Y'min (right hand) symbolizes power, strength, active intervention—God's mighty arm accomplishing deliverance. Osah chayil (does valiantly) means acts with strength, accomplishes mighty deeds, displays power. Verse 16 repeats this twice more, creating threefold emphasis on God's powerful right hand. This imagery pervades Scripture: God's right hand saved Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:6, 12), supports the righteous (Psalm 18:35), holds believers secure (Psalm 63:8), and seats Christ in exaltation (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 1:3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Victory celebrations were central to Israelite culture following military triumph. Miriam led women in dancing and singing after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20-21). David and Israel celebrated Goliath's defeat with singing (1 Samuel 18:6-7). Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise God before battle, and they returned with joy after victory (2 Chronicles 20:21-28). Temple worship included celebratory psalms recounting God's mighty acts (Psalms 105-106, 135-136). The 'tabernacles' (tents) may reference the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), Israel's most joyous festival, celebrated in temporary booths commemorating wilderness wandering and God's provision. The New Testament shows similar patterns: angels announced Christ's birth with joyful proclamation (Luke 2:13-14), early Christians gathered in homes for joyful fellowship (Acts 2:46-47), and heaven resounds with victory songs (Revelation 5:9-14, 15:2-4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does corporate celebration of God's deliverance ('in the tabernacles') strengthen individual faith and community witness?
  2. In what specific ways has God's 'right hand' done valiantly in your life, providing salvation and deliverance worth celebrating?
  3. How can believers cultivate joyful, public testimony to God's mighty acts rather than privatizing praise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
ק֤וֹל׀1 of 9

“The voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

רִנָּ֬ה2 of 9

“of rejoicing”

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

וִֽישׁוּעָ֗ה3 of 9

“and salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

בְּאָהֳלֵ֥י4 of 9

“is in the tabernacles”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

צַדִּיקִ֑ים5 of 9

“of the righteous”

H6662

just

יְמִ֥ין6 of 9

“the right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

יְ֝הוָה7 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֹ֣שָׂה8 of 9

“doeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חָֽיִל׃9 of 9

“valiantly”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 118:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 118:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 89:13Acts 2:46-47Psalms 60:12Psalms 98:1Exodus 15:6Luke 1:51

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