King James Version

What Does Psalms 132:17 Mean?

Psalms 132:17 in the King James Version says “There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. lamp: or, candle” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 132 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. lamp: or, candle”

Psalms 132:17 · KJV

Context

15

I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. abundantly: or, surely

16

I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

17

There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. lamp: or, candle

18

His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Davidic dynasty is guaranteed: 'There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.' The phrase 'there' connects to Zion (vv. 13-14) - in the place God chose. The metaphor 'make the horn of David to bud' combines two images: horn (qeren) represents power/strength (1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 89:17, 24; 92:10), while 'bud/sprout' (tsamach) suggests growth, branching, flourishing (Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12). Together they picture David's dynasty growing in power and extending influence. The parallel 'I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed' uses lamp (ner) symbolizing continuing dynasty, life, testimony (1 Kings 11:36; 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19; Psalm 18:28). 'Ordained' (arak) means to arrange, set in order, prepare. The lamp won't go out - David's line continues. This is Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Christ, the Branch, the Light.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Despite dynastic interruptions (exile, no king for centuries), God preserved David's line culminating in Christ. The imagery of sprouting/budding appears in Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12). The lamp represents covenant continuity - God promised David's lamp wouldn't be extinguished (1 Kings 11:36; 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do 'horn budding' and 'lamp ordained' work together to picture Davidic dynasty?
  2. What does it mean that God 'makes' the horn bud and 'ordains' the lamp - who is the agent?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ as the Branch and the Light?
  4. What encouragement does God's preservation of David's line provide about His covenant faithfulness?
  5. In what ways does Christ's eternal reign fulfill this promise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שָׁ֤ם1 of 7
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אַצְמִ֣יחַ2 of 7

“There will I make”

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

קֶ֣רֶן3 of 7

“the horn”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

לְדָוִ֑ד4 of 7

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עָרַ֥כְתִּי5 of 7

“I have ordained”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

נֵ֝֗ר6 of 7

“a lamp”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

לִמְשִׁיחִֽי׃7 of 7

“for mine anointed”

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

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 132:17 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 132:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:69Ezekiel 29:212 Chronicles 21:71 Kings 11:361 Kings 15:4Psalms 92:10

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