King James Version

What Does Psalms 20:2 Mean?

Psalms 20:2 in the King James Version says “Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; thee help: Heb. thy help strengthen: Heb. support” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; thee help: Heb. thy help strengthen: Heb. support”

Psalms 20:2 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; defend: Heb. set thee on an high place

2

Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; thee help: Heb. thy help strengthen: Heb. support

3

Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. accept: Heb. turn to ashes: or, make fat

4

Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

Read Psalms 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prayer that God 'send help from the sanctuary' and 'give support from Zion' connects earthly and heavenly. The Hebrew 'ezer' (help) and 'sa'ad' (support/sustain) request divine aid. The sanctuary represents God's presence. This anticipates the New Testament teaching that believers' help comes from Christ's heavenly intercession (Hebrews 7:25) and the Holy Spirit as our Helper (John 14:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written for liturgical use when Israel's king went to war. The sanctuary/Zion reference indicates prayer offered at the temple seeking divine intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you seek help from God's presence in trials?
  2. What does Christ's intercession mean for your current challenges?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
יִשְׁלַֽח1 of 5

“Send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

עֶזְרְךָ֥2 of 5

“thee help”

H5828

aid

מִקֹּ֑דֶשׁ3 of 5

“from the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּ֝מִצִּיּ֗וֹן4 of 5

“thee out of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

יִסְעָדֶֽךָּ׃5 of 5

“and strengthen”

H5582

to support (mostly figurative)

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 20:2 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 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:44-45Isaiah 12:61 Kings 6:162 Chronicles 20:8-9Isaiah 14:32Psalms 3:4

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Psalms 20 →

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