King James Version

What Does Psalms 20:6 Mean?

Psalms 20:6 in the King James Version says “Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his righ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. his holy: Heb. the heaven of his holiness with: Heb. by the strength of the salvation of”

Psalms 20:6 · KJV

StrengthSalvation

Context

4

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

5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

6

Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. his holy: Heb. the heaven of his holiness with: Heb. by the strength of the salvation of

7

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

8

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

Read Psalms 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. This verse marks a turning point—the shift from petition to certainty. 'Now know I' (atah yadati, עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי) expresses immediate, confident knowledge, possibly in response to a prophetic oracle delivered during the worship service. In ancient Israel, priests or prophets would often deliver divine assurances during liturgical prayers, and this verse likely responds to such an oracle.

'His anointed' (meshicho, מְשִׁיחוֹ) is the Hebrew word 'Messiah,' referring here to the Davidic king who was anointed with oil as a sign of divine election. Every Davidic king was technically 'the LORD's anointed,' a sacred figure who represented God's rule over Israel. This anointing theology reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, who is both priest and king.

'The saving strength of his right hand' uses gevurot yesha (גְּבוּרֹת יְשַׁע), literally 'the mighty acts of salvation.' The right hand symbolizes power and favor in biblical literature. God's right hand delivers, protects, and exalts His people (Exodus 15:6, Psalm 98:1). For Christians, this points to Christ's position at God's right hand (Mark 16:19, Hebrews 1:3), from where He intercedes for us and exercises divine power. The salvation spoken here is both temporal deliverance and eternal redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of the 'LORD's anointed' was central to Israel's political theology. When Samuel anointed Saul and later David, he established a sacred kingship where the monarch served as God's vice-regent (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13). This anointing wasn't merely ceremonial—it signified divine calling, protection, and empowerment. Attacking or harming the LORD's anointed was viewed as sacrilege (1 Samuel 24:6, 26:9), which is why David refused to kill Saul despite having opportunity.

The Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) elevated this theology further—God promised David an eternal dynasty, and subsequent kings were seen as continuing this covenant line. Even as the monarchy declined and Israel faced exile, prophetic hope centered on a future ideal king, the Messiah, who would perfectly fulfill the role of the LORD's anointed. Psalm 20 participates in this messianic hope, and Jewish readers in the Second Temple period would have read it with eschatological expectation.

'His holy heaven' contrasts earthly temples with God's true dwelling. While God symbolically resided in Jerusalem's temple, His actual throne was in heaven. This theological tension—God's immanence and transcendence—permeates Israel's worship. God is both near (dwelling among His people) and far (enthroned above the heavens). The verse assures that God hears from His celestial throne and acts with heavenly power, making earthly opposition futile.

Reflection Questions

  1. What circumstances in your life have moved you from petition to certainty in God's faithfulness?
  2. How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate 'LORD's anointed' deepen your appreciation of His kingship?
  3. In what ways have you experienced 'the saving strength of His right hand' in your life?
  4. How should the knowledge that Christ sits at God's right hand interceding for you affect your prayer life?
  5. What 'holy heaven' perspective do you need to gain on your current earthly troubles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עַתָּ֤ה1 of 12
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יָדַ֗עְתִּי2 of 12

“Now know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֤י3 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ׀4 of 12

“saveth”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְהוָ֗ה5 of 12

“I that the LORD”

H3068

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

מְשִׁ֫יח֥וֹ6 of 12

“his anointed”

H4899

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

יַ֭עֲנֵהוּ7 of 12

“he will hear”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

מִשְּׁמֵ֣י8 of 12

“heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

קָדְשׁ֑וֹ9 of 12

“him from his holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בִּ֝גְבֻר֗וֹת10 of 12

“strength”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

יֵ֣שַׁע11 of 12

“with the saving”

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

יְמִינֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“of his 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

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 20:6 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 20:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 28:8Psalms 18:50Psalms 89:20-23Acts 5:31Psalms 2:2Matthew 6:9

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