King James Version

What Does Psalms 21:1 Mean?

Psalms 21:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly sh...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!”

Psalms 21:1 · KJV

JoyStrengthSalvation

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

2

Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.

3

For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Psalm 21 functions as a thanksgiving companion to Psalm 20—where Psalm 20 prayed for the king before battle, Psalm 21 celebrates answered prayer after victory. The verse opens with the king's joy (yismach, יִשְׂמַח), a Hebrew word expressing exuberant gladness. This joy isn't in his own accomplishments but specifically 'in thy strength'—God's power, not human prowess, secured the victory.

The parallelism between 'strength' and 'salvation' is instructive. Hebrew poetry uses synonymous parallelism to reinforce and expand meaning. God's strength is His saving power—they're inseparable. The verb 'rejoice' (yagel, יָגֵל) in the second half intensifies beyond mere joy to exultation, triumph, and jubilation. The phrase 'how greatly' (me'od, מְאֹד) emphasizes the extremity of this rejoicing—it's not subdued gratitude but overwhelming celebration.

This psalm prefigures Christ's joy after His victory over sin and death. Hebrews 12:2 speaks of Jesus, 'who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,' and Psalm 21:1 captures that triumphant joy. Christ's strength is the Father's strength; His salvation is accomplished through divine power. For believers, our joy should likewise be rooted not in personal achievements but in God's saving acts. Paul's repeated command to 'rejoice in the Lord' (Philippians 3:1, 4:4) echoes this psalm's theology—our gladness springs from God's character and work, not from circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 21, like Psalm 20, is classified as a royal psalm used in temple liturgy, likely during victory celebrations after successful military campaigns. Ancient Near Eastern kings routinely held public thanksgiving ceremonies after battle, attributing victory to their patron deity. Egyptian inscriptions, Assyrian annals, and Moabite monuments (like the Mesha Stele) all follow this pattern: the king credits his god for military success.

Israel's practice was similar in form but distinct in theology. While pagan kings often claimed divine status or presented themselves as co-warriors with their gods, Israel's theology kept clear boundaries: YHWH alone achieved victory, the king merely served as instrument. This psalm's repeated emphasis on 'thy strength' and 'thy salvation' reinforces divine agency. The king's joy is subordinate and responsive, not proud or autonomous.

The psalm's structure suggests liturgical performance in the temple court. The king might have ascended to the temple to offer sacrifice (as David did after military victories, 2 Samuel 6:17-18), with the congregation singing this psalm as part of the thanksgiving ritual. This public dimension was crucial—the king's relationship with God was not private but communal, affecting the entire nation. A victorious king brought security and blessing to all Israel, so the people joined his celebration, recognizing that his triumph was their salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is your greatest joy rooted in God's salvation or in your own accomplishments?
  2. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of exultation in God's saving power?
  3. What recent 'victory' in your life requires a response of thanksgiving to God?
  4. How does Christ's joy in completing salvation inspire your own worship?
  5. In what ways can you publicly celebrate God's work rather than keeping your faith private?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יְֽהוָ֗ה1 of 8

“O LORD”

H3068

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

בְּעָזְּךָ֥2 of 8

“in thy strength”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

יִשְׂמַח3 of 8

“shall joy”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

מֶ֑לֶךְ4 of 8

“The king”

H4428

a king

וּ֝בִישׁ֥וּעָתְךָ֗5 of 8

“and in thy salvation”

H3444

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

מַה6 of 8
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יָּ֥גֶיל7 of 8

“shall he rejoice”

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

מְאֹֽד׃8 of 8

“how greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 21:1 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 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 12:2Matthew 2:2Psalms 28:7Psalms 62:7Psalms 59:16-17Psalms 2:6

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