King James Version

What Does Psalms 21:5 Mean?

Psalms 21:5 in the King James Version says “His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.”

Psalms 21:5 · KJV

Salvation

Context

3

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

4

He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.

5

His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.

6

For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance. made him most: Heb. set him to be blessings made him exceeding: Heb. make him glad with joy

7

For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.

Read Psalms 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him. This verse reveals the reciprocal relationship between God and His anointed king: God grants salvation, and this salvation brings the king glory. However, the verse carefully attributes the king's glory to God's saving work—'in thy salvation' his glory exists. The Hebrew word for 'glory' (kavod, כָּבוֹד) carries connotations of weightiness, substance, and splendor. The king's significance derives entirely from God's salvific intervention.

The parallel line intensifies this: 'honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.' These royal attributes—hod (הוֹד, splendor) and hadar (הָדָר, majesty)—are divine qualities that God shares with His chosen servant. In Hebrew thought, honor and majesty properly belong to God (Psalm 96:6, 104:1), yet He graciously bestows them upon His anointed. The verb 'laid upon' (teshavveh, תְּשַׁוֶּה) suggests intentional bestowal, like placing royal robes on someone or crowning them.

This verse anticipates Christian theology of union with Christ and the believer's glorification. Just as God adorned the Davidic king with honor and majesty, so Christ shares His glory with believers: 'The glory which thou gavest me I have given them' (John 17:22). Our glory is derivative, found 'in Christ,' secured by His salvation. Paul writes that God will 'transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body' (Philippians 3:21)—ultimate glorification awaits the resurrection, but even now Christians are 'being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another' (2 Corinthians 3:18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Royal investiture ceremonies in the ancient Near East involved elaborate robing and crowning rituals designed to manifest the king's divine appointment. Archaeological evidence from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia shows kings wearing distinctive garments, crowns, and regalia that set them apart from common people. These visual markers communicated the king's unique status as the deity's chosen representative.

Israel adapted these practices within its monotheistic framework. When Solomon was crowned, Zadok the priest anointed him, and the people shouted, 'God save king Solomon!' (1 Kings 1:39). The king wore royal robes and crown (2 Samuel 12:30), sat on a throne (1 Kings 1:46), and received the people's homage. Yet Israel's theology prevented royal deification—the king remained human and accountable to God's law (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

This psalm describes the king's glory as a gift from YHWH, not an inherent attribute. Ancient readers would have understood this as referring to both the initial coronation and subsequent victories that confirmed God's favor. Each military success vindicated the king's divine election and added to his honor. However, this glory was always conditional—maintained only through covenant obedience. When kings turned to idolatry or injustice, their glory departed (1 Samuel 4:21, Ezekiel 10:18). The psalm thus celebrates not permanent royal status but God's ongoing favor manifest in salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you understand your own 'glory' as derivative from God's salvation in Christ?
  2. In what ways are you tempted to claim honor and majesty as your own rather than as God's gift?
  3. How does understanding that God 'lays upon' you Christ's righteousness change your self-perception?
  4. What does it mean practically to let your glory be 'great in His salvation' rather than your achievements?
  5. How can you cultivate gratitude for the spiritual honor and majesty God has bestowed on you in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
גָּד֣וֹל1 of 7

“is great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

כְּ֭בוֹדוֹ2 of 7

“His glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

בִּישׁוּעָתֶ֑ךָ3 of 7

“in thy salvation”

H3444

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

ה֥וֹד4 of 7

“honour”

H1935

grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)

וְ֝הָדָר5 of 7

“and majesty”

H1926

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor

תְּשַׁוֶּ֥ה6 of 7

“hast thou laid”

H7737

properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et

עָלָֽיו׃7 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 21:5 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 21:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:22Ephesians 1:20-22John 17:22Revelation 5:8-13Hebrews 8:11 Chronicles 17:11-15

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