King James Version

What Does Psalms 21:6 Mean?

Psalms 21:6 in the King James Version says “For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance. made him most: Heb...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 21:6 · KJV

Joy

Context

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.

8

Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king is 'most blessed' not through his own righteousness but through God's gracious favor. The Hebrew word for 'blessed' (barak) emphasizes divine empowerment. Reformed theology recognizes this as an expression of union with Christ—believers are blessed 'in Him' (Eph. 1:3). The 'exceeding gladness' comes from God's countenance (presence), the ultimate source of joy, not circumstances or achievements.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, a king's happiness was measured by military victories and material prosperity. This psalm reorients blessing to relationship with God—joy comes from God's presence, not possessions.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you seek your ultimate happiness—God's presence or His gifts?
  2. How does meditating on God's face (presence) transform your daily joy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

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

תְשִׁיתֵ֣הוּ2 of 8

“For thou hast made”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

בְרָכ֣וֹת3 of 8

“him most blessed”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

לָעַ֑ד4 of 8

“for ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

תְּחַדֵּ֥הוּ5 of 8

“thou hast made”

H2302

to rejoice

בְ֝שִׂמְחָ֗ה6 of 8

“him exceeding glad”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

אֶת7 of 8
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

פָּנֶֽיךָ׃8 of 8

“with thy countenance”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:28Psalms 45:7Psalms 16:11Galatians 3:9Luke 2:10-11Acts 3:26

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