King James Version
What Does Psalms 74:11 Mean?
“Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom .”
Psalms 74:11 · KJV
Context
9
We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
10
O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
11
Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom .
12
For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
13
Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters. divide: Heb. break dragons: or, whales
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe psalmist pleads urgently: "Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom" (Hebrew lammah tashiv yad-kha vi-minekha mi-qerev cheyk-kha kalleh). The "right hand" symbolizes power and action. God's hand "in His bosom" pictures inactivity, withholding help. "Pluck it out" urges God to act decisively. The verse voices frustration at divine inaction—not irreverent doubt but honest wrestling. Faith can protest to God while maintaining trust.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The "right hand" metaphor appears throughout Scripture for God's saving power (Exodus 15:6, Psalm 77:10, Isaiah 41:10). Its withdrawal indicates judgment or testing. Yet God's hand is never truly inactive—His delays serve purposes. Isaiah 64:12 asks similarly: "Will you restrain yourself at these things, O LORD?" Jesus experienced divine "withdrawal" on the cross (Matthew 27:46), showing God enters our abandonment.
Reflection Questions
- How can you express honest frustration with God's timing while maintaining trust in His character?
- What purposes might God's "withdrawn hand" serve in developing mature faith?
- How does Christ's experience of God-forsakenness on the cross validate and redeem your experiences of divine absence?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsלָ֤מָּה1 of 7
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תָשִׁ֣יב2 of 7
“Why withdrawest”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יָ֭דְךָ3 of 7
“thou thy hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וִֽימִינֶ֑ךָ4 of 7
“even thy right hand”
H3225the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
מִקֶּ֖רֶב5 of 7
“it out of”
H7130properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
כַלֵּֽה׃7 of 7
“pluck”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
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 74:11 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 74:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge