King James Version

What Does Psalms 80:15 Mean?

Psalms 80:15 in the King James Version says “And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 80 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.”

Psalms 80:15 · KJV

Context

13

The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.

14

Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;

15

And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.

16

It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.

17

Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself. This verse appeals to God's personal investment in Israel. "The vineyard which thy right hand hath planted" (kannah asher nat'ah yeminekha, כַּנָּה אֲשֶׁר נָטְעָה יְמִינֶךָ) emphasizes divine agency. Yamin (יָמִין, right hand) symbolizes power, skill, favor, and oath-keeping (Exodus 15:6, 12; Psalm 16:11, 48:10). God didn't delegate Israel's planting to angels but personally invested His own power and honor in establishing them. Kannah (כַּנָּה) means stock, base, root—the fundamental planting from which all else grows.

"The branch that thou madest strong for thyself" (ve'al-ben immatzta lakh, וְעַל־בֵּן אִמַּצְתָּ לָךְ) shifts to singular "branch" or "son" (ben, בֵּן can mean both). The phrase "madest strong" (immatzta, אִמַּצְתָּ from amats, אָמַץ) means to strengthen, make firm, fortify—God personally strengthened this son/branch. Critically, "for thyself" (lakh, לָךְ) indicates purpose: Israel exists for God's glory, pleasure, and purpose—not independent existence but chosen instrument for divine purposes.

The dual imagery—vineyard and branch/son—creates interpretive richness. Collectively, Israel is God's vineyard; individually or dynastically, the king or Messiah is the son/branch. This anticipates Messianic interpretation: Jesus is the true vine (John 15:1), the branch from Jesse's root (Isaiah 11:1), the son God strengthened for Himself. The verse's appeal is powerful: why would God destroy what He personally created for His own purposes?

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Historical & Cultural Context

The "branch" language connects to Messianic prophecy throughout Scripture. Isaiah 4:2, 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15; Zechariah 3:8, 6:12 all use "branch" (tsemach, צֶמַח or netser, נֵצֶר) to describe coming Davidic Messiah. Some interpreters see Psalm 80:15, 17 as proto-Messianic, looking beyond immediate restoration to ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Historically, the "son" may reference the Davidic king whom God established to rule Israel (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 2:7). The appeal for God to remember this son/branch may reflect crisis during weak or threatened monarchy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the emphasis on God's 'right hand' planting Israel affect understanding of election, calling, and security of God's people?
  2. What does it mean that God strengthened the branch/son 'for thyself'—for God's own purposes rather than Israel's independent benefit?
  3. How does this verse's vineyard and branch imagery point toward Christ as ultimate fulfillment of Israel's purpose?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְ֭כַנָּה1 of 8

“And the vineyard”

H3657

a plant (as set)

אֲשֶׁר2 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָטְעָ֣ה3 of 8

“hath planted”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

יְמִינֶ֑ךָ4 of 8

“which thy 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

וְעַל5 of 8
H5921

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

בֵּ֝֗ן6 of 8

“and the branch”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִמַּ֥צְתָּה7 of 8

“that thou madest strong”

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

לָּֽךְ׃8 of 8
H0

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 80:15 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 80:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:1Psalms 80:8Isaiah 11:1Jeremiah 23:5-6Jeremiah 2:21Mark 12:1

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