King James Version

What Does Psalms 80:17 Mean?

Psalms 80:17 in the King James Version says “Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 80 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 80:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.

19

Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. This verse introduces a figure who has intrigued interpreters throughout history. After the vine metaphor (verses 8-16) describing Israel's planting, growth, and devastation, the psalmist now prays for a specific individual to be strengthened for deliverance.

"The man of thy right hand" (ish yeminekha, אִישׁ יְמִינֶךָ) designates someone in the position of honor and power. The right hand symbolized strength and favor throughout Scripture. To be at God's right hand meant to receive His active support and to act with His authority. This "man" is closely associated with God's powerful working.

"The son of man" (ben-adam, בֶּן־אָדָם) parallels "man of thy right hand." The phrase can simply mean "human being" (as in Psalm 8:4), but in this context it refers to the specific individual mentioned. "Whom thou madest strong for thyself" (immatzta lakh, אִמַּצְתָּה לָּךְ) indicates divine empowerment for divine purposes.

Various interpretations have been offered: (1) a collective reference to Israel or Benjamin (whose name means "son of my right hand"); (2) the reigning king of David's line; (3) a future messianic figure. The later application to Christ in the New Testament finds support in the right-hand imagery applied to Jesus after His resurrection (Acts 2:33, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 1:3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase "son of man" would later gain rich significance. Ezekiel is repeatedly addressed as "son of man" (over 90 times). Daniel 7:13-14 describes "one like the Son of man" coming with clouds of heaven to receive an everlasting kingdom. Jesus consistently used "Son of Man" as His preferred self-designation, combining Daniel's heavenly figure with Isaiah's suffering servant.

In its original context, Psalm 80:17 likely referred to the Davidic king as God's designated agent for Israel's deliverance. The king was God's "son" (Psalm 2:7) and sat at His right hand (Psalm 110:1). Praying for God's hand to be upon him meant asking for divine empowerment for the national leader.

Early Christians recognized messianic implications. If the vine represents Israel and the "man of thy right hand" is the one through whom restoration comes, then Christ fulfills this role. He is the true vine (John 15:1), and He sits at the Father's right hand. The psalm's prayer finds ultimate answer in Christ's work of redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who might the 'man of thy right hand' have meant to the original audience?
  2. How does Jesus fulfill the role of the 'son of man' whom God made strong?
  3. What is the significance of the right-hand position in biblical symbolism?
  4. How does this verse transition from lamenting the vine's destruction to hoping for restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
תְּֽהִי1 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יָ֭דְךָ2 of 10

“Let thy hand”

H3027

a 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

עַל3 of 10
H5921

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

אִ֣ישׁ4 of 10

“be upon the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְמִינֶ֑ךָ5 of 10

“of 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

עַל6 of 10
H5921

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

בֶּן7 of 10

“upon the son”

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

אָ֝דָ֗ם8 of 10

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אִמַּ֥צְתָּ9 of 10

“whom thou madest strong”

H553

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

לָּֽךְ׃10 of 10
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 80:17 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 80:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:13-14Psalms 110:1Psalms 89:21Psalms 80:15John 5:21-29Isaiah 53:5

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