King James Version

What Does Psalms 89:13 Mean?

Psalms 89:13 in the King James Version says “Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. a: Heb. an arm with might” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 89 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. a: Heb. an arm with might”

Psalms 89:13 · KJV

Context

11

The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. the fulness: or, all it containeth

12

The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

13

Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. a: Heb. an arm with might

14

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. habitation: or, establishment

15

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou hast a mighty arm (גִּבֹּור זְרֹועֲךָ)—Gibbor (mighty, warrior, hero) describes God's zeroa (arm), symbolizing His power to act in history. Strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand (תָּעֹז יָדֶךָ תָּרוּם יְמִינֶךָ)—Ta'oz (strong, prevails) characterizes the yad (hand), while the yamin (right hand) is tarum (lifted high, exalted). The right hand signifies honor, favor, and saving power.

God's 'mighty arm' is a recurring Exodus motif (Exodus 6:6, 15:16, Deuteronomy 5:15)—the same arm that brought Israel out of Egypt would establish David's throne and ultimately accomplish salvation through Christ. Isaiah 53:1 asks 'to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?'—answered in Jesus, God's mighty arm made flesh. The 'right hand' becomes Jesus's position of authority (Psalm 110:1, Acts 2:33), from which He rules and intercedes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern victory stelae often depicted kings with raised arms symbolizing conquest. Israel subverted this—not the king's arm but Yahweh's arm wins battles. David's victories were attributed to God's might, preparing for the Messiah who would conquer not by human strength but by divine power.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you need to see God's 'mighty arm' at work in circumstances that seem immovable?
  2. How does Jesus as God's 'right hand' exalted change your understanding of who has ultimate authority in your life?
  3. In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own 'arm' (strength, resources, strategies) rather than God's?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לְךָ֣1 of 8
H0
זְ֭רוֹעַ2 of 8

“arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

עִם3 of 8
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

גְּבוּרָ֑ה4 of 8

“Thou hast a mighty”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

תָּעֹ֥ז5 of 8

“strong”

H5810

to be stout (literally or figuratively)

יָ֝דְךָ֗6 of 8

“is 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

תָּר֥וּם7 of 8

“and high”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

יְמִינֶֽךָ׃8 of 8

“is 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

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 89:13 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 89:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 62:11Psalms 89:10Daniel 4:34-35Matthew 6:13

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