King James Version

What Does Psalms 89:16 Mean?

Psalms 89:16 in the King James Version says “In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 89 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.”

Psalms 89:16 · KJV

Context

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.

16

In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.

17

For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted .

18

For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king. the LORD: or, our shield is of the LORD, and our king is of the Holy One of Israel

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In thy name shall they rejoice all the day (בְּשִׁמְךָ יְגִילוּן כָּל־הַיֹּום)—Gil (to rejoice, exult, be glad) in God's shem (name, character, reputation) defines the believer's constant posture. And in thy righteousness shall they be exalted (וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ יָרוּמוּ)—Tzedaqah (righteousness, justice, covenant faithfulness) becomes the basis for their rum (exaltation, being lifted up).

Rejoicing 'all the day' (kol hayom) doesn't mean emotional euphoria but settled joy grounded in God's character. This anticipates Paul's 'Rejoice in the Lord always' (Philippians 4:4). Exaltation through God's righteousness inverts worldly values—we're not elevated by our achievements but by His imputed righteousness (Romans 3:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ's righteousness becomes ours through faith, and we're raised with Him (Ephesians 2:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, a king's righteousness determined national blessing or judgment. The psalm's original context points to David's righteous reign foreshadowing the Messiah. When God promised to exalt David's throne, He committed to vindicating His own righteousness through the King who would perfectly embody it—Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you cultivate rejoicing in God's name 'all the day' amid mundane routines and frustrations?
  2. What's the difference between being exalted in your own righteousness versus God's righteousness?
  3. How does understanding righteousness as gift (not achievement) change your emotional relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּ֭שִׁמְךָ1 of 6

“In thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְגִיל֣וּן2 of 6

“shall they rejoice”

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

כָּל3 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּ֑וֹם4 of 6

“all the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ֥5 of 6

“and in thy righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

יָרֽוּמוּ׃6 of 6

“shall they be exalted”

H7311

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

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 89:16 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 89:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:4Philippians 3:92 Corinthians 5:21Luke 1:47Psalms 29:7Psalms 89:12

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