For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
For {G1063} David {G1138} speaketh {G3004} concerning {G1519} him {G846}, I foresaw {G4308} the Lord {G2962} always {G1223}{G3956} before {G1799} my {G3450} face, for {G3754} he is {G2076} on {G1537} my {G3450} right hand {G1188}, that {G3363} I should {G4531} not {G3363} be moved {G4531}:
For David says this about him:
‘I saw Adonai always before me,
for he is at my right hand,
so that I will not be shaken.
David says about Him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
For David saith concerning him, I beheld the Lord always before my face; For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
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Psalms 16:8
¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved. -
Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore. -
Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. -
Psalms 62:6
He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved. -
Psalms 109:31
For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul. -
Isaiah 50:7
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. -
Isaiah 50:9
Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who [is] he [that] shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
Acts 2:25 is a pivotal verse in Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, where he quotes from Psalm 16:8 to demonstrate that King David was speaking prophetically of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and not of himself. Peter uses this passage to powerfully establish Jesus' resurrection and exaltation.
Context
On the Day of Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit descended, Peter addressed the multitude gathered in Jerusalem. His sermon systematically argues for Jesus of Nazareth being the promised Messiah, crucified by human hands but raised from the dead by God. Acts 2:25 is part of Peter's argument that David, though a great king and prophet, died and saw corruption, but his words in Psalm 16 speak of one who would not see decay – referring to Jesus. This verse highlights the profound connection between Old Testament prophecy and its fulfillment in Christ.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "foreshaw" or "foresaw" is proorōmēn (προωρώμην), a perfect participle, indicating a settled and continuous perception or vision. It implies a deep, abiding awareness of God's presence. The phrase "on my right hand" (ἐκ δεξιῶν μου - ek dexiōn mou) is a common biblical idiom signifying a position of strength, favor, and assistance. It is the place of the chief helper, protector, or champion.
Practical Application
For believers today, Acts 2:25 offers profound encouragement. Just as Christ faced His trials and even death with the assurance of God's presence and support, we too can find stability and peace amidst life's challenges. When we keep "the Lord always before our face" – meaning we live in conscious awareness of His sovereignty, promises, and presence – we gain an unshakable foundation. Our security is not in our own strength but in Christ, who is at God's right hand, interceding for us and sustaining us so that we "should not be moved" from our faith or hope.