Psalms 118:16

KJV

The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

KJV (with Strong's)

The right hand {H3225} of the LORD {H3068} is exalted {H7426}: the right hand {H3225} of the LORD {H3068} doeth {H6213} valiantly {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI's right hand is raised in triumph! ADONAI's right hand struck powerfully!"

Berean Standard Bible

The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!”

American Standard Version

The right hand of Jehovah is exalted: The right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:16 is a powerful declaration of God's active, supreme, and victorious power. It is a resounding affirmation of divine strength and effective action, portraying the Lord's omnipotence not as a passive attribute but as a dynamic force that intervenes decisively to bring about triumph and deliverance for His people. The verse emphasizes the unchallengeable authority and successful execution of God's will through His mighty "right hand."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 is a vibrant psalm of thanksgiving, forming a crucial part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. It follows a communal call to praise God for His enduring steadfast love (Hesed) in verses 1-4. The psalmist then recounts a personal experience of distress and divine deliverance (verses 5-14), emphasizing that it is better to trust in the Lord than in human strength or princes. Verses 15-18 specifically shift to celebrating the joy and triumph of the righteous, whose tents resound with songs of salvation because of the Lord's mighty acts. Our verse, [Psalms 118:16](/psalms/118-16 "Psalms 118:16 - The Lord's Mighty Hand"), is the climax of this declaration of God's active power, immediately preceding the psalmist's affirmation of not dying but living to declare God's works.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely originates from a period of national deliverance or a significant victory, possibly celebrating the dedication of the Second Temple or a military triumph. The imagery of the "right hand" was universally understood in the ancient Near East as the seat of power, authority, and effective action, particularly in battle or governance. Kings and deities were often depicted with their right hand raised or extended to signify their might. The "tents of the righteous" (verse 15) suggest a communal celebration, perhaps at a festival like Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), where temporary dwellings were used, symbolizing God's provision and protection in the wilderness and His ongoing presence among His people. The emphasis on God's active intervention speaks to a people who frequently faced external threats and relied on divine strength for survival and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 118 and the broader Psalter. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, asserting that God's strength is supreme and unopposed, capable of overcoming any obstacle, as seen in [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand in Battle"). It also highlights **Divine Deliverance and Salvation**, portraying God as the active rescuer of His people from distress and enemies, a theme echoed in [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Hand Brings Salvation"). Furthermore, the repetition of "the right hand of the LORD" underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Efficacy**, assuring believers that His power is consistently applied to fulfill His purposes and promises, leading to ultimate victory and joy for those who trust in Him, as the psalmist declares in [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - Trusting in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Right Hand (Hebrew, _yāmîn'_):** This term is a potent anthropomorphism, attributing a human physical characteristic to God to convey His attributes. In ancient Near Eastern thought and throughout Scripture, the right hand symbolizes strength, authority, power, skill, and favor. It is the hand of blessing, judgment, and decisive action. When applied to the LORD, it signifies His irresistible might and sovereign ability to act in the world, to save, to judge, and to establish His will.
* **Exalted (Hebrew, _rûm'_):** This verb means to be high, lifted up, elevated, or exalted. When applied to God's right hand, it conveys supremacy and preeminence. It suggests that God's power is not merely strong but is elevated above all other powers, demonstrating its absolute authority and unchallenged might. It implies a public display of power, where God's strength is made evident and acknowledged as supreme.
* **Doeth Valiantly (Hebrew, _ʿāśâ ḥayil'_):** This phrase combines the verb "to do, make, or accomplish" (_ʿāśâ_) with the noun "strength, might, valor, or wealth" (_ḥayil_). Together, they signify active, effective, and powerful accomplishment. It implies a successful, victorious, and mighty deed, often in a military or heroic context. Thus, God's right hand is not just powerful in potential but actively and successfully performs acts of great strength and valor, bringing about victory and achieving His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The right hand of the LORD is exalted:"** This first clause establishes the supreme position and undeniable authority of God's power. It speaks to the inherent greatness and preeminence of the Lord's active might. "Exalted" implies a public display, a visible demonstration of God's power being lifted high above all other forces, asserting its unchallenged supremacy and majesty. It is a declaration of God's inherent, majestic strength.
* **"the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."** This second clause provides the active dimension to the first. It moves from the static declaration of exaltation to the dynamic reality of God's power in action. "Doeth valiantly" signifies that this supreme power is not passive but is actively engaged in mighty, effective, and victorious deeds. It assures the listener that God's strength is not merely theoretical but is practically applied to achieve triumph, overcome obstacles, and bring about His intended purposes, often in the context of delivering His people from their adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 118:16 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore its message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line of the verse reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first line using different words. "Is exalted" and "doeth valiantly" both speak to the supreme and effective nature of God's power, reinforcing the central idea of divine might and victorious action. This repetition creates a strong emphasis and rhythm, impressing the truth upon the listener. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Anthropomorphism** by attributing a "right hand" to the LORD. This human characteristic is used metaphorically to help finite humans grasp the infinite power and active agency of God, who is Spirit. Finally, the **Repetition** of "the right hand of the LORD" within a single verse serves to intensify the focus on this specific aspect of God's character and action, making it an unforgettable declaration of His sovereign and effective power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:16 is a profound declaration of God's active omnipotence and faithfulness, serving as a cornerstone for understanding divine intervention and sovereignty. The "right hand of the LORD" is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, consistently symbolizing God's irresistible power, His ability to deliver, to judge, and to establish His kingdom. This verse assures believers that God's power is not merely a theoretical concept but is actively engaged in the world, working on behalf of His people to bring about victory and salvation. It provides a theological foundation for trusting in God's ability to overcome any obstacle, whether personal or national, and to fulfill His promises.

* [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand in Battle"): "Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy."
* [Psalm 20:6](/psalms/20-6 "Psalm 20:6 - Salvation by God's Right Hand"): "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand."
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God Upholds with His Right Hand"): "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:16 offers immense spiritual nourishment, particularly in times of distress, uncertainty, or opposition. It reminds us that our God is not a passive observer but an active, valiant warrior who wields supreme power on behalf of His people. When we face overwhelming challenges, whether personal struggles, spiritual battles, or societal injustices, this verse calls us to lift our gaze from our circumstances to the exalted hand of the Lord. It cultivates a robust faith that trusts in God's ability to "do valiantly," to bring about deliverance, to achieve victory where human strength fails, and to turn impossible situations into testimonies of His glory. This truth should inspire confidence, dispel fear, and ignite praise, knowing that the same mighty hand that delivered Israel of old is still at work today, fighting for us and accomplishing His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to remember that "the right hand of the LORD is exalted"?**
* **How does the active nature of God's power ("doeth valiantly") encourage you when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **What specific "victories" or "deliverances" in your past can you attribute to the Lord's mighty hand, and how do they strengthen your faith for the future?**
* **How can meditating on this verse transform your prayers from anxious pleading to confident expectation of God's intervention?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "right hand" of the LORD in biblical imagery?**

Answer: The "right hand" of the LORD is a powerful anthropomorphic metaphor used throughout the Bible to represent God's active power, authority, strength, and effective action. In ancient cultures, the right hand was typically the stronger, dominant hand, used for wielding weapons, performing tasks, and signifying authority. When applied to God, it symbolizes His irresistible might, His ability to save, to judge, to create, and to establish His will. It is the hand that brings about salvation ([Psalm 20:6](/psalms/20-6 "Psalm 20:6 - Salvation by God's Right Hand")), defeats enemies ([Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand in Battle")), and upholds His people ([Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God Upholds with His Right Hand")). It signifies God's direct and decisive intervention in human affairs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "right hand of the LORD" is not merely a metaphor for abstract power but points forward to the concrete demonstration of God's power in the resurrection and ascension of His Son. It was by the "exalted" power of God that Jesus was raised from the dead, triumphing over sin and death, as declared in [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted to God's Right Hand"), where Peter proclaims that Jesus "being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." Furthermore, Jesus' current position at the "right hand of God" signifies His supreme authority, intercessory work, and ongoing reign over all creation, as affirmed in [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand"). The "right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly" is powerfully manifested in Christ's victory on the cross, His resurrection, and His present reign, through which He continues to "do valiantly" by conquering spiritual foes, building His church, and bringing about the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom, ensuring that all who trust in Him share in His triumph, as [Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Seated with Christ") encourages believers to seek things "where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 15:6

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

Acts 2:32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.