21:5 21:5

Psalms 21:6

21:7 21:7

Bible Versions

For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
For thou hast made {H7896} him most blessed {H1293} for ever {H5703}: thou hast made {H2302} him exceeding glad {H8057} with thy countenance {H6440}.
For you bestow on him everlasting blessings, you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
For You grant him blessings forever; You cheer him with joy in Your presence.
For thou makest him most blessed for ever: Thou makest him glad with joy in thy presence.

Psalm 21:6 (KJV) declares the profound and enduring blessing bestowed upon the king, leading to immense joy through God's direct favor.

Context

Psalm 21 is a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating a great victory granted by God to the king. It immediately follows Psalm 20, which was a prayer for such a victory. While the psalm primarily speaks of an earthly king, likely King David, its language often transcends the immediate historical setting, pointing forward to a greater, eternal King—Jesus Christ. Verse 6 specifically highlights the depth and permanence of the divine blessing and the resulting joy, setting the stage for understanding the king's unique relationship with God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing and Favor: The phrase "thou hast made him most blessed for ever" emphasizes God as the source of all lasting favor and prosperity. This blessing is not temporary but eternal, suggesting a divine decree that transcends earthly limitations. It speaks to a state of being perpetually favored by God, a theme central to the covenant relationship.
  • Eternal Joy and Gladness: The king is made "exceeding glad," indicating a profound and overflowing joy. This gladness is not circumstantial but stems directly from God's presence and approval. It suggests a spiritual delight that surpasses any earthly happiness.
  • God's Countenance and Presence: "With thy countenance" refers to God's face or presence. In biblical thought, God's face shining upon someone signifies His favor, approval, and intimate communion. It is the ultimate source of blessing and joy, as seen in the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:25. The king's joy is derived from being in the very light and favor of God's presence.
  • Messianic Foreshadowing: Many commentators view this psalm, and particularly this verse, as Messianic. The "king" here finds his ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is eternally blessed and reigns with everlasting joy in the Father's presence (Hebrews 1:8). Christ's anointing and eternal kingship are the ultimate expression of being "most blessed for ever."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "most blessed" (barak, meaning blessed, often to kneel in adoration) combined with "for ever" (ad, meaning perpetuity, eternity) conveys an enduring and foundational blessing. The phrase "exceeding glad" comes from the Hebrew samach, indicating intense joy and delight. The "countenance" is panim, meaning face, which metaphorically represents God's presence, favor, and radiant glory. This signifies that the joy is not merely from gifts, but from the very person and presence of God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 21:6 offers profound encouragement. Our true and lasting joy, like that of the king, is found not in earthly achievements or possessions, but in the enduring favor and presence of God. When we seek the fullness of joy that comes from God's presence, we experience a blessedness that transcends all circumstances. This verse reminds us that God's desire is to make His people "exceeding glad" through His divine countenance and everlasting favor, a blessing fully realized in our relationship with Christ.

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.

  • Acts 2:28

    Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

  • Psalms 45:7

    Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

  • 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.

  • Galatians 3:9

    So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

  • Luke 2:10

    And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

  • Luke 2:11

    For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  • Acts 3:26

    Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
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