Psalms 33:16

KJV

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is no king {H4428} saved {H3467} by the multitude {H7230} of an host {H2428}: a mighty man {H1368} is not delivered {H5337} by much {H7230} strength {H3581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A king is not saved by the size of his army, a strong man not delivered by his great strength.

Berean Standard Bible

No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength.

American Standard Version

There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 33:16 profoundly declares the ultimate futility of human power and self-reliance in securing true salvation or deliverance. It asserts that neither the vast military might of a king nor the formidable individual strength of a warrior can guarantee safety or victory. This verse serves as a powerful theological statement, implicitly redirecting trust and hope away from earthly resources and towards the sovereign, all-sufficient power of God, setting the stage for the psalm's broader celebration of divine providence and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 33 is a vibrant hymn of praise, celebrating the Lord's creative power, righteous acts, and providential care over creation and humanity. The psalm opens with a call to worship God for His uprightness and faithfulness ([Psalms 33:1-5](/psalms/33-1 "Psalms 33:1-5 - Call to Praise God")). It then transitions to extolling God's creative word, by which "the heavens were made" ([Psalms 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalms 33:6 - God's Creative Word")), and His sovereign control over the nations, where "the LORD brings the counsel of the heathen to nought" ([Psalms 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalms 33:10 - God Frustrates Nations' Plans")). Verse 16 directly follows this emphasis on God's absolute control over human plans and precedes the assertion that "the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him" ([Psalms 33:18](/psalms/33-18 "Psalms 33:18 - God's Watchful Eye")). Thus, Psalms 33:16 serves as a crucial pivot, dismantling human illusions of security to highlight the exclusive source of true deliverance in God alone.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kingship was often synonymous with military might and national security. The strength of a kingdom was measured by the size and prowess of its army ("multitude of an host") and the valor of its elite warriors ("mighty man"). Battles were frequent, and survival often depended on military superiority, strategic alliances, and the physical strength of individual combatants. Kings invested heavily in chariots, cavalry, and vast numbers of soldiers, believing these to be their ultimate defense and means of expansion. The cultural understanding was that power resided in human capacity and resources. Against this backdrop, the psalmist’s declaration is revolutionary, directly challenging the prevailing worldview that placed ultimate confidence in human military and physical might. It speaks into a world where kings relied on their armies for their very survival and deliverance from enemies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 33 and the biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **the futility of human strength and self-reliance**. By explicitly stating that neither a king's vast army nor a warrior's immense physical power can secure salvation, the psalmist dismantles the illusion that human efforts or resources are sufficient for ultimate security or victory. Secondly, it implicitly but profoundly affirms **divine sovereignty**. If human power is insufficient, then true deliverance must originate from a higher, transcendent source—God Himself. This theme aligns with the psalm's broader declaration of God's absolute control over creation and nations, as seen in His ability to "bring the counsel of the heathen to nought" ([Psalms 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalms 33:10 - God Frustrates Nations' Plans")). Finally, the verse serves as an urgent **call to trust in God alone**. By exposing the inadequacy of human means, it prepares the reader to embrace the psalm's concluding exhortation to place hope and reliance on the Lord, whose "eye is upon them that fear him" ([Psalms 33:18](/psalms/33-18 "Psalms 33:18 - God's Watchful Eye")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, חַיִל, _chayil'_):** This word is multifaceted, often translated as "strength," "wealth," "valor," or "army/host." In this context, it specifically refers to a military force or army, emphasizing its collective power and resources. The "multitude of an host" (רָב חָיִל, _rav chayil_) denotes a vast, overwhelming military contingent, highlighting the peak of human collective might and strategic advantage. The psalmist asserts that even such an impressive display of human power is utterly incapable of securing true salvation or deliverance for a king.
* **Strength (Hebrew, כֹּחַ, _koach'_):** This term refers to physical power, might, vigor, or capability. When applied to a "mighty man" (גִּבּוֹר, _gibbor_), it speaks to the individual's peak physical prowess, combat skill, or heroic ability. The phrase "much strength" (רֹב כֹּחַ, _rov koach_) signifies an abundance of personal might. The parallelism with "multitude of an host" underscores that neither collective military power nor individual physical prowess can ultimately save or deliver.
* **Saved/Delivered (Hebrew, נוֹשָׁע / יִנָּצֵל, _nosha' / yinatzel'_):** The first verb, _nosha'_, means "to be saved," "to be victorious," or "to be delivered." It often carries a connotation of divine rescue. The second verb, _yinatzel_, means "to be delivered," "to escape," or "to be rescued." While similar, _nosha'_ can imply a more comprehensive and ultimate salvation, whereas _yinatzel_ often refers to escaping immediate danger. The psalmist uses both to emphasize that no form of human power—whether collective or individual—can achieve either ultimate salvation or even immediate rescue from peril. This double negation reinforces the absolute inadequacy of human means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is no king saved by the multitude of an host":** This clause directly challenges the ancient world's primary source of security for rulers. A "king" represents the pinnacle of earthly authority and resource allocation, capable of amassing vast armies ("multitude of an host"). Yet, the psalmist emphatically states that even with such overwhelming military might, no king can guarantee his own "salvation" or victory. This "salvation" extends beyond mere physical survival to encompass true security, deliverance from enemies, and the flourishing of his reign, all of which are ultimately beyond human control.
* **"a mighty man is not delivered by much strength":** This parallel clause shifts focus from collective military power to individual prowess. A "mighty man" (גִּבּוֹר, _gibbor_) is a warrior, a hero, or a champion known for exceptional physical strength and combat skill. Despite possessing "much strength," even such an individual cannot ensure his own "deliverance" from danger or death. This highlights the limitations of personal capability, reinforcing the message that no human attribute, however impressive, can secure ultimate safety or rescue.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 33:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates and reinforces the idea of the first line using different but related terms. "No king saved by the multitude of an host" is paralleled by "a mighty man is not delivered by much strength," both conveying the inadequacy of human power. This parallelism creates a rhythmic emphasis and deepens the impact of the message. The verse also utilizes **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent a whole. "King" and "mighty man" together encompass all forms of human leadership and individual prowess, while "multitude of an host" and "much strength" represent the full spectrum of human collective and individual power. By negating both extremes, the psalmist asserts that *no* human means, regardless of scale or form, can provide ultimate deliverance. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play: by denying the efficacy of human strength, the verse implicitly points to the only true source of salvation—God's divine power, which is then explicitly affirmed in subsequent verses of the psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 33:16 stands as a foundational statement on the nature of true power and security, deeply connecting with the broader biblical narrative of divine sovereignty and human dependence. It challenges the universal human tendency to place ultimate trust in visible, tangible resources—be they military might, financial stability, political influence, or personal capabilities. Theologically, it asserts that genuine salvation and deliverance are not human achievements but divine gifts, flowing from God's absolute control over all affairs. This truth humbles humanity, stripping away any illusion of self-sufficiency and redirecting faith towards the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The verse underscores that God's counsel "stands forever" ([Psalms 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "Psalms 33:11 - God's Enduring Counsel")), contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of human strength and plans.

* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle, but Victory is from the Lord")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")
* [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses, But We in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 33:16 serves as a timeless corrective to our innate human inclination to rely on ourselves and our resources for security and success. In a world that often measures worth and safety by wealth, influence, military might, or personal achievement, this verse calls us to a profound reorientation of trust. It challenges us to examine where we truly place our confidence: Is it in our financial portfolios, our career achievements, our physical health, our social networks, or the strength of our nation? The psalmist reminds us that ultimately, these are all finite and fallible. True peace, lasting security, and ultimate deliverance come not from the "multitude of an host" or "much strength," but from the sovereign hand of God. This applies not only to grand geopolitical struggles but also to our personal battles with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence, inviting us to release our grip on self-sufficiency and instead lean wholeheartedly into God's unfailing providence and power, recognizing that His ways are higher and His strength is perfect in our weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek security and deliverance in my life—in human resources, or in God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my tendency to rely on my own strength, intellect, or achievements?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to surrender my perceived control and trust God more fully?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's sovereignty rather than human capabilities?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean human effort or military defense is useless?**

Answer: Not at all. The verse is not a condemnation of human effort, wisdom, or the necessity of defense. Instead, it is a theological statement about ultimate reliance and the source of true "salvation" or "deliverance." It means that human efforts, no matter how vast or strong, are *insufficient* to guarantee ultimate security or victory apart from God's will. We are called to be wise stewards and to act responsibly, but our ultimate trust must not be in our preparations or strength, but in the Lord who gives success. As [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle, but Victory is from the Lord") states, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD."

**What kind of "salvation" or "deliverance" is being referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "salvation" (נוֹשָׁע, _nosha'_) and "deliverance" (יִנָּצֵל, _yinatzel_) here refer to comprehensive rescue, protection, and victory. In the context of a king and a mighty man, it primarily means deliverance from enemies, preservation of life, and the securing of their reign or personal safety in battle. However, the spiritual principle extends beyond physical battles to encompass deliverance from all forms of peril, oppression, and ultimately, from the power of sin and death. It speaks to a holistic well-being and security that human power cannot provide.

**How does this apply to modern national defense or personal struggles?**

Answer: In modern national defense, this verse reminds us that while military strength, technology, and strategic alliances are important, they are not the ultimate guarantors of a nation's security or destiny. True peace and lasting stability are ultimately in God's hands. For personal struggles, it means that our financial security, social standing, intellectual abilities, or physical health, while valuable, cannot ultimately save us from life's deepest challenges, anxieties, or the inevitability of death. It calls us to place our hope and trust in God for true peace and deliverance in every aspect of our lives, acknowledging that our "strength" is limited and His is infinite.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 33:16, by exposing the futility of human strength and the insufficiency of earthly kingdoms, powerfully anticipates the ultimate and perfect "King" and "Mighty Man" in Jesus Christ. While earthly kings rely on armies and mighty men on their own strength, Christ's kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), and His power is perfected in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength Perfected in Weakness")). He did not come with a multitude of hosts or much physical strength to conquer, but as the suffering servant, laying down His life as the ultimate act of deliverance. He is the true "deliverer" who rescues us from the domain of darkness and transfers us to the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness to Light")). The salvation that no king or mighty man could achieve through their own power is freely offered through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He is our ultimate "strength" ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")) and the only one who can truly "save" us, not by might or power, but by His Spirit ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power, But by My Spirit")). In Him, we find the ultimate security and deliverance that human armies and individual prowess can never provide, leading us to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" ([1 Peter 5:7](/1-peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")).

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

Psalms 44:3

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

Jeremiah 9:23

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Psalms 44:6

For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

Psalms 44:7

But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

1 Samuel 17:45

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

1 Samuel 17:49

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.