Psalms 33:21

KJV

For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

For our heart {H3820} shall rejoice {H8055} in him, because we have trusted {H982} in his holy {H6944} name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For in him our hearts rejoice, because we trust in his holy name.

Berean Standard Bible

For our hearts rejoice in Him, since we trust in His holy name.

American Standard Version

For our heart shall rejoice in him, Because we have trusted in his holy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 33:21 beautifully articulates the profound and inseparable connection between a believer's trust in God and the resulting, deep-seated joy that fills the heart. It serves as a confident declaration that the exultation and gladness experienced by God's people are not circumstantial but flow directly from their unwavering reliance on His intrinsic character, power, and faithfulness, as represented by His holy name. This verse encapsulates the essence of a secure relationship with the Almighty, where confidence in His being becomes the wellspring of genuine rejoicing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 33 is a vibrant hymn of praise, calling the righteous to rejoice in the Lord. It begins by extolling God's creative power and wisdom in forming the world and all its inhabitants ([Psalms 33:6-9](/psalms/33-6 "Psalms 33:6-9 - God's Creative Word")). The psalm then shifts to celebrate God's sovereignty over human affairs, contrasting the futility of human plans and national strength with the eternal counsel and steadfast purposes of the Lord ([Psalms 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalms 33:10-11 - God's Unchanging Counsel")). It highlights God's omniscience and providential care over all people, especially those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love ([Psalms 33:13-18](/psalms/33-13 "Psalms 33:13-18 - God Sees All and Delivers His People")). In this grand narrative of divine majesty and care, verse 21 emerges as the community's confident and joyful response, affirming that their hearts find true delight in the very God who is so powerful, wise, and faithful, precisely because they have placed their complete trust in His revealed character.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms served as the hymnbook and prayer manual for ancient Israel, reflecting their communal worship, national history, and individual spiritual journeys. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" was far more than a label; it encapsulated the essence, character, authority, and reputation of an individual or deity. To "trust in his holy name" therefore meant to rely fully on God's revealed nature—His holiness, power, covenant faithfulness, and unique identity as the one true God. This communal declaration of trust and joy would have been a powerful affirmation within the worshiping assembly, reinforcing their collective identity as a people set apart by their relationship with Yahweh, distinct from nations who trusted in idols or military might, as alluded to in [Psalms 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalms 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by His Army"). The psalm likely served a liturgical purpose, fostering corporate worship and reinforcing theological truths about God's sovereignty and care.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** A central theme of Psalm 33 is God's absolute control over creation and history. He is the one who speaks, and it is done; He frustrates the plans of nations and establishes His own counsel forever ([Psalms 33:9-11](/psalms/33-9 "God's Word and Counsel Stand Firm")). This overarching theme provides the secure foundation upon which the believer's trust is built. Knowing that God is in control, regardless of earthly chaos, allows the heart to rest and rejoice.
* **Trust (Hebrew: _bāṭaḥ_):** This is the foundational human response to God's sovereignty. To "trust" in God implies an active, confident reliance, leaning entirely upon His character and promises. It is not a passive hope but an intentional act of placing one's security and future in God's hands. This trust is depicted as the prerequisite for true joy, highlighting that spiritual gladness is not self-generated but flows from a secure relationship with the trustworthy God.
* **Joy (Hebrew: _alaz_):** The rejoicing described here is a deep, internal exultation that stems from a secure relationship with the Almighty. It is a joy that transcends external circumstances because its source is God Himself, not fleeting earthly conditions. This joy is presented as the natural, inevitable outcome of genuine trust, a spiritual fruit that confirms the rightness of one's reliance on God. It is a gladness that finds its ultimate object and satisfaction in God's person.
* **The Holy Name of God:** More than a mere designation, God's "holy name" (Hebrew: _shem qodshô_) represents His entire revealed being, His attributes, His authority, His covenant faithfulness, and His unique, set-apart nature. To trust in His holy name is to trust in His absolute purity, power, and trustworthiness. This concept is vital in understanding God's revealed character throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord") and [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14-15 - God Reveals His Name, I AM").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _yaloz'_):** From the root _alaz_, this verb signifies a strong, exultant, and triumphant joy. It suggests a deep inner gladness that often expresses itself outwardly in shouts or celebrations. It's not a superficial happiness but a profound delight that stems from a secure and victorious position. In this context, it is the heart's joyful response to the certainty of God's faithfulness.
* **Trusted (Hebrew, _bāṭaḥ'_):** This word conveys a sense of security, confidence, and leaning upon. It implies a firm and unwavering reliance, a feeling of being safe and secure because one has placed their confidence in a reliable source. It speaks of a deliberate act of entrusting oneself fully to God, knowing He is utterly dependable.
* **Holy Name (Hebrew, _shem qodshô'_):** "Name" (_shem_) in biblical thought represents the essence, character, and reputation of a person. When applied to God, it encompasses all His attributes—His power, wisdom, love, justice, and faithfulness. The addition of "holy" (_qodesh_) emphasizes His absolute distinctiveness, purity, and transcendence. Therefore, to trust in His "holy name" is to trust in the very nature of God as set apart, utterly pure, and uniquely powerful and trustworthy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For our heart shall rejoice in him,"**: This clause presents the outcome and expression of the believer's relationship with God. The "heart" (_lev_) in Hebrew thought is the center of one's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character. Thus, the rejoicing is not merely external or superficial, but a deep, internal gladness that permeates the core of one's existence. The future tense "shall rejoice" indicates a certain, assured result, a promise of joy for those who meet the subsequent condition. The object of this joy is explicitly "him," referring to God Himself, emphasizing that the joy is found in His person, not in His gifts or circumstances.
* **"because we have trusted in his holy name."**: This clause provides the reason and foundation for the heart's rejoicing. The joy is not arbitrary but directly consequent upon an act of faith. "Trusted" indicates a past action with ongoing effect, a settled confidence. As explored in the key word analysis, "his holy name" signifies God's entire, set-apart character and revealed being. Therefore, the joy is rooted in a deliberate, unwavering reliance on God's absolute trustworthiness, His purity, and His unique identity. It is a joy that stems from knowing and resting in who God truly is.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. Foremost is **Cause-and-Effect Parallelism**, where the second clause ("because we have trusted in his holy name") directly explains the reason for the first clause ("For our heart shall rejoice in him"). This structure highlights the direct, undeniable link between faith and joy. **Personification** is also evident as the "heart" is depicted as an entity capable of rejoicing, giving vivid expression to the internal, emotional experience of the believer. Furthermore, the phrase "his holy name" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the "name" stands in for the entire person, character, and attributes of God. This emphasizes that the trust is not in an abstract concept, but in the concrete, revealed essence of the divine being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 33:21 articulates a fundamental theological truth: genuine spiritual joy is not self-generated or dependent on favorable circumstances, but is a direct consequence of placing unwavering trust in the character of God. This joy is therefore robust and resilient, rooted in the unchanging nature of the Almighty rather than the fluctuating conditions of life. It connects to the broader biblical theme of God's steadfast love and faithfulness as the ultimate ground for human security and hope. When humanity recognizes God's absolute sovereignty and goodness, the natural and proper response is to lean fully upon Him, which in turn unlocks a profound, God-centered gladness. This joy is a testimony to God's trustworthiness and an affirmation of His covenant relationship with His people, demonstrating that true satisfaction is found only in Him.

* [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Whose Mind is Stayed on God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and a relentless pursuit of fleeting happiness, Psalms 33:21 offers a profound counter-cultural truth. It reminds us that lasting, authentic joy is not found in external achievements, possessions, or even ideal circumstances, but in the internal disposition of absolute trust in God. When we consciously choose to lean on His unchanging character, His unfailing promises, and His sovereign control over all things, our hearts are liberated to experience a deep-seated gladness that transcends our immediate situations. This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our hope, away from the unstable foundations of human effort and worldly security, and towards the rock-solid foundation of God's holy name. Cultivating this trust requires intentionality: spending time in His Word, reflecting on His faithfulness, and actively surrendering our anxieties to Him. As we do, the promised joy will naturally well up, becoming a testimony to His goodness in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of your life are you currently struggling to trust God with, and how might releasing those to Him unlock deeper joy?**
* **How does your understanding of God's "holy name" (His character and attributes) impact your ability to trust Him more fully?**
* **In what ways can you intentionally cultivate a heart of trust and reliance on God in your daily routines and challenges?**
* **How does the joy described in this verse differ from worldly happiness, and what does that difference mean for your pursuit of contentment?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "trust in his holy name"?**

Answer: To "trust in his holy name" means to place one's complete confidence, reliance, and security in the entirety of God's revealed character and being. In biblical thought, a "name" represents the essence and reputation of a person. So, God's "holy name" encompasses all His attributes: His power, purity, faithfulness, wisdom, love, and justice. It means we believe He is who He says He is, that He will do what He promises, and that His nature is utterly dependable and set apart from all other gods or sources of hope. It's an active leaning on His divine identity, not just a passive belief, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart").

**Is the joy described in this verse dependent on my circumstances?**

Answer: No, the joy described in Psalms 33:21 is explicitly presented as a *result* of trusting in God's holy name, not as a product of favorable circumstances. While external situations can certainly affect our emotional state, the "rejoicing" here is a deep, internal gladness rooted in the unchanging character of God. This joy is resilient because its source is eternal and trustworthy. It's a joy that can exist even amidst trials, because it's grounded in the security of God's presence and faithfulness, as exemplified by Paul's exhortation to [rejoice in the Lord always](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always"), even from prison.

**How can I cultivate this kind of trust in God's holy name?**

Answer: Cultivating this deep trust is a spiritual discipline. It involves consistently engaging with God's Word to learn about His character and promises, spending time in prayer to communicate with Him, and intentionally recalling His past faithfulness in your life and in biblical history. As you meditate on who God is—His holiness, power, and love—your confidence in Him will grow. It also involves actively surrendering areas of anxiety and control to Him, choosing to rely on His wisdom and provision rather than your own. Over time, this consistent practice deepens your reliance on His "holy name," leading to the promised joy, much like the peace promised to those whose minds are stayed on Him in [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 33:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "holy name" in which believers are called to trust is fully revealed and embodied in the person of Jesus. He is the express image of God's being, the one through whom God's character, power, and faithfulness are perfectly manifested ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). To trust in God's holy name today is, preeminently, to trust in the name of Jesus, for there is "no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")). Through Christ's atoning work on the cross, our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled to God, establishing the secure relationship that is the foundation for true joy. The joy promised in this Psalm is made possible and perfected through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends to His followers ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - My Joy May Be in You") and [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - Hope and Joy in the Holy Spirit")). Thus, our heart's rejoicing in God is not merely an Old Testament ideal but a vibrant New Covenant reality, anchored in the finished work of Jesus, the very embodiment of God's trustworthy and holy name.

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 13:5

But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

Zechariah 10:7

And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

John 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Psalms 30:10

Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.

Psalms 30:12

To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Revelation 4:8

¶ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

1 Chronicles 16:10

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.