Psalms 89:13

KJV

Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, [and] high is thy right hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast a mighty {H1369} arm {H2220}: strong {H5810}{H8799)} is thy hand {H3027}, and high {H7311}{H8799)} is thy right hand {H3225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your arm is mighty, your hand is strong, your right hand is lifted high.

Berean Standard Bible

Mighty is Your arm; strong is Your hand. Your right hand is exalted.

American Standard Version

Thou hast a mighty arm; Strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:13 stands as a profound declaration of God's supreme power and absolute authority, serving as a foundational truth within a psalm that celebrates the Lord's unwavering faithfulness, particularly concerning His covenant with King David. This verse employs vivid anthropomorphic imagery—God's "mighty arm," "strong hand," and "high right hand"—to convey His irresistible might and exalted dominion, setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent lament and reaffirming the divine capacity to uphold all promises despite apparent earthly setbacks.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 89 is a _Maskil_, an instructive psalm attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, a wise man often associated with Solomon's era. The psalm is structurally divided into two primary sections: an expansive hymn of praise (verses 1-18) celebrating God's faithfulness, power, and righteousness, and a deeply felt lament (verses 19-52) grappling with the apparent failure of the Davidic covenant due to the struggles and defeats faced by the monarchy. Verse 13 is strategically positioned within the opening hymn, serving as a powerful affirmation of God's omnipotence and sovereignty. This theological bedrock is crucial because it establishes that the God who made the covenant with David, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), possesses the absolute power to fulfill His promises, even when human circumstances suggest otherwise. The psalmist meticulously builds a robust case for God's unmatched might before articulating the profound distress over the current state of the Davidic line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings and various deities were frequently described with "mighty arms" or "strong hands," symbolizing their military prowess, governing authority, and their ability to execute their will decisively. By attributing these very human metaphors to YHWH, the psalmist elevates God's power far above any earthly ruler or pagan deity. The "right hand" held particular cultural significance across the ancient world, universally symbolizing strength, honor, favor, and decisive action, especially in battle, judgment, or the bestowal of blessings. For God's right hand to be "high" (or exalted) underscores His supreme, unchallenged position above all creation and all other powers. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with the concept of divine intervention, such as God's powerful [deliverance of Israel from Egypt](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of the Sea"), often described as being accomplished by His "mighty hand and outstretched arm" in passages like [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Deliverance").
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by Psalms 89:13 is God's **Omnipotence and Sovereignty**. The anthropomorphic descriptions of God's "mighty arm," "strong hand," and "high right hand" are not literal but serve to convey His irresistible strength and unlimited dominion over all things. This highlights that God is the ultimate ruler, whose plans and purposes cannot be thwarted by any opposing force, human or spiritual. Closely related is the theme of **Unrivaled Authority**. The "high right hand" specifically signifies God's supreme position and unquestionable authority, elevated above all other powers and principalities. This speaks to His unique status as the sovereign Lord, the one who governs all creation and history. Furthermore, the verse implicitly points to **Divine Action and Deliverance**. Historically, God's "mighty arm" and "strong hand" were associated with His powerful acts of salvation, such as the [Red Sea deliverance](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"). This verse assures believers that God possesses the inherent power to intervene decisively in history and in individual lives, making His covenant promises reliable and secure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ_):** The Hebrew term זְרוֹעַ (_zᵉrôwaʻ_) refers to the arm, often used metaphorically in the Old Testament to denote strength, power, and the ability to execute one's will. When applied to God, it signifies His active, irresistible might, particularly in forceful action, such as divine judgment or powerful deliverance. It speaks to God's capacity to bring about His purposes with overwhelming strength and effectiveness.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** The Hebrew word יָד (_yâd_) for "hand" is a common biblical metaphor for power, control, and the ability to perform or execute. When described as "strong," it emphasizes God's firm grasp, His effective dominion, and His unwavering ability to achieve His objectives. It suggests a direct, personal involvement in the affairs of the world, indicating both precision and efficacy in His actions.
* **Right Hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn_):** The Hebrew term יָמִין (_yâmîyn_) for "right hand" is a universal symbol of strength, honor, authority, and decisive action. In ancient cultures, the right hand was often associated with power in battle, the place of honor, and the ability to bless or curse. When God's right hand is described as "high" (from H7311, _rûwm_), it implies exaltation, supremacy, victory, and sovereign control, underscoring His elevated status and His decisive power in both judgment and salvation, as seen in passages like [Psalm 118:16](/psalms/118-16 "Psalm 118:16 - The Lord's Right Hand Exalted").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast a mighty arm":** This clause emphasizes God's inherent, active power and capacity to exert force. The "mighty arm" speaks to His ability to intervene decisively and to accomplish His will with overwhelming strength, signifying His dynamic and irresistible power that is capable of overcoming any obstacle. It is a declaration of His unchallengeable might.
* **"strong is thy hand":** This phrase reiterates and reinforces the concept of divine power, focusing on God's control and His ability to execute His purposes. A "strong hand" suggests a firm grip, unwavering determination, and the capacity to bring about His intentions effectively and without fail. It speaks to the precision and efficacy of God's actions, demonstrating His perfect execution of His will.
* **"and high is thy right hand":** This final clause elevates the imagery to convey God's supreme authority and exalted position. The "right hand" signifies power and honor, and for it to be "high" means it is exalted, supreme, and victorious over all. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His unrivaled dominion over all creation, and His ultimate triumph in all matters of judgment and salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 89:13 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the profound truth of God's power. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where human attributes—specifically body parts like "arm," "hand," and "right hand"—are ascribed to God. This is not meant to be taken literally, but rather serves to make abstract divine attributes comprehensible to human understanding, allowing the psalmist to vividly portray God's active involvement and immense strength in terms familiar to the audience. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the three clauses ("Thou hast a mighty arm," "strong is thy hand," and "high is thy right hand") express similar ideas of divine power and authority using different but related imagery. This repetition and variation serve to intensify and reinforce the central message, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's might. Furthermore, the language borders on **Hyperbole** or **Exaltation**, as it seeks to magnify God's power beyond any human scale, evoking a sense of awe and worship for His unrivaled majesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 89:13 is a cornerstone declaration of God's omnipotence and sovereignty, a truth that undergirds all biblical theology. It assures us that the God who makes promises is fully capable of fulfilling them, regardless of the daunting circumstances or the apparent failures of human agents. This verse grounds our understanding of God's covenant faithfulness; His "mighty arm" and "strong hand" are the guarantee that His word will stand. It speaks to a God who is not merely transcendent but actively engaged in history, powerful enough to deliver His people, establish His kingdom, and ultimately bring about His redemptive plan. The "high right hand" signifies His ultimate authority over all creation, assuring us that His purposes will prevail and His will shall be done.

* [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand is Glorious in Power")
* [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm")
* [Psalm 118:16](/psalms/118-16 "Psalm 118:16 - The Right Hand of the LORD is Exalted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 89:13 offers profound reassurance and a compelling call to trust. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse reminds us that we serve a God of unparalleled power and absolute authority. His "mighty arm" and "strong hand" mean He is fully capable of handling every situation, fulfilling every promise, and intervening decisively in our lives. This truth provides a solid foundation for our faith, encouraging us to lean into His strength when our own fails. It also inspires confidence in prayer, knowing that we address a God who is not limited by human weakness or earthly obstacles, but is able to act powerfully on our behalf. Contemplating God's supreme strength and exalted "right hand" should naturally lead us to humility, awe, and worship, recognizing our place before the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. It invites us to surrender our anxieties and trust in His ultimate control and perfect plan, finding peace in His omnipotence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemplating God's "mighty arm" and "strong hand" impact your trust in Him during times of personal struggle or global uncertainty?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control to God's "high right hand" and allow Him to act with His sovereign power?**
* **How does this verse deepen your sense of awe and worship for God's unrivaled power and authority, and how might that translate into your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why does the psalm emphasize God's power so much, especially when it later laments the apparent failure of the Davidic covenant?**

Answer: The strong emphasis on God's power in the first part of Psalm 89, including verse 13, serves as a crucial theological foundation for the entire psalm. It establishes the absolute certainty of God's character and capabilities before the psalmist articulates the deep lament over the seemingly broken Davidic covenant. This contrast highlights the tension between God's unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence on one hand, and the painful reality of Israel's suffering and the monarchy's decline on the other. The psalmist is not questioning God's power, but rather seeking understanding and intervention from a God known to be supremely mighty. This initial affirmation of divine strength grounds the hope that God, despite appearances, remains able to fulfill His promises and restore His people, as He demonstrated with His "mighty arm" in the [Exodus deliverance](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of the Sea").

**Are "arm," "hand," and "right hand" meant to be taken literally as physical body parts of God?**

Answer: No, these terms are examples of **anthropomorphism**, a literary device where human characteristics or body parts are attributed to God to describe His actions and attributes in a way that humans can understand. God is spirit and does not have a physical body, as confirmed in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit"). The "mighty arm," "strong hand," and "high right hand" are vivid metaphors used to convey God's immense power, active involvement, sovereign control, and supreme authority. They communicate His ability to execute His will, intervene in history, and accomplish His purposes with irresistible force and unwavering precision.

**How does this verse relate to God's covenant with David, which is a major theme in Psalm 89?**

Answer: Psalms 89:13, with its declaration of God's "mighty arm," "strong hand," and "high right hand," serves as the divine guarantee for the Davidic covenant described in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). The psalmist affirms God's absolute power and authority precisely because it is this power that ensures the fulfillment of His covenant promises—promises that include an enduring dynasty and an eternal kingdom through David's line. Even when the Davidic monarchy faced severe challenges and apparent collapse, the psalmist's hope was rooted in the unshakeable might of the covenant-making God. This verse reminds us that God's ability to keep His word is not dependent on human strength or circumstances, but on His own inherent, unrivaled power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "mighty arm" and "strong hand" in action, through whom the Father executes His redemptive purposes and demonstrates His supreme authority. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the one in whom all divine power resides. His miracles, His authority over nature and demons, His power to forgive sins, and ultimately His victory over death and the grave all testify to the "exceeding greatness of His power," as described in [Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19 - God's Incomparably Great Power")—the very power echoed in Psalms 89:13. Furthermore, the declaration "high is thy right hand" finds its climactic expression in Christ's resurrection and ascension. Having conquered sin and death, Jesus was "exalted to the right hand of God" ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted to God's Right Hand")), where He now reigns as Lord of all, wielding all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the true and eternal Son of David, the one through whom God's covenant promises are eternally established, making Him the ultimate demonstration of God's invincible power and sovereign reign, as beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted Above All Names").

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

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Psalms 89:10

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

Psalms 62:11

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God.