Psalms 89:16

KJV

In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.

KJV (with Strong's)

In thy name {H8034} shall they rejoice {H1523}{H8799)} all the day {H3117}: and in thy righteousness {H6666} shall they be exalted {H7311}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They rejoice in your name all day and are lifted up by your righteousness,

Berean Standard Bible

They rejoice in Your name all day long, and in Your righteousness they exult.

American Standard Version

In thy name do they rejoice all the day; And in thy righteousness are they exalted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:16 is a profound declaration of the blessedness experienced by those who walk in covenant relationship with God. It asserts that genuine, enduring joy is sourced entirely from God's revealed character and essence, encapsulated in His "name," and that true elevation and honor are derived solely from His perfect and faithful "righteousness." This verse highlights that the ultimate wellspring of human flourishing and significance is found not in worldly pursuits or self-effort, but in a deep, abiding connection to the Almighty's unchangeable nature and His unwavering commitment to His promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 89 is a "Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite," a wisdom psalm that opens with an exuberant praise of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, particularly as demonstrated in His eternal covenant with David and his royal lineage, as declared in [Psalms 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalms 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David"). The first section of the psalm (verses 1-18) serves as a grand hymn celebrating God's unparalleled majesty, power, and righteousness, and describing the blessed state of those who live in His favor. Verse 16 falls squarely within this celebratory opening, portraying the privileged experience of those who are in a right relationship with such a glorious God. However, the psalm undergoes a dramatic and poignant shift from verse 38 onward, transitioning into a lament that questions the apparent failure of the Davidic covenant in the face of national defeat and distress. This stark contrast makes verse 16 a powerful affirmation of God's ideal character and the blessings He bestows, even when human circumstances seem to contradict His eternal promises, setting the stage for the psalm's later expressions of distress and desperate plea for divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, likely a wise man or Levitical singer associated with Solomon's court (cf. [1 Kings 4:31](/1_kings/4-31 "1 Kings 4:31 - Ethan the Ezrahite")). It reflects the deep significance of the Davidic covenant, which promised an eternal dynasty and a perpetual throne for David's descendants ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). In ancient Israel, the "name" of God (YHWH) was not merely a label but represented His entire revealed character, attributes, and authority (e.g., [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Character Revealed")). To rejoice "in His name" meant to find joy in who God truly is—His power, holiness, love, and faithfulness. Similarly, "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, *tsᵉdâqâh*) encompassed not only justice and moral uprightness but also God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering adherence to His promises. The concept of "exaltation" was often tied to divine favor, indicating God's active lifting up of individuals or a nation, contrasting sharply with worldly attempts at self-promotion or human-derived status.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalms 89 and the broader biblical narrative. A primary theme is **Joy in God's Character**, where the phrase "In thy name shall they rejoice all the day" underscores that the source of true, enduring delight is not external fortune or fleeting circumstances but the very essence, character, and revealed attributes of God. This joy is depicted as continuous, "all the day," implying a constant state of spiritual gladness regardless of outward trials, echoing the New Testament call to [rejoice in the Lord always](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always"). Another crucial theme is **Exaltation through Divine Righteousness**. "And in thy righteousness shall they be exalted" teaches that any true lifting up, honor, or promotion comes solely from God's just and faithful character, not from human merit or worldly achievements. It is God's unwavering commitment to what is right and His faithfulness to His promises that elevate His people, emphasizing that our ultimate standing is derived from His perfect standard and grace, often seen as [the righteousness of God](/romans/1-17 "The Righteousness of God Revealed") given to believers. Underlying both these themes is the foundational truth of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, which, despite the psalm's later lament, affirms the blessings available to those who trust in the God who is true to His word and righteous in all His dealings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm_):** More than a mere label, *shêm* encapsulates God's entire being, His reputation, authority, and all His revealed attributes. To rejoice "in thy name" means to find profound, deep-seated joy in who God is—His power, holiness, love, faithfulness, and sovereign character. It signifies a joy rooted in His very essence, reflecting His complete and perfect identity.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl_):** This verb denotes an exuberant, circling, or leaping joy. It's not a calm contentment but an overflowing, demonstrative gladness that causes one to spin or shout with delight. It implies a deep, inner spiritual delight that manifests outwardly, a vibrant and active expression of gladness.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh_):** This term refers to God's inherent justice, integrity, and His conformity to His own perfect standard. Crucially, in a covenantal context, *tsᵉdâqâh* also implies God's faithfulness to His covenant obligations and His consistent adherence to what is right and true in His dealings with humanity. It is His active conformity to His own perfect character that guarantees His just and faithful actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In thy name shall they rejoice all the day:"** This clause identifies the exclusive source and continuous nature of true joy. "They" refers to those who "know the joyful sound" (v. 15), those who live in God's presence and favor. Their rejoicing is not dependent on circumstances but on the unchanging character and revealed attributes of God ("thy name"). The phrase "all the day" emphasizes the constancy and enduring quality of this joy, suggesting it is a perpetual state of delight in God, not just a fleeting emotion, transcending the temporal limitations of human experience.
* **"and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted."** This second clause reveals the means and outcome of true elevation. The "exaltation" (being lifted up, honored, or elevated) is not achieved through human striving or merit but is a direct result of God's "righteousness." This implies that God, in His perfect justice and faithfulness to His covenant, is the one who lifts up and honors His people, securing their true standing and significance. It is an exaltation that aligns with His divine standard and purpose, contrasting sharply with any worldly attempts at self-promotion.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 89:16 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message with depth and emphasis. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line of the verse reiterates and expands upon the thought of the first, using different but related terms. "In thy name shall they rejoice" is paralleled by "in thy righteousness shall they be exalted," reinforcing the idea that both joy and exaltation stem from God's character and actions, presenting a unified truth from two perspectives. **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "name" to represent God's entire being, character, and authority, allowing a part (His name) to stand for the whole (His essence and attributes). Similarly, "righteousness" functions metonymically for God's just and faithful actions and His covenant fidelity. The phrase "all the day" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the continuous, unceasing nature of the joy, rather than a literal 24-hour period, conveying an ideal of perpetual spiritual delight. Finally, there is a clear implied **Cause and Effect** relationship: because of God's inherent character and actions (His name and righteousness), His people experience profound joy and divine exaltation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 89:16 profoundly articulates the blessedness of those who live in conscious awareness of and reliance upon God's character. It teaches that true joy is not found in external circumstances or human achievements, but in the very being of God—His revealed name, which encapsulates His power, love, and faithfulness. Similarly, genuine exaltation, or being lifted up, is a divine act, flowing from God's unwavering righteousness and His covenant faithfulness. This challenges human tendencies toward self-reliance and worldly ambition, redirecting our focus to God as the sole source of ultimate worth, honor, and enduring happiness. It underscores the biblical truth that our highest good is inextricably linked to our relationship with and understanding of God's perfect nature, fostering a profound sense of security and delight in His sovereign care.

* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 89:16 offers a profound anchor for life and a radical reorientation of priorities. It calls us to root our deepest joy not in the fleeting pleasures or uncertain successes of this world, but in the unchanging, glorious character of God Himself. When our joy is derived from His "name"—His power, love, wisdom, and faithfulness—it becomes an unshakeable wellspring that sustains us through every season, trial, and triumph. This verse also reminds us that true honor and lasting significance are not achieved through self-promotion or worldly accolades, but are gifts bestowed by God in His perfect righteousness. Instead of striving for recognition, we are invited to humble ourselves under His mighty hand, trusting that He will exalt us in His perfect timing and according to His divine purpose. Living in the light of His countenance means consciously abiding in His presence, allowing His character to define our identity, our joy, and our ultimate worth, fostering a life of gratitude and trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my joy and sense of worth? Is it rooted in God's character, or in external circumstances and achievements?**
* **How does understanding God's "righteousness" as His faithfulness and justice impact my trust in His promises, especially during difficult times?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent joy "in His name" throughout my day?**
* **Am I striving for worldly exaltation, or am I content to be exalted by God in His way and time?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "rejoice all the day" in God's name, especially when life is difficult?**

Answer: To "rejoice all the day" in God's name means that the source of our joy is His unchanging character and attributes, rather than our fluctuating circumstances. It's a deep, spiritual delight that transcends outward difficulties. While we may experience sorrow, grief, or struggle, the underlying wellspring of joy in who God is (His faithfulness, power, love, and sovereignty) remains constant. This is not a denial of pain but an affirmation that even in the midst of it, God's nature provides an unshakeable foundation for hope and inner gladness. It's the "joy of the Lord" that is our strength, as seen in [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength"), a joy that sustains us through all seasons.

**Is the "exaltation" mentioned in this verse primarily about worldly success or a spiritual reality?**

Answer: The "exaltation" in Psalms 89:16 is primarily a spiritual reality, though it can have earthly manifestations. It signifies being lifted up, honored, and given true standing by God Himself, based on His righteousness and faithfulness. This contrasts sharply with worldly ambition or self-promotion. While God may grant earthly success or influence, the core meaning is about a divinely bestowed dignity, worth, and position in His eyes. It's about being aligned with His purposes and receiving honor that flows from His character, rather than human achievement. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that true humility precedes God's exaltation (e.g., [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment and revelation of God's "name," fully displaying the Father's character, glory, and attributes to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except the Son")). In Him, we truly come to know the Father's love, power, and faithfulness, which becomes the unshakeable foundation for our "rejoicing all the day." Moreover, Jesus Christ is our "righteousness" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Our Righteousness in Christ")), for He perfectly fulfilled all of God's righteous demands and, through His atoning sacrifice, imputes His perfect righteousness to all who believe. It is "in His righteousness"—His perfect life and sacrificial death—that believers are truly "exalted," lifted from spiritual death to life, from condemnation to justification, and from alienation to adoption as children of God. His own exaltation to the right hand of the Father ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation")) ensures that those who are united with Him also share in His triumph and future glory ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")). Thus, in Christ, the promise of enduring joy and divine exaltation is not merely a hope, but a present and eternal reality for all who trust in His name and His perfect righteousness.

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

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Psalms 89:12

The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Psalms 29:7

The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.

Luke 1:47

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Psalms 40:10

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.