What does Psalms 118:16 mean?

"The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly." - Psalms 118:16

"The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly." - Psalms 118:16

Psalms 118:16 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly." This verse comes from a psalm of praise and thanksgiving for God's enduring love and faithfulness. It is a powerful declaration of God's strength and triumph over adversity, and it carries deep significance for Christians seeking to understand the nature of God's power and authority.

The theme of God's right hand being exalted and doing valiantly is a common motif throughout the Bible, representing the supreme sovereignty and strength of God. The right hand has historically been associated with power, honor, and authority, and in this verse, it symbolizes the divine might and capability of God. The phrase "exalted" conveys the idea of being raised up to a high position, indicating God's superiority and control over all things. This exaltation is a cause for celebration and praise, as it demonstrates the majesty and supremacy of God.

The concept of God's right hand doing valiantly speaks to His ability to act courageously and decisively in the face of opposition. It signifies God's unwavering resolve to overcome adversity and to bring about victory and deliverance for His people. This is a source of comfort and reassurance for believers, as it affirms that God is actively working on their behalf, fighting their battles, and overcoming their enemies. It also encourages trust and reliance on God's strength, knowing that He is capable of achieving great things on behalf of His people.

The context in which this verse is situated is also significant for understanding its meaning. Psalms 118 is part of a collection of songs used in worship and praise, and it is rooted in the historical and religious experiences of the people of Israel. This particular psalm is believed to have been written during a time of national crisis, likely after a military victory or deliverance from a powerful enemy. The psalmist expresses gratitude for God's intervention and salvation, and encourages others to join in praise and thanksgiving. In this context, the exaltation of God's right hand serves as a reminder of His past faithfulness and as a source of hope for the future.

From a symbolic perspective, the right hand of the Lord can also be seen as a representation of Jesus Christ, who is often described as sitting at the right hand of God in Christian theology. In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the ultimate embodiment of God's power and authority, and His sacrificial death and resurrection are viewed as the ultimate acts of valiant triumph over sin and death. Thus, the exaltation of God's right hand in Psalms 118:16 can be interpreted as a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ, and as a proclamation of His ultimate victory over evil and His ability to bring salvation to all who believe in Him.

In conclusion, Psalms 118:16 is a powerful and uplifting declaration of God's strength, sovereignty, and triumph over adversity. It serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness, a source of hope for the future, and a symbol of the ultimate victory achieved through the redemptive work of Christ. In times of difficulty and uncertainty, this verse offers comfort and reassurance, encouraging believers to trust in God's power and to declare His praise. It is a timeless expression of faith and dependence on the almighty God, who is exalted and does valiantly on behalf of His people.

Have questions about Psalms 118:16?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Psalms 118:16 Artwork

Psalms 118:16 - "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."

Psalms 118:16 - "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."

"The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly." - Psalms 118:16

"The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly." - Psalms 118:16

Psalms 118:24 - "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalms 118:24 - "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

"This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." - Psalms 118:23

"This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." - Psalms 118:23

Psalms 118:6 - "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"

Psalms 118:6 - "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"

Psalms 118:23 - "This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."

Psalms 118:23 - "This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalms 118:24

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalms 118:24

"The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." - Psalms 118:14

"The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." - Psalms 118:14

Psalms 118:20 - "This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter."

Psalms 118:20 - "This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter."

Psalms 118:9 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."

Psalms 118:9 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."

"Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:2

"Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:2

"Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:3

"Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:3

Psalms 118:14 - "The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."

Psalms 118:14 - "The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."

Psalms 118:8 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Psalms 118:8 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Psalms 118:17 - "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."

Psalms 118:17 - "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."

Psalms 118:2 - "Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:2 - "Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:22 - "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."

Psalms 118:22 - "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."

Psalms 118:3 - "Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:3 - "Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:19 - "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"

Psalms 118:19 - "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"

Psalms 118:4 - "Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:4 - "Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:10 - "All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them."

Psalms 118:10 - "All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them."

Psalms 118:15 - "The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."

Psalms 118:15 - "The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."

Psalms 119:118 - "Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood."

Psalms 119:118 - "Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood."

Psalms 118:29 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:29 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:13 - "Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me."

Psalms 118:13 - "Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me."

Psalms 118:21 - "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation."

Psalms 118:21 - "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation."

Psalms 118:11 - "They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them."

Psalms 118:11 - "They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them."

Psalms 118:1 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:1 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:5 - "I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place."

Psalms 118:5 - "I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place."

Psalms 118:26 - "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD."

Psalms 118:26 - "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD."