Psalms 139:10
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
שָׁ֭ם
H8033
יָדְךָ֣
Even there shall thy hand
H3027
יָדְךָ֣
Even there shall thy hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
תַנְחֵ֑נִי
lead
H5148
תַנְחֵ֑נִי
lead
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
4 of 6
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
Cross References
Psalms 23:3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Isaiah 41:13For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.Psalms 73:23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.Psalms 63:8My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
Historical Context
The right hand in Hebrew culture symbolized strength, authority, and covenant faithfulness. God's right hand delivered Israel from Egypt (Exodus 15:6), sustained them in wilderness, and seated the Messiah in power (Psalm 110:1). David draws on this rich tradition.
Questions for Reflection
- Where has God's hand led you that you didn't want to go—and in hindsight, how did that guidance prove faithful?
- What situation requires you to trust that God's right hand is holding you, even though you cannot see or feel it?
- How does knowing God will 'lead' and 'hold' you anywhere change your willingness to go where He sends?
Analysis & Commentary
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me—The conditional clauses of verses 8-9 ('if I...') resolve in this assurance: even there (גַּם־שָׁם, gam-sham). Wherever 'there' is—heights, depths, east, west—God's hand performs a dual function: lead (nachah, נָחָה, to guide) and hold (achaz, אָחַז, to grasp firmly). The right hand signifies power and favor.
God's omnipresence isn't neutral surveillance but active guidance and protective grasp. We cannot flee beyond His reach, but why would we want to? His hand leads through unfamiliar territory and holds us secure in dangerous places. The same hand that created galaxies holds you steady.