Psalms 20:6

Authorized King James Version

Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַתָּ֤ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יָדַ֗עְתִּי

H3045

Now know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ׀

H3467

saveth

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

I that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מְשִׁ֫יח֥וֹ

H4899

his anointed

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

יַ֭עֲנֵהוּ

H6030

he will hear

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

מִשְּׁמֵ֣י

H8064

heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

קָדְשׁ֑וֹ

H6944

him from his holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#10

בִּ֝גְבֻר֗וֹת

H1369

strength

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

#11

יֵ֣שַׁע

H3468

with the saving

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

#12

יְמִינֽוֹ׃

H3225

of his right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?