Psalms 21:6
For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תְשִׁיתֵ֣הוּ
For thou hast made
H7896
תְשִׁיתֵ֣הוּ
For thou hast made
Strong's:
H7896
Word #:
2 of 8
to place (in a very wide application)
לָעַ֑ד
for ever
H5703
לָעַ֑ד
for ever
Strong's:
H5703
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
בְ֝שִׂמְחָ֗ה
him exceeding glad
H8057
בְ֝שִׂמְחָ֗ה
him exceeding glad
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
6 of 8
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
Cross References
Acts 2:28Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.Psalms 45:7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.Psalms 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.Acts 3:26Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:Galatians 3:14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Galatians 3:9So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.Psalms 43:4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.Genesis 12:2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a king's happiness was measured by military victories and material prosperity. This psalm reorients blessing to relationship with God—joy comes from God's presence, not possessions.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you seek your ultimate happiness—God's presence or His gifts?
- How does meditating on God's face (presence) transform your daily joy?
Analysis & Commentary
The king is 'most blessed' not through his own righteousness but through God's gracious favor. The Hebrew word for 'blessed' (barak) emphasizes divine empowerment. Reformed theology recognizes this as an expression of union with Christ—believers are blessed 'in Him' (Eph. 1:3). The 'exceeding gladness' comes from God's countenance (presence), the ultimate source of joy, not circumstances or achievements.