Psalms 73:23
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Original Language Analysis
תָמִ֣יד
Nevertheless I am continually
H8548
תָמִ֣יד
Nevertheless I am continually
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
עִמָּ֑ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אָ֝חַ֗זְתָּ
with thee thou hast holden
H270
אָ֝חַ֗זְתָּ
with thee thou hast holden
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
4 of 6
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
Cross References
Isaiah 41:13For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.Psalms 63:8My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.Psalms 16:8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Psalms 37:24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Historical Context
Israel's history exemplified this pattern: repeated apostasy met with persistent divine faithfulness. God's covenant commitment exceeded Israel's covenant breaking. This formed the foundation for understanding grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God held you 'by the right hand' even when you wandered in foolishness?
- What does it mean that you're 'continually with' God despite your fickleness?
- How does God's initiating and preserving grace provide assurance in spiritual struggles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Despite foolishness, 'Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.' The 'nevertheless' is stunning—despite the psalmist's beast-like thinking, God maintained relationship. 'Continually' emphasizes God's faithfulness versus human fickleness. 'Thou hast holden' shows divine initiative preserving the relationship. God's grip on His people is stronger than their grip on Him. This anticipates Jesus's promise that none can pluck believers from His hand (John 10:28-29).