Psalms 80:15

Authorized King James Version

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And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.

Original Language Analysis

וְ֭כַנָּה And the vineyard H3657
וְ֭כַנָּה And the vineyard
Strong's: H3657
Word #: 1 of 8
a plant (as set)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 2 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָטְעָ֣ה hath planted H5193
נָטְעָ֣ה hath planted
Strong's: H5193
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
יְמִינֶ֑ךָ which thy right hand H3225
יְמִינֶ֑ךָ which thy right hand
Strong's: H3225
Word #: 4 of 8
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
וְעַל H5921
וְעַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בֵּ֝֗ן and the branch H1121
בֵּ֝֗ן and the branch
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 6 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִמַּ֥צְתָּה that thou madest strong H553
אִמַּ֥צְתָּה that thou madest strong
Strong's: H553
Word #: 7 of 8
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
לָּֽךְ׃ H0
לָּֽךְ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 8

Analysis & Commentary

And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself. This verse appeals to God's personal investment in Israel. "The vineyard which thy right hand hath planted" (kannah asher nat'ah yeminekha, כַּנָּה אֲשֶׁר נָטְעָה יְמִינֶךָ) emphasizes divine agency. Yamin (יָמִין, right hand) symbolizes power, skill, favor, and oath-keeping (Exodus 15:6, 12; Psalm 16:11, 48:10). God didn't delegate Israel's planting to angels but personally invested His own power and honor in establishing them. Kannah (כַּנָּה) means stock, base, root—the fundamental planting from which all else grows.

"The branch that thou madest strong for thyself" (ve'al-ben immatzta lakh, וְעַל־בֵּן אִמַּצְתָּ לָךְ) shifts to singular "branch" or "son" (ben, בֵּן can mean both). The phrase "madest strong" (immatzta, אִמַּצְתָּ from amats, אָמַץ) means to strengthen, make firm, fortify—God personally strengthened this son/branch. Critically, "for thyself" (lakh, לָךְ) indicates purpose: Israel exists for God's glory, pleasure, and purpose—not independent existence but chosen instrument for divine purposes.

The dual imagery—vineyard and branch/son—creates interpretive richness. Collectively, Israel is God's vineyard; individually or dynastically, the king or Messiah is the son/branch. This anticipates Messianic interpretation: Jesus is the true vine (John 15:1), the branch from Jesse's root (Isaiah 11:1), the son God strengthened for Himself. The verse's appeal is powerful: why would God destroy what He personally created for His own purposes?

Historical Context

The "branch" language connects to Messianic prophecy throughout Scripture. Isaiah 4:2, 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15; Zechariah 3:8, 6:12 all use "branch" (tsemach, צֶמַח or netser, נֵצֶר) to describe coming Davidic Messiah. Some interpreters see Psalm 80:15, 17 as proto-Messianic, looking beyond immediate restoration to ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Historically, the "son" may reference the Davidic king whom God established to rule Israel (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 2:7). The appeal for God to remember this son/branch may reflect crisis during weak or threatened monarchy.

Questions for Reflection