Psalms 80:17

Authorized King James Version

Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תְּֽהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יָ֭דְךָ

H3027

Let thy hand

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

be upon the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְמִינֶ֑ךָ

H3225

of thy right hand

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֶּן

H1121

upon the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָ֝דָ֗ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אִמַּ֥צְתָּ

H553

whom thou madest strong

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

#10

לָּֽךְ׃

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?