Psalms 80:17

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

תְּֽהִי H1961
תְּֽהִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יָ֭דְךָ Let thy hand H3027
יָ֭דְךָ Let thy hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 2 of 10
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
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 3 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אִ֣ישׁ be upon the man H376
אִ֣ישׁ be upon the man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 4 of 10
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 of thy right hand H3225
יְמִינֶ֑ךָ of thy right hand
Strong's: H3225
Word #: 5 of 10
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בֶּן upon the son H1121
בֶּן upon the son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 7 of 10
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 of man H120
אָ֝דָ֗ם of man
Strong's: H120
Word #: 8 of 10
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
אִמַּ֥צְתָּ whom thou madest strong H553
אִמַּ֥צְתָּ whom thou madest strong
Strong's: H553
Word #: 9 of 10
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
לָּֽךְ׃ H0
לָּֽךְ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 10 of 10

Analysis & Commentary

Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. This verse introduces a figure who has intrigued interpreters throughout history. After the vine metaphor (verses 8-16) describing Israel's planting, growth, and devastation, the psalmist now prays for a specific individual to be strengthened for deliverance.

"The man of thy right hand" (ish yeminekha, אִישׁ יְמִינֶךָ) designates someone in the position of honor and power. The right hand symbolized strength and favor throughout Scripture. To be at God's right hand meant to receive His active support and to act with His authority. This "man" is closely associated with God's powerful working.

"The son of man" (ben-adam, בֶּן־אָדָם) parallels "man of thy right hand." The phrase can simply mean "human being" (as in Psalm 8:4), but in this context it refers to the specific individual mentioned. "Whom thou madest strong for thyself" (immatzta lakh, אִמַּצְתָּה לָּךְ) indicates divine empowerment for divine purposes.

Various interpretations have been offered:

  1. a collective reference to Israel or Benjamin (whose name means "son of my right hand")
  2. the reigning king of David's line
  3. a future messianic figure.

The later application to Christ in the New Testament finds support in the right-hand imagery applied to Jesus after His resurrection (Acts 2:33, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 1:3).

Historical Context

The phrase "son of man" would later gain rich significance. Ezekiel is repeatedly addressed as "son of man" (over 90 times). Daniel 7:13-14 describes "one like the Son of man" coming with clouds of heaven to receive an everlasting kingdom. Jesus consistently used "Son of Man" as His preferred self-designation, combining Daniel's heavenly figure with Isaiah's suffering servant.

In its original context, Psalm 80:17 likely referred to the Davidic king as God's designated agent for Israel's deliverance. The king was God's "son" (Psalm 2:7) and sat at His right hand (Psalm 110:1). Praying for God's hand to be upon him meant asking for divine empowerment for the national leader.

Early Christians recognized messianic implications. If the vine represents Israel and the "man of thy right hand" is the one through whom restoration comes, then Christ fulfills this role. He is the true vine (John 15:1), and He sits at the Father's right hand. The psalm's prayer finds ultimate answer in Christ's work of redemption.

Questions for Reflection