Psalms 89:13
Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
Original Language Analysis
זְ֭רוֹעַ
arm
H2220
זְ֭רוֹעַ
arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
2 of 8
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
גְּבוּרָ֑ה
Thou hast a mighty
H1369
גְּבוּרָ֑ה
Thou hast a mighty
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
4 of 8
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
יָ֝דְךָ֗
is thy hand
H3027
יָ֝דְךָ֗
is thy hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 8
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
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern victory stelae often depicted kings with raised arms symbolizing conquest. Israel subverted this—not the king's arm but Yahweh's arm wins battles. David's victories were attributed to God's might, preparing for the Messiah who would conquer not by human strength but by divine power.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you need to see God's 'mighty arm' at work in circumstances that seem immovable?
- How does Jesus as God's 'right hand' exalted change your understanding of who has ultimate authority in your life?
- In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own 'arm' (strength, resources, strategies) rather than God's?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou hast a mighty arm (גִּבֹּור זְרֹועֲךָ)—Gibbor (mighty, warrior, hero) describes God's zeroa (arm), symbolizing His power to act in history. Strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand (תָּעֹז יָדֶךָ תָּרוּם יְמִינֶךָ)—Ta'oz (strong, prevails) characterizes the yad (hand), while the yamin (right hand) is tarum (lifted high, exalted). The right hand signifies honor, favor, and saving power.
God's 'mighty arm' is a recurring Exodus motif (Exodus 6:6, 15:16, Deuteronomy 5:15)—the same arm that brought Israel out of Egypt would establish David's throne and ultimately accomplish salvation through Christ. Isaiah 53:1 asks 'to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?'—answered in Jesus, God's mighty arm made flesh. The 'right hand' becomes Jesus's position of authority (Psalm 110:1, Acts 2:33), from which He rules and intercedes.