Psalms 89:16
In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
Original Language Analysis
בְּ֭שִׁמְךָ
In thy name
H8034
בְּ֭שִׁמְךָ
In thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
1 of 6
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְגִיל֣וּן
shall they rejoice
H1523
יְגִיל֣וּן
shall they rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיּ֑וֹם
all the day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
all the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Cross References
Philippians 3:9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.Isaiah 46:13I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.Psalms 105:3Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.Psalms 29:5The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.Psalms 89:12The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.Psalms 33:21For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.Psalms 44:8In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.Psalms 29:7The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.Romans 1:17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, a king's righteousness determined national blessing or judgment. The psalm's original context points to David's righteous reign foreshadowing the Messiah. When God promised to exalt David's throne, He committed to vindicating His own righteousness through the King who would perfectly embody it—Jesus Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate rejoicing in God's name 'all the day' amid mundane routines and frustrations?
- What's the difference between being exalted in your own righteousness versus God's righteousness?
- How does understanding righteousness as gift (not achievement) change your emotional relationship with God?
Analysis & Commentary
In thy name shall they rejoice all the day (בְּשִׁמְךָ יְגִילוּן כָּל־הַיֹּום)—Gil (to rejoice, exult, be glad) in God's shem (name, character, reputation) defines the believer's constant posture. And in thy righteousness shall they be exalted (וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ יָרוּמוּ)—Tzedaqah (righteousness, justice, covenant faithfulness) becomes the basis for their rum (exaltation, being lifted up).
Rejoicing 'all the day' (kol hayom) doesn't mean emotional euphoria but settled joy grounded in God's character. This anticipates Paul's 'Rejoice in the Lord always' (Philippians 4:4). Exaltation through God's righteousness inverts worldly values—we're not elevated by our achievements but by His imputed righteousness (Romans 3:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ's righteousness becomes ours through faith, and we're raised with Him (Ephesians 2:6).