Psalms 89:21

Authorized King James Version

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With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.

Original Language Analysis

אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 1 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָ֭דִי With whom my hand H3027
יָ֭דִי With whom my hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 2 of 7
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
תִּכּ֣וֹן shall be established H3559
תִּכּ֣וֹן shall be established
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
עִמּ֑וֹ H5973
עִמּ֑וֹ
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 4 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אַף H637
אַף
Strong's: H637
Word #: 5 of 7
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
זְרוֹעִ֥י mine arm H2220
זְרוֹעִ֥י mine arm
Strong's: H2220
Word #: 6 of 7
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
תְאַמְּצֶֽנּוּ׃ also shall strengthen H553
תְאַמְּצֶֽנּוּ׃ also shall strengthen
Strong's: H553
Word #: 7 of 7
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

Analysis & Commentary

With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. God promises perpetual support through two synonymous parallelisms: my hand shall be established and mine arm also shall strengthen him. The verb "established" (tikkôn, תִּכּוֹן from kûn) means to be firm, steadfast, prepared, ready—God's hand will remain constantly with David. The "hand" (yād, יָד) represents God's power and active presence in history, the same hand that delivered Israel from Egypt (Exodus 13:3).

Mine arm also shall strengthen him uses zərôʿî taʾamməṣennû (זְרוֹעִי תְאַמְּצֶנּוּ). The "arm" (zərôaʿ, זְרוֹעַ) symbolizes divine might and deliverance, frequently appearing in contexts of God's mighty acts (Deuteronomy 4:34, Isaiah 53:1). The verb "strengthen" (āmaṣ, אָמַץ) means to make strong, courageous, firm—the same command given to Joshua (Joshua 1:6-9). This isn't passive protection but active empowerment for the task ahead.

This verse guarantees not merely God's approval but His active partnership in David's reign. God's hand and arm—anthropomorphisms expressing His omnipotence—would remain perpetually with David's line. Fulfilled supremely in Christ, of whom Isaiah prophesied, "the arm of the LORD" revealed (Isaiah 53:1), resurrection power demonstrates God's hand and arm establishing Jesus's eternal kingship (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Historical Context

Throughout David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE), this promise proved true through military victories over Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, and Edomites (2 Samuel 8). God's 'hand' gave David rest from enemies on every side (2 Samuel 7:1). Yet the promise extends beyond David to his descendants and finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ, whom God raised from death by His mighty power, seating Him at His right hand (Ephesians 1:20).

Questions for Reflection