The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

PSALMS 118:15KJV
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Psalms 118:15 (KJV)

What does Psalms 118:15 mean?

Psalms 118:15 describes the joyful sounds and celebration of rescue or victory heard among the homes of people who do what is right, declaring that the LORD’s power has acted bravely and mightily. The verse highlights a sense of communal happiness and gratitude for God’s saving action among the righteous.

This verse is part of a psalm where the writer, likely a leader or worshipper in ancient Israel, is giving thanks for deliverance from trouble. The “tabernacles of the righteous” refers to the tents or dwellings of those who live according to God’s ways, and the “right hand of the LORD” is a picture of God’s strong and effective help. The focus is on the public, shared celebration of God’s help, not just a private feeling.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 118:15

  • "Rejoicing" (רִנָּה, rinnah): This word often means a ringing cry of joy or triumph, not just quiet happiness. It points to loud, communal celebration.
  • "Salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah): This term means deliverance or rescue, often from danger or enemies. Here, it emphasizes that the joy comes from a real experience of being saved.
  • "Tabernacles" (אֹהֶל, ohel): This word means tents or dwellings, reminding the reader of the everyday homes of ordinary people, not just a religious building.
  • "Valiantly" (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean strength, might, or bravery. It highlights that the LORD’s action is not just effective but also courageous and powerful.

Why Psalms 118:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the joy and celebration are not limited to a temple or special place, but are found in the everyday lives and homes of those who live rightly.
  • The emphasis on the “right hand of the LORD” doing valiantly connects this verse to the larger theme of God’s active, powerful involvement in rescuing His people.
  • By focusing on communal joy and salvation, the verse ties personal deliverance to the shared life of the community, showing that God’s help is something to be celebrated together.

Where else these words appear

“rejoicing” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

“salvation” Hebrew H3444 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:18 I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.
  • Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
  • Psalms 119:123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 108:6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.