The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

PSALMS 118:16KJV
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Psalms 118:16 (KJV)

What does Psalms 118:16 mean?

Psalms 118:16 praises the LORD as the one whose power has brought victory. The speaker gives the LORD credit for acting with strength, rather than presenting the victory as a human achievement.

The “right hand” pictures the LORD’s power at work. After the same image appears in verse 15, verse 16 repeats it and adds that the hand is “exalted”: it is lifted high in triumph.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 118:16

  • “exalted” — רוּם (rum): This word can mean “lifted high.” Here the raised hand is a picture of triumph as well as a way of giving the LORD honor.
  • “valiantly” — חַיִל (ḥayil): This word can carry the sense of strength or might. Joined with “doeth,” it portrays a powerful deed, like an act of courage in battle.

Why Psalms 118:16 matters

  • The repeated phrase “the right hand of the LORD” keeps attention on who deserves credit. The verse names the LORD twice while describing the mighty deed.
  • The words belong to a song of deliverance, not just a general statement about strength. In verse 13, the speaker recalls being pushed hard and helped by the LORD.
  • The victory leads to public praise. Verse 15 places the joyful sound in “the tabernacles of the righteous,” meaning the tents or homes of people described as living rightly.

Where else these words appear

“exalted” Hebrew H7426 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 16:45 Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
  • Isaiah 33:10 Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.
  • Ezekiel 10:17 When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.

“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.