Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

PSALMS 20:6KJV
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Psalms 20:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 20:6 mean?

Psalms 20:6 expresses confidence that the LORD will save his anointed one, hearing him from heaven and delivering him with powerful help. The verse declares a sure knowledge that God responds to and rescues the person he has chosen, using his own strength.

In this psalm, the speaker is likely King David, addressing the people and reflecting on God’s faithfulness to the king (the “anointed”) in times of trouble. The context is a prayer for victory and protection, with David affirming that God listens from his holy heaven and acts with might on behalf of his chosen leader.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 20:6

  • “saveth” (יָשַׁע, yashaʿ): This Hebrew word means to save, deliver, or rescue. It highlights that God is not just passively watching but actively intervenes to bring help.
  • “anointed” (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This word refers to someone set apart by God, often a king like David. It carries the idea of being chosen and specially protected by God.
  • “saving” (יֵשַׁע, yeshaʿ) and “strength” (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): These words together emphasize that God’s help is both effective and powerful—he saves with strength, not weakness.
  • “hand” (יָד, yad): In Hebrew thought, the right hand symbolizes power and authority. The verse stresses that God’s rescue comes from his own might.

Why Psalms 20:6 matters

  • Psalms 20:6 clarifies that the king’s security comes not from his own ability, but from God’s active intervention and strength.
  • The verse connects the idea of God’s anointed (mashiach) to God’s personal commitment and protection, which is a theme that runs through many psalms.
  • This verse reassures the reader that God’s help is not distant or theoretical—he hears and acts from his holy heaven, making his saving power real in the lives of his people.

Where else these words appear

“saving” Hebrew H3468 · used in 35 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
  • Psalms 24:5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
  • Psalms 85:7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.

“anointed” Hebrew H4899 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • Psalms 18:50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

“strength” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 12:13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
  • Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

“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 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.