To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

PSALMS 21:1KJV
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Psalms 21:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 21:1 mean?

Psalms 21:1 describes how the king, likely David, finds great happiness and confidence in the strength and salvation provided by the LORD. The verse highlights the king’s deep joy and celebration because of God’s powerful help and deliverance.

This psalm is attributed to David and is addressed to the chief musician, meant to be sung by the people. The setting is one of gratitude after a victory or deliverance, where the king publicly rejoices in God’s saving power. The verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, focusing on the king’s relationship with God and his dependence on divine strength rather than his own abilities.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 21:1

  • "Joy" (שָׂמַח, samach): This word often means to be glad or rejoice deeply. Here, it emphasizes not just a passing happiness but a profound, heartfelt celebration in response to God’s actions.
  • "Strength" (עֹז, oz): This word refers to might or power. The verse points out that the king’s confidence comes from God’s strength, not his own.
  • "Salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah): This term means deliverance or rescue. The king’s joy is especially tied to the experience of being saved or helped by God, which is a central theme in many psalms.

Why Psalms 21:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the king’s joy is rooted in God’s actions, not in his own achievements or military power.
  • It sets a tone of gratitude and dependence on God, which shapes the rest of the psalm and helps the reader see the king’s humility.
  • The focus on both "strength" and "salvation" shows that God’s help is both ongoing (strength) and specific (salvation), deepening the sense of trust and celebration.

Where else these words appear

“rejoice” Hebrew H1523 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
  • Psalms 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
  • Isaiah 35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

“salvation” Hebrew H3444 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:18 I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.
  • Psalms 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
  • Psalms 119:123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.