Psalms 21:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 21:2 mean?

Psalms 21:2 describes God granting the king’s deepest wishes and not refusing what the king has asked for in prayer. The verse highlights that God has responded generously to the king’s heartfelt desires and spoken requests.

In this psalm, King David is speaking, reflecting on how God has answered his prayers and fulfilled his hopes. The setting is one of gratitude after victory, where David recognizes that his success and blessings come directly from God’s willingness to listen and give. The verse invites the reader to see the close relationship between the king and God, marked by trust and answered prayer.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 21:2

• "given" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to give or grant, emphasizing that what the king received was a gift from God, not something earned.
• "heart's" (לֵב, lev) and "desire" (תַּאֲוָה, ta'avah): "Lev" is the Hebrew word for heart, often representing the inner self or deepest feelings, while "ta'avah" means longing or desire. Together, they show that God answered not just spoken requests but also the king’s innermost hopes.
• "request" (שְׁאֵלָה, she'elah): This word refers to something specifically asked for, highlighting that God responded to direct prayers as well as unspoken desires.
• "Selah" (סֶלָה, selah): This term is likely a musical or liturgical marker, inviting the reader or listener to pause and reflect on what has just been said.

Why Psalms 21:2 matters

• Psalms 21:2 clarifies that God’s response is both to the king’s inner desires and his spoken prayers, not just formal requests.
• The verse emphasizes God’s generosity and attentiveness, showing a personal relationship between God and the king.
• This verse connects to the larger theme of the psalm, which celebrates God’s faithfulness in granting victory and blessings, reinforcing the idea that success comes from God’s favor.