Psalms 21:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 21:5 mean?

Psalms 21:5 says that the king’s reputation and splendor are greatly increased because of God’s saving help; God has given him honor and majesty as a result. The verse highlights that the king’s greatness is not self-made but comes from God’s intervention and blessing.

In this psalm, King David is speaking about himself in the third person, reflecting on how God has answered his prayers and given him victory. The verse fits into a song of thanksgiving, where David credits God for his success, showing that the king’s glory and position are gifts from God, not just personal achievements.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 21:5

• "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word often refers to weightiness, importance, or reputation. Here, it emphasizes the king’s recognized greatness, which is seen as substantial and meaningful because it comes from God.
• "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah): This word means deliverance or rescue. The verse connects the king’s glory directly to God’s act of saving him, showing that his honor is rooted in God’s help.
• "honour" (הוֹד, hod) and "majesty" (הָדָר, hadar): Both words describe splendor and dignity. In this context, they show that God has adorned the king with qualities that set him apart and make him respected.
• "laid" (שָׁוָה, shavah): This word means to set or place upon. It highlights that honor and majesty are not earned by the king alone, but are gifts that God has deliberately placed on him.

Why Psalms 21:5 matters

• Psalms 21:5 makes it clear that true greatness and honor come from God, not from human effort or status.
• The verse connects the king’s personal experience to the larger theme of God’s faithfulness to those who trust Him, reinforcing the idea that victories and blessings are acts of divine grace.
• Understanding the original words for "glory," "honour," and "majesty" shows that these are not just surface-level traits, but deep qualities that God bestows, shaping how the king is seen by others.