For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.

PSALMS 21:7KJV
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Psalms 21:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 21:7 mean?

Psalms 21:7 says that the king’s confidence and stability come from trusting in the LORD, and that God’s steadfast love ensures the king will not be shaken. The verse highlights that it is God’s mercy, not the king’s own strength, that keeps him secure.

This verse is part of a psalm attributed to David, likely spoken by or about the king of Israel, expressing gratitude for God’s protection and favor. The focus is on the king’s relationship with God—he relies on God’s faithfulness, and because of this, he remains firm even in uncertain times.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 21:7

  • "Trusteth" (בָּטַח, batach) means to place confidence or rely on. Here, it shows the king’s deep dependence on God rather than on his own power or resources.
  • "Mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is often translated as steadfast love or lovingkindness. This word points to God’s loyal, covenant-keeping love, which is the true foundation of the king’s security.
  • "Moved" (מוֹט, mot) means to be shaken or to slip. The verse promises that because of God’s chesed, the king will not be unsettled or overthrown.

Why Psalms 21:7 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that a leader’s safety or success comes from military strength or personal ability; it centers everything on trust in God’s faithful love.
  • The verse connects to the wider psalm, which celebrates victories and blessings, by grounding all those good things in God’s character rather than human achievement.
  • It highlights a key biblical theme: lasting security comes from God’s steadfast love (chesed), not from circumstances or human effort.

Where else these words appear

“moved” Hebrew H4131 · used in 36 verses

  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Psalms 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
  • Psalms 104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.

“High” Hebrew H5945 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:20 And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the LORD: and they came through the high gate into the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.
  • Psalms 83:18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.

“trusteth” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: