The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

PSALMS 28:8KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 28:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 28:8 mean?

Psalms 28:8 says that the LORD is the source of strength for His people and provides special saving power for His chosen one, the anointed. This verse highlights God’s role as both a protector and deliverer for the community and for the individual leader He has appointed.

In this psalm, David is speaking, and he is likely referring to himself as the "anointed," but the words also apply to all of God’s people. The setting is a prayer for help and thanksgiving for God’s response. The verse emphasizes that God’s strength is not just for leaders but for everyone who belongs to Him, showing a close relationship between God, His people, and their leader.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 28:8

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with His people. Using this name underlines God’s faithfulness and personal involvement.
  • strength (עֹז, ‘oz): This word means strong power or might. It points to God as the one who gives real strength, not just physical, but also inner resilience.
  • saving (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu‘ah): This word means salvation or deliverance. It highlights that God’s strength is not just about power, but about rescuing and saving from trouble.
  • strength (מָעוֹז, ma‘oz): This word often means a stronghold or fortress, a place of safety. Here, it adds the idea that God is a secure refuge for the anointed.
  • anointed (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This word means "anointed one," often used for kings or leaders chosen by God. In this context, it refers to David but can also point forward to others God appoints.

Why Psalms 28:8 matters

  • Psalms 28:8 clarifies that God’s strength and salvation are not limited to individuals but are available to all His people, connecting personal and communal security.
  • The verse shows a special relationship between God and His chosen leader, but it does not separate the leader from the people—both depend on God’s power.
  • This verse ties together the themes of trust, protection, and deliverance that run through the whole psalm, reminding readers that God is both a strong defender and a savior.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Hebrew H4581 · used in 35 verses

  • Judges 6:26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
  • Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
  • Ezekiel 24:25 Also, thou son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their minds, their sons and their daughters,

“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.

“saving” 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.

“strength” Hebrew H5797 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
  • Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.