There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

PSALMS 33:16KJV
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Psalms 33:16 (KJV)

What does Psalms 33:16 mean?

Psalms 33:16 says that military power and personal strength cannot guarantee safety. A king may command a large army, and a warrior may possess great strength, yet neither can count on those advantages to secure deliverance.

The singer pictures two kinds of power: the forces a ruler can gather and the strength a fighter carries into battle. The verse moves from the public figure of a king to the individual warrior, bringing both under the same judgment.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 33:16

  • “host” — חַיִל (ḥayil): This word can refer to an army or military force. In the KJV, “host” means an assembled fighting force, not someone welcoming guests.
  • “mighty man” — גִּבּוֹר (gibbor): This word often describes a strong warrior. The phrase brings to mind a person known for fighting ability, rather than simply a physically strong man.

Why Psalms 33:16 matters

  • The verse challenges confidence in numbers as well as confidence in individual ability. Its two examples put “the multitude of an host” beside “much strength.”
  • The surrounding passage directs attention beyond visible military resources. Verse 17 adds the warhorse, another image of battle strength, while verses 18–19 speak of the Lord watching over and delivering those who fear him.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

“multitude” Hebrew H7230 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.