Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

PSALMS 73:23KJV
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Psalms 73:23 (KJV)

What does Psalms 73:23 mean?

Psalms 73:23 expresses the psalmist’s confidence that, despite doubts and struggles, he remains close to God and is upheld by God’s steady support. The verse pictures God holding the psalmist by the right hand, showing a personal and ongoing relationship of guidance and care.

The speaker is Asaph, reflecting on his struggles with understanding why the wicked prosper. In this verse, he turns from confusion to assurance, recognizing that God’s presence is constant and that God personally sustains him. The image of being held by the right hand suggests protection, guidance, and a bond that is not easily broken.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 73:23

  • continually (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word means “always” or “constantly,” emphasizing that God’s presence with the psalmist is not occasional but ongoing and unbroken.
  • holden (אָחַז, achaz): This verb means “to grasp” or “to take hold of,” suggesting a firm, active grip. The psalmist is not just near God, but is being securely held.
  • right (יָמִין, yamin): The right side was often seen as the side of strength or favor. Being held by the right hand suggests a place of honor and special attention.
  • hand (יָד, yad): In Hebrew thought, the hand often represents power or action. Here, it highlights God’s active involvement in the psalmist’s life.

Why Psalms 73:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s support is not just a distant idea but is pictured as a real, personal grasp—God is actively involved in the psalmist’s life, even during confusion or hardship.
  • The verse shifts the focus of the psalm from the psalmist’s earlier doubts to a renewed trust in God’s nearness and care, marking a turning point in the wider passage.
  • It helps the reader see that faith can include honest struggles, but God’s presence and support remain steady throughout.

Where else these words appear

“holden” Hebrew H270 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 2:21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
  • Job 38:13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?

“continually” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • Deuteronomy 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
  • Psalms 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

“right” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.