Psalms 80:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 80:17 mean?

Psalms 80:17 is a prayer asking God to give His support and strength to a chosen leader, described as “the man of thy right hand” and “the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.” The verse expresses hope that God’s favor and power will rest on this person, enabling him to act on God’s behalf.

The psalm is spoken by the community of Israel, appealing to God during a time of national trouble. The “man of thy right hand” likely refers to a king or leader God has appointed, possibly the king from David’s line. The verse highlights the people’s dependence on God to empower their leader, showing their belief that true strength and success come from God alone.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 80:17

• יָד (yad, “hand”; H3027): This word means “hand” and often symbolizes power or action. Here, it asks for God’s active support or intervention.
• יָמִין (yamin, “right hand”; H3225): The “right hand” is a Hebrew way of describing a place of honor or special favor. Calling someone “the man of thy right hand” means he is especially chosen or favored by God.
• בֶּן (ben, “son”; H1121) and אָדָם (adam, “man”; H120): Together, “son of man” simply means a human being, but in this context, it points to a particular person God has strengthened for His purpose.
• חָזַק (chazaq, “strong”; H553): This verb means “to make strong” or “to strengthen.” The verse credits God with giving strength to this leader, not human effort.

Why Psalms 80:17 matters

• This verse clarifies that the strength and success of Israel’s leader come directly from God, not from the leader’s own ability or authority.
• The focus on “the man of thy right hand” connects to the larger theme of Psalms 80, where the people plead for God to restore and save them through His chosen representative.
• Understanding the Hebrew terms helps reveal the deep sense of dependence on God’s favor and the hope that God will act through a specific person to bring deliverance.