For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

PSALMS 89:17KJV
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Psalms 89:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 89:17 mean?

Psalms 89:17 says that God is the true source of strength and honor for His people, and that because of His favor, their power and dignity are lifted up. The verse points to God as the reason for any success or strength the people experience.

In this psalm, Ethan the Ezrahite is speaking to God, reflecting on God's promises and faithfulness to Israel. The verse uses poetic language to show that any strength or victory the people have comes from God’s presence and approval, not from their own abilities. The image of the "horn" being exalted is a way of saying that God lifts up and gives honor to His people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 89:17

  • "glory" (תִּפְאַרְתָּם, tif'arteim): This word means beauty, splendor, or honor. Here, it highlights that the people's strength is not just power, but something beautiful and honorable because it comes from God.
  • "strength" (עֹז, oz): This word often refers to might or power. The verse credits God as the source of all real strength for the people.
  • "favour" (רָצוֹן, ratzon): This word means pleasure, goodwill, or acceptance. The verse says that it is God's goodwill that causes the people’s "horn"—a symbol of strength or dignity—to be lifted up.
  • "horn" (קֶרֶן, qeren): In Hebrew poetry, a "horn" stands for strength, power, or honor, much like the horn of an animal is its pride and defense.
  • "exalted" (רוּם, rum): This verb means to be raised up or made high. The verse says God is the one who lifts up His people’s strength and honor.

Why Psalms 89:17 matters

  • Psalms 89:17 makes clear that any strength, victory, or honor Israel has is not self-made but comes directly from God’s favor and presence.
  • The verse uses the image of the "horn" to connect with other biblical passages where a raised horn means victory, dignity, or God’s blessing, helping readers see a common biblical theme.
  • This verse fits into the wider psalm, which is about God’s promises to David and Israel, reminding the people that God’s faithfulness is the foundation for their hope and security.

Where else these words appear

“glory” Hebrew H8597 · used in 50 verses

  • Exodus 28:2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
  • Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
  • Isaiah 63:12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

“favour” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

“horn” Hebrew H7161 · used in 69 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.
  • 1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
  • Jeremiah 48:25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD.

“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 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
  • Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.