Psalm 89:13

Psalm 89:13, in plain English

God's power—symbolized by His arm and hand—is mighty and exalted above all other power.

Why it's here

The right hand traditionally represents strength and authority. By saying God's right hand is exalted, the psalmist is saying God's power is lifted up above everything else, supreme and unmatched.

Who's speaking

The psalmist, celebrating God's supreme strength

Where it sits in the story

This echoes throughout Scripture—God's arm delivers Israel, His hand sustains creation, His right hand upholds righteousness. Power, in the biblical worldview, is always connected to purpose and justice.

The scholarly reading

God's strength is mighty and His hand powerful; His right hand stands exalted in victory and authority.

Language and setting

The parallelism of 'mighty arm' (az ze'roah) and 'strong hand' (koach yadecha) emphasizes divine power through anatomical metaphor. The 'right hand' (yamin) carries symbolic weight across Near Eastern cultures—the dextral side represents power, honor, and victory. The verb 'exalted' (gavoha) suggests both physical elevation and status elevation. This anthropomorphic language, what medieval theologians would later distinguish as 'improper speech' about God, communicates power through forms humans understand.

Voice

The psalmist, celebrating God's power through physical metaphor.

Significance

The 'right hand' of God becomes crucial in Christian theology, especially in christology (Psalm 110:1, cited repeatedly in the New Testament to describe Christ's exaltation).

11The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded.

12North and south You created; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name.

13Mighty is Your arm; strong is Your hand. Your right hand is exalted.

14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.

15Blessed are those who know the joyful sound, who walk, O LORD, in the light of Your presence.

Read all of Psalm 89 — God promised David an eternal throne. Now the crown lies in the dust. The psalm swings from exuberant praise to anguished confusion.