Psalms 118:16

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 118:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The right hand of Jehovah is exalted: The right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The right hand of Jehovah is exalted: The right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly.
Psalms 118:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 118

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16The right hand of Jehovah is exalted: The right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The right hand of the Lord is exalted, etc.] Lifted up, very eminent and conspicuous, easily to be observed in the instances before given, and become great and glorious in power; (see <021506>Exodus 15:6). The power of God is superior to all enemies; and is beyond conception and expression; and is able to do for his people above all they are able to ask or think; the right hand of the Lord doth valiantly: or “acts powerfully”. This is repeated for the confirmation of it, and to show how much the righteous were affected with it, and how desirous they were of glorifying of it; “the right hand of the Lord”, being three times mentioned, may have respect to the three divine Persons in the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The voice of rejoicing and salvation - Rejoicing for salvation; song, praise, thanksgiving. Luther renders this beautifully; “They sing with joy for victory in the houses of the righteous.” Is in the tabernacles of the righteous - The tents of the righteous; their dwellings. That is, (a) it is a fact that the voice of joy and rejoicing is there; (b) it is appropriate that it should be so, or that a righteous family should be happy - the dwelling-place of praise; (c) God will add to the happiness of the righteous, or will make their habitation happy, peaceful, blessed. There is nothing that diffuses so much happiness through a family as religion; there is no joy like that when a member of a…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Exalted - Hath appeared evidently, and wrought powerfully and gloriously. Psalms 118:19”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“right hand: Exo 15:6; Act 2:32-36 Psalms 118:17”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification