Psalm 21:1
New International Version
For the director of music. A psalm of David. The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the victories you give!

New Living Translation
How the king rejoices in your strength, O LORD! He shouts with joy because you give him victory.

English Standard Version
O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

Berean Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength. How greatly he exults in Your salvation!

Berean Literal Bible
For the one directing. A Psalm of David. O YHWH, in Your strength the king rejoices! And in Your salvation, how greatly he exults!

King James Bible
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

New King James Version
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

New American Standard Bible
For the music director. A Psalm of David. LORD, in Your strength the king will be glad, And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice!

NASB 1995
For the choir director. A Psalm of David. O LORD, in Your strength the king will be glad, And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice!

NASB 1977
O Lord, in Thy strength the king will be glad, And in Thy salvation how greatly he will rejoice!

Legacy Standard Bible
For the choir director. A Psalm of David. O Yahweh, in Your strength the king will be glad, And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice!

Amplified Bible
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. O LORD the king will delight in Your strength, And in Your salvation how greatly will he rejoice!

Berean Annotated Bible
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David (beloved). O LORD {YHWH}, the king rejoices in Your strength. How greatly he exults in Your salvation!

Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director. A psalm of David. LORD, the king finds joy in your strength. How greatly he rejoices in your victory!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director. A Davidic psalm. LORD, the king finds joy in Your strength. How greatly he rejoices in Your victory!

American Standard Version
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O Jehovah; And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

Contemporary English Version
Our LORD, your mighty power makes the king glad, and he celebrates victories that you have given him.

English Revised Version
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[For the choir director; a psalm by David.] The king finds joy in your strength, O LORD. What great joy he has in your victory!

Good News Translation
The king is glad, O LORD, because you gave him strength; he rejoices because you made him victorious.

International Standard Version
The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How greatly he rejoices in your deliverance.

NET Bible
For the music director; a psalm of David. O LORD, the king rejoices in the strength you give; he takes great delight in the deliverance you provide.

New Heart English Bible
[For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.] The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How greatly he rejoices in your salvation.

Webster's Bible Translation
To the chief Musician, a Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength. How greatly he exults in Your salvation!

World English Bible
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. The king rejoices in your strength, Yahweh! How greatly he rejoices in your salvation!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
TO THE OVERSEER. A PSALM OF DAVID. YHWH, the king is joyful in Your strength, "" How greatly he rejoices in Your salvation.

Berean Literal Bible
For the one directing. A Psalm of David. O YHWH, in Your strength the king rejoices! And in Your salvation, how greatly he exults!

Young's Literal Translation
To the Overseer. -- A Psalm of David. Jehovah, in Thy strength is the king joyful, In Thy salvation how greatly he rejoiceth.

Smith's Literal Translation
To the overseer; chanting of David. O Jehovah, in thy strength shall the king rejoice; and in thy salvation how shall he greatly exult.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Unto the end. A psalm for David. In thy strength, O Lord, the king shall joy; and in thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Unto the end. A Psalm of David. In your virtue, Lord, the king will rejoice, and over your salvation, he will exult exceedingly.

New American Bible
For the leader. A psalm of David. [2] LORD, the king finds joy in your power; in your victory how greatly he rejoices!

New Revised Standard Version
In your strength the king rejoices, O LORD, and in your help how greatly he exults!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THE king shall rejoice in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
LORD JEHOVAH, the King will rejoice in your power, and in your salvation he will greatly leap for joy.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the Leader. A Psalm of David. O LORD, in Thy strength the king rejoiceth; And in Thy salvation how greatly doth he exult!

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the end, a Psalm of David. O Lord, the king shall rejoice in thy strength; and in thy salvation he shall greatly exult.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
After the Battle
1For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength. How greatly he exults in Your salvation! 2You have granted his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah…

Cross References
For the choirmaster.

Psalm 4:1
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.

Psalm 5:1
For the choirmaster, to be accompanied by flutes. A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning.

Psalm 6:1
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments, according to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath.
A Psalm of David.

Psalm 18:1
For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love You, O LORD, my strength.

Psalm 34:1
Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.

Psalm 51:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions.
O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength.

Psalm 63:11
But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut.

1 Samuel 2:10
Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed.”

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song.
How greatly he exults in Your salvation!

Psalm 9:14
that I may declare all Your praises—that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation.

Psalm 35:9
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and exult in His salvation.

Psalm 13:5
But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.
1 Samuel 2:1
At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.

Psalm 20:4-5
May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. / May we shout for joy at your victory and raise a banner in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your petitions.

Psalm 18:50
Great salvation He brings to His king. He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 89:16-17
They rejoice in Your name all day long, and in Your righteousness they exult. / For You are the glory of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted.


Treasury of Scripture

The king shall joy in your strength, O LORD; and in your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

(Title.

The king

Psalm 2:6
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Psalm 20:6,9
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand…

Psalm 63:11
But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

joy

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalm 62:7
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Psalm 95:1
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

in thy

Psalm 20:5
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Psalm 71:17-24
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works…

Psalm 118:14,15
The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation…

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Chief Choirmaster David Delight Director Exults Glad Great Greatly Help Joy Joyful Leader Music Musician Overseer Psalm Rejoice Rejoices Rejoiceth Salvation Strength Victories
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Chief Choirmaster David Delight Director Exults Glad Great Greatly Help Joy Joyful Leader Music Musician Overseer Psalm Rejoice Rejoices Rejoiceth Salvation Strength Victories
Psalm 21
1. A thanksgiving for victory
7. with confidence of further success












For the choirmaster.
This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was crucial in ancient Israelite worship, as music was a central part of their religious expression. This highlights the communal aspect of the psalm, suggesting it was meant to be sung by the congregation, reflecting the collective praise and worship of God.

A Psalm of David.
Attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his personal experiences and relationship with God. David, as a king, warrior, and poet, often expressed his reliance on God through psalms. His authorship lends the psalm historical significance, as it connects to the period of the united monarchy in Israel, around 1000 BC. David's life, marked by battles and divine deliverance, provides a backdrop for understanding the themes of strength and salvation in this psalm.

O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength.
The use of "O LORD" signifies a direct address to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing a personal and covenantal relationship. The king's rejoicing in God's strength underscores the belief that true power and victory come from God, not human might. This reflects the biblical theme that God is the source of strength for His people, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Samuel 2:10 and Psalm 28:7. The king's joy is rooted in the recognition of God's active role in his victories and successes.

How greatly he exults in Your salvation!
The term "salvation" here can refer to deliverance from enemies or divine intervention in times of trouble. The king's exultation in God's salvation highlights the joy and gratitude for God's saving acts. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's deliverance of Israel, such as the Exodus, and foreshadows the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ. The king's response serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating God's saving work in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this Psalm, He is the source of strength and salvation.

2. The King (David)
Traditionally attributed to King David, this Psalm reflects his gratitude and joy in God's deliverance and strength.

3. Salvation
Refers to the deliverance and victory granted by God, both in physical battles and spiritual redemption.
Teaching Points
Rejoicing in God's Strength
Recognize that true strength comes from God. Like David, we should find joy in the strength that God provides, rather than relying solely on our own abilities.

Exulting in Salvation
Celebrate the salvation that God offers. This is not only a physical deliverance but also a spiritual one through Jesus Christ. Our response should be one of joy and gratitude.

Dependence on God in Leadership
Leaders, like David, should model dependence on God. Whether in family, church, or community, leaders should seek God's strength and guidance.

Gratitude for Past Victories
Reflect on past victories and deliverances that God has provided. This reflection should lead to a heart of thankfulness and trust in God's future provision.

Prayer and Praise as Responses
Incorporate prayer and praise into daily life as responses to God's strength and salvation. This practice helps maintain a focus on God’s power and goodness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 21:1?

2. How does Psalm 21:1 inspire confidence in God's strength for daily challenges?

3. What does "the king rejoices in Your strength" teach about relying on God?

4. How can Psalm 21:1 deepen our understanding of God's role in leadership?

5. Connect Psalm 21:1 with another verse emphasizing joy in God's power.

6. How can we apply the joy of God's strength in our personal lives?

7. How does Psalm 21:1 reflect God's role in granting victory and strength to leaders?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 21:1?

9. How does Psalm 21:1 align with archaeological findings about ancient Israelite kingship?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 21?

11. Is reading a chronological Bible the best approach?

12. How do we verify the legitimacy of David’s authorship of prayers like the one in 1 Chronicles 29:10–13 when external corroboration is lacking?

13. In Luke 21:36, does the call to constant prayer clash with other New Testament passages that emphasize belief over works for salvation?

14. (Psalm 14:7) Is there any concrete proof for the promise of salvation 'coming out of Zion,' or is this purely a symbolic statement?
What Does Psalm 21:1 Mean
For the choirmaster.

• This opening note signals that the psalm was meant to be sung aloud in gathered worship, placed in the hands of Israel’s lead musician (see Psalm 4:1; 1 Chronicles 15:22).

• Corporate praise highlights God’s works before the whole community—exactly what Psalm 95:1 urges: “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation”.

• By commissioning skilled leadership, David ensures that every voice joins in exalting God, reflecting the orderliness commended in 1 Corinthians 14:40.


A Psalm of David.

• The inscription roots the song in David’s life of covenant faithfulness; his victories, struggles, and worship all feed its lyrics (2 Samuel 22:1–4).

• David wrote as both king and worshiper, reminding us that leadership is no substitute for personal devotion (Psalm 63:1).

• Because Scripture is inspired and factual (2 Timothy 3:16), David’s authorship carries weight, asserting firsthand testimony of God’s help.


O LORD,

• David addresses the covenant God by His revealed name, “the LORD,” underscoring intimate relationship (Exodus 3:14–15).

• Every triumph that follows is anchored in God’s character: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2).

• Calling upon the LORD first sets the order—worship begins with God, not circumstance (Psalm 115:1).


the king rejoices in Your strength.

• David, though mighty, openly attributes every success to divine power. “David kept becoming greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10).

• Genuine joy wells up when rulers acknowledge the true King (Psalm 97:1).

• Personal application: recognize God’s might behind every victory—echo Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God”.


How greatly he exults in Your salvation!

• “Salvation” here embraces rescue from enemies and the broader deliverance God gives His people (Psalm 3:8).

• The king’s exuberant praise models wholehearted gratitude: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47).

• Joy over salvation dwarfs earthly honors; Isaiah 12:2 captures the same thrill: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid”.


summary

Psalm 21:1 spotlights a worshiping king who celebrates God’s power and deliverance. The heading places the song in corporate praise, David’s name links it to lived experience, and the repeated focus on “Your strength…Your salvation” shifts all glory to the LORD. The verse invites believers today to channel every achievement and rescue into fresh, vocal, God-centered joy.

(1) The king shall.--Rather, the king is exulting in thy might (which has secured the victory he prayed for), and in thy help how greatly glad is he.

Verse 1. - The king shall joy. The future is used to give the idea of continuance, "The king rejoices, and will go on rejoicing." In thy strength, O Lord; i.e. in the strength that thou puttest forth to help and protect him (comp. Psalm 20:6). And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice: God' s "salvation" had been confidently anticipated (Psalm 20:5, 6, 9), and has now been experienced.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For the choirmaster.
לַמְנַצֵּ֗חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

A Psalm
מִזְמ֥וֹר (miz·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes

of David.
לְדָוִֽד׃ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

O LORD,
יְֽהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

the king
מֶ֑לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

rejoices
יִשְׂמַח־ (yiś·maḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

in Your strength.
בְּעָזְּךָ֥ (bə·‘āz·zə·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

How
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

greatly
יָּ֥גֶל‪‬ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

he exults
מְאֹֽד׃יגילמְאֹֽד׃ (yā·ḡel)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1523: To spin round, rejoice, fear

in Your salvation!
וּ֝בִישׁ֥וּעָתְךָ֗ (ū·ḇî·šū·‘ā·ṯə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3444: Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity


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OT Poetry: Psalm 21:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 20:9
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