Psalms 33:16
Psalms 33:16 in Multiple Translations
No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength.
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
A king's salvation is not in the power of his army; a strong man does not get free by his great strength.
Even the greatest army cannot save a king; the greatest strength cannot save a warrior.
The King is not saued by the multitude of an hoste, neither is the mightie man deliuered by great strength.
The king is not saved by the multitude of a force. A mighty man is not delivered, By abundance of power.
There is no king saved by the multitude of an army. A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the just: and his ears unto their prayers.
It is not because a king has a great army that he is able to win battles, and it is not because a soldier is very strong that he is able to defeat his enemy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 33:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 33:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵֽין
הַ֭/מֶּלֶךְ
נוֹשָׁ֣ע
בְּ/רָב
חָ֑יִל
גִּ֝בּ֗וֹר
לֹֽא
יִנָּצֵ֥ל
בְּ/רָב
כֹּֽחַ
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
הַ֭/מֶּלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
נוֹשָׁ֣ע
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Niphal
בְּ/רָב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
חָ֑יִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
גִּ֝בּ֗וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִנָּצֵ֥ל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/רָב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
כֹּֽחַ
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 33:16
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
הַ֭/מֶּלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
נוֹשָׁ֣ע
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Niphal
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
בְּ/רָב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
חָ֑יִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
גִּ֝בּ֗וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִנָּצֵ֥ל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
בְּ/רָב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
כֹּֽחַ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 33:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 33:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 33:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 33:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 33:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 33:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
- Sermons on Psalms 33:16
Context — Praise to the Creator
14From His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth.
15He shapes the hearts of each; He considers all their works.
16No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength.
17A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. 18Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotionCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 44:3 | For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 9:23 | This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. |
| 3 | Psalms 44:6–7 | For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 21:16–22 | Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha. Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. And there was still another battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him. So these four descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 32:8–9 | With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. Later, as Sennacherib king of Assyria and all his forces besieged Lachish, he sent his servants to Jerusalem with a message for King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem: |
| 6 | Judges 7:2 | Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many people for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ |
| 7 | Exodus 14:28 | The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:8–16 | “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!” So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off. In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men over half an acre of land. Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God. Now when Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looked and saw the troops melting away and scattering in every direction, |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 20:23 | The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 17:45–49 | But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. |
Psalms 33:16 Summary
[Psalms 33:16 reminds us that no amount of human strength or power can save us, whether it's a king's army or a warrior's might. This verse is saying that our trust should be in God, not in our own abilities, as we see in Psalms 20:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. We can't save ourselves, no matter how hard we try or how strong we are. Instead, we need to put our hope in God's loving devotion and trust in His power to deliver us, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this verse mean that having a strong military or being physically strong is bad?
No, Psalms 33:16 is not saying that having a strong military or physical strength is inherently bad, but rather that it is not sufficient for salvation or ultimate deliverance, as seen in Psalms 20:7 and Proverbs 21:31.
How does this verse relate to trusting in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or power, as emphasized in Psalms 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 17:5-8, where we are called to put our trust in the Lord.
Is this verse only talking about kings and warriors, or does it apply to everyone?
While the verse specifically mentions kings and warriors, the principle applies to all people, as we are all tempted to trust in our own strength or abilities rather than in God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
What is the alternative to trusting in human strength or power?
The alternative is to trust in God's loving devotion and to fear Him, as mentioned in Psalms 33:18, where the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him and put their hope in His loving devotion, as also seen in Psalms 91:4 and Isaiah 26:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I tend to trust in my own strength or abilities rather than in God, and how can I shift my focus to trusting in Him?
- How does the concept of 'fearing God' relate to trusting in His loving devotion, and what does this look like in my everyday life?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender my desire for control or self-sufficiency and instead trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28-30 and Philippians 4:13?
- What does it mean to 'hope in His loving devotion' as mentioned in Psalms 33:18, and how can I cultivate this kind of hope in my own heart, as encouraged in Hebrews 11:1 and 1 Peter 1:3-9?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 33:16
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host,.... He may be at the head of a numerous army, and yet not get the victory over a lesser one, nor escape safe, but be taken by it: there have been
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 33:16
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. No king ... multitude of an host - or, 'by the greatness of (his warlike) might.' A mighty man - a warrior.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
King; he instanceth in these, as the most potent and uncontrollable persons in the world, and most confident of themselves and least sensible of their dependence upon God; by which he strongly proves his general proposition, of God’ s powerful providence over all men. By the multitude of an host; but only by God’ s providence, who disposeth of victory and success as he pleaseth, and that frequently to the weakest and most foolish side, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
Psalms 33:16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.Ver. 16. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host] Witness Sennacherib, Xerxes, Bajazet. Away, then, with creature confidence; it will be the ruin of all that rest in it, whether it be in men or means that they trust. See Psalms 62:9-10. A mighty man] Or, a giant, Goliath for instance. As the most skilful swimmers are often drowned; so here.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
(16) There is no king.—Better, The king doth not triumph by the greatness of his force.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
Verse 16. There is no king saved by the multitude of a host] Even in the midst of the most powerful and numerous army, no king is in safety unless he have God's protection. A king is but a man, and may as easily lose his life as one of his common soldiers. A mighty man is not delivered by much strength.] There are times in which his might can be of no avail to him: and unless the mighty, the wise, the honorable, &c., have the protection of God, there is no time in which their might may not be turned into weakness, their wisdom into folly, and their dignity into disgrace.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 33:16
12–19. From the nations the Psalmist turns to the chosen people. Jehovah’s care for Israel constitutes His special claim on their praise. Happy the nation which is the particular object of the choice and care of the omniscient observer of men.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 33:16
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host - By the number of his armies. His safety, however numerous and mighty may be his forces, is in God alone.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 33:16
16, 17. Are a corollary of the foregoing. The allusion to kings, great armies, mighty men, and the horse, which in those times was not used by the Hebrews, and generally not by the other nations except for war purposes.
Sermons on Psalms 33:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
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God Works for Those Who Wait for Him by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord's work for those who wait for Him, emphasizing that God's labor surpasses human efforts in providing for our needs and |
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To the Parliament, the Army by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a message of repentance and humility to the Parliament, the Army, and all the Well-affected in the Nation who have strayed from the Good Old Cause. He high |
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Learning God's Word by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the uncertainty of the future and the need for guidance. He highlights the importance of the Word of God as a guide and a source of comfort i |
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God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio |
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Ascribe the Victory to God by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of ascribing victory to God, using the example of the Syrians who recognized the supernatural power behind their defeat at the hands of the |