Psalm 92:10 kjv
But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
Psalm 92:10 nkjv
But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.
Psalm 92:10 niv
You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me.
Psalm 92:10 esv
But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil.
Psalm 92:10 nlt
But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.
You have anointed me with the finest oil.
Psalm 92 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 2:10 | "The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed." | Hannah's prayer anticipates Messiah's strength |
| Job 16:15 | "I have sewed sackcloth over my skin and have laid my horn in the dust." | Horn as dignity, laid low in sorrow |
| Ps 3:3 | "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." | God as source of exaltation |
| Ps 23:5 | "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." | Anointing for joy and abundant blessing |
| Ps 75:10 | "All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted." | Divine justice elevates the righteous |
| Ps 89:17 | "For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted." | God's favor is the source of strength |
| Ps 89:24 | "My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted." | Davidic covenant promise of power |
| Ps 112:9 | "He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor." | Generosity leads to honor and strength |
| Ps 148:14 | "He has raised up a horn for his people, for all his faithful ones..." | God's exaltation of His people |
| Isa 10:27 | "...the yoke will be broken because of the anointing oil." | Anointing's power to break bondage |
| Isa 61:1 | "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me..." | Prophecy of Messiah's anointing |
| Dan 7:8, 20 | "...another horn, a little one, came up among them..." | Symbolism of political power/dominion |
| Zech 1:18-21 | "Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, four horns." | Horns symbolizing oppressing nations |
| Lk 4:18 | "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me..." | Jesus quoting Isa 61:1 and fulfilling it |
| Acts 4:27 | "...for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed..." | Jesus as the anointed Christ |
| Acts 10:38 | "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power..." | The Holy Spirit is the anointing |
| 2 Cor 1:21-22 | "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us..." | Believers' anointing by God's Spirit |
| Eph 1:13 | "...having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit," | Sealing of the Spirit for believers |
| 1 Jn 2:20 | "But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge." | Believers' anointing imparts discernment |
| 1 Jn 2:27 | "But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you..." | The abiding nature of the spiritual anointing |
| Heb 1:9 | "You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness..." | Messiah's anointing with joy |
Psalm 92 verses
Psalm 92 10 Meaning
Psalm 92:10 expresses the Psalmist's confidence in divine exaltation and empowerment. It speaks of God lifting the speaker's strength and dignity, not through human means, but with a unique, unyielding power likened to a wild ox, followed by a continuous, refreshing spiritual anointing. This signifies a supernatural bestowing of authority, vigor, and joy upon the righteous, enabling them to flourish in God's service amidst a world that opposes divine order.
Psalm 92 10 Context
Psalm 92 is notably titled "A Song for the Sabbath Day," setting its theme as a celebration of God's magnificent works, His steadfast love, and His perfect justice. The preceding verses (vv. 4-9) speak of the greatness of the Lord's deeds, the depth of His thoughts, and His ultimate victory over the wicked, who, despite their temporary flourishing, are destined for eternal destruction. Verse 10 directly follows this declaration, shifting focus to the psalmist's personal experience of divine vindication and strength in contrast to the perishing wicked. It asserts the enduring prosperity and empowerment of the righteous, underscoring that their flourishing is entirely sourced from God, manifesting as a special anointing and exalted power. This verse serves as a powerful assurance within the psalm's overall message of trust in God's righteousness and providence.
Psalm 92 10 Word analysis
- But: A conjunction marking a strong contrast. Here, it contrasts the temporary flourishing and ultimate destruction of the wicked (vv. 7-9) with the enduring strength and prosperity granted to the righteous speaker. It signals a shift from the general truth about God's justice to its personal application.
- my horn: Translates the Hebrew word qeren (קֶרֶן). Literally, the horn of an animal. Symbolically, it represents strength, power, dignity, honor, salvation, and victory. In the ancient Near East, the strength of an animal was often depicted by its horns. To "lift" or "exalt" one's horn means to grant them power, prominence, and honor. This strength is divinely given, not self-generated.
- shalt thou exalt: Translates the Hebrew tarim (תָּרִים), from the root rum (רוּם), meaning "to be high," "to lift up," "to raise." This verb signifies an act of divine elevation and vindication. God is the active agent in raising the psalmist's status and empowering him. It's a proactive, personal act by the Lord.
- like the horn: Reinforces the analogy being drawn. The strength described is powerful and imposing.
- of an unicorn: This is a significant mistranslation in older English versions like the KJV. The Hebrew word is re'em (רְאֵם), which refers to a powerful, fierce, and untamed wild ox, possibly an aurochs (Bos primigenius), which is now extinct but was known for its immense strength and formidable horns. It is not a mythical single-horned horse. The choice of re'em emphasizes raw, untamable, God-given strength and dignity that cannot be diminished by human opposition. It speaks of a power that is distinct and mighty, not domesticated or easily controlled by man.
- I shall be anointed: Translates balotiy (בַּלֹּתִי), a rare form of a verb derived from balal (בָּלַל), meaning "to mingle," "to moisten," "to mix," "to saturate," or "to drench." It suggests being thoroughly saturated or imbued, not just superficially touched. This refers to the ceremonial or spiritual application of oil.
- with fresh oil: Translates bəshemen ra'anan (בְּשֶׁמֶן רַעֲנָן). Shemen (שֶׁמֶן) is "oil," often signifying anointing oil used for consecration (kings, priests), healing, or refreshing. Ra'anan (רַעֲנָן) means "green," "flourishing," "vigorous," "fresh." This phrase emphasizes continuous renewal, vitality, and abundant blessing. It signifies a fresh, unceasing flow of divine grace, joy, health, and spiritual vigor. It implies an anointing that invigorates, keeps one vibrant, and prevents spiritual staleness or dryness. It's not a one-time anointing but an ongoing, revitalizing presence.
Psalm 92 10 Bonus section
- The term "unicorn" in older translations of re'em led to significant theological and mythological interpretations, distracting from the actual powerful, bovine imagery intended by the Hebrew. Understanding re'em as a wild ox roots the verse in a realistic, formidable animal known for its strength, rather than a fantastical creature. This correction deepens the understanding of the type of power God imparts – a raw, mighty, unchallengeable strength, not something illusory.
- The double imagery of the "exalted horn" and "anointing with fresh oil" represents a dual aspect of God's blessing on the righteous: external strength and prominence, coupled with internal spiritual renewal and joy. One without the other would be incomplete; God grants both manifest power and sustaining inner vitality.
- This verse can be understood eschatologically, pointing to the ultimate triumph and exaltation of Christ (the quintessential Anointed One) and His people at the consummation of history, where the wicked will be entirely cut off, and the righteous will reign with Him in power and joy.
Psalm 92 10 Commentary
Psalm 92:10 serves as a profound statement of divine favor and empowerment for the righteous, sharply contrasting with the ultimate downfall of the wicked described in previous verses. The "exaltation of the horn" signifies a bestowal of dignity, power, and triumph that emanates directly from God. This strength is not ordinary but like that of a wild ox (re'em) – untamed, formidable, and uniquely mighty, indicating God's exceptional endowment of unyielding vigor and spiritual resilience to those who trust in Him. This power enables the righteous to stand firm against adversity and flourish where others might fail.
Complementing this strength is the promise, "I shall be anointed with fresh oil." This imagery points to an ongoing, vibrant spiritual refreshing and consecration. Unlike a one-time ceremonial anointing, "fresh oil" suggests a continuous impartation of divine grace, joy, and the Holy Spirit's empowering presence. It symbolizes spiritual vitality, the freshness of God's favor, and the anointing that prevents stagnation, drought, or decay in the believer's life. This "fresh oil" brings about renewed vigor, joy in God's presence, and enables continuous fruitfulness, marking the life of the righteous with divine favor and an abiding sense of purpose. It underlines the concept that the believer's prosperity and strength are always sourced from and sustained by God Himself.