Lexical Summary chasin: Strong, mighty, firm Original Word: חֲסִין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance strong From chacan; properly, firm, i.e. (by implication) mighty -- strong. see HEBREW chacan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as chosen Definition strong, mighty NASB Translation mighty (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֲסִין adjective strong, mighty (Aramaism); — only מִיכָֿמוֺךָ חֲסִין יָהּ Psalm 89:9. Topical Lexicon Meaning in Context Ḥăsîn appears once, in Psalm 89:8, as an adjectival title for the LORD. It conveys the idea of invincible strength rooted in moral and covenantal reliability, not mere brute force. Within Hebrew poetry the term highlights God’s unrivaled capacity to preserve the covenant promises made to David. Canonical Setting Psalm 89 reflects on the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-16) against the backdrop of apparent national destitution. The psalmist alternates between praise and lament, affirming that even when circumstances contradict expectation, the “strong” (ḥăsîn) LORD remains the immutable guarantor of His word. The term therefore anchors the praise section (Psalm 89:5-18) in unshakeable confidence before the later lament (Psalm 89:38-51). Theological Themes 1. Divine Incomparability: “O LORD God of Hosts, who is like You, O mighty LORD?” (Psalm 89:8). Ḥăsîn underscores that no celestial or earthly power challenges Him (compare Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 40:25). Historical and Liturgical Significance Jewish tradition employed Psalm 89 in daily morning prayers (Pesukei Dezimra) to celebrate divine kingship. Early Christian worship often drew from the psalm to affirm Christ’s messianic kingship, reading the “strong LORD” as prefiguring the risen Christ who “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Christological Implications In Revelation 1:8 Jesus declares, “I am the Almighty,” appropriating Old Testament titles of strength for Himself. The lone Old Testament use of ḥăsîn anticipates this self-disclosure: the strength attributed uniquely to YHWH is embodied in the eternal Son. The psalm’s emphasis on covenant fulfillment finds its ultimate resolution in the new covenant ratified by Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20). Practical Ministry Applications • Worship: Leaders can frame praise by pairing hymns on God’s power with readings from Psalm 89:5-18, reminding congregations that divine might sustains every promise. Connections with Related Terms While gibbôr (“mighty warrior”) and ‘ôz (“strength”) occur frequently, ḥăsîn uniquely marries power with covenant guardianship. Together they form a composite portrait: God is the warrior (gibbôr), the source of power (‘ôz), and the faithful strong One (ḥăsîn). Summary Ḥăsîn enriches the biblical theology of divine strength by rooting power in covenant faithfulness. In a single strategic appearance it assures worshipers that the LORD’s might is the sure foundation for every promise—past, present, and fulfilled in Christ. Forms and Transliterations חֲסִ֥ין ׀ חסין chaSin ḥă·sîn ḥăsînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 89:8 HEB: מִֽי־ כָֽמ֖וֹךָ חֲסִ֥ין ׀ יָ֑הּ וֶ֝אֱמֽוּנָתְךָ֗ NAS: is like You, O mighty LORD? KJV: of hosts, who [is] a strong LORD INT: who is like mighty LORD faithfulness |
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