Lexical Summary taatsumah: Strength, might, power Original Word: תַּעֲצֻמָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance power From atsam; might (plural collective) -- power. see HEBREW atsam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom atsom Definition might NASB Translation power (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [תַּעֲצֻמָה] noun feminine might; — plural intensive עז זְתַעֲצֻמוֺת Psalm 68:36 strength and abundant might. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Context Psalm 68:35 contains the single use of תַּעֲצֻמָה. The psalm celebrates the victorious ascent of God, first pictured in the march from Sinai to Zion and ultimately anticipating the enthronement of the Messiah. After recounting how the LORD scatters His enemies and provides for the needy, David climaxes the hymn with: “O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!” (Psalm 68:35). Here תַּעֲצֻמָה underscores the impartation of divine power to the covenant people—power that flows from the sanctuary, the locus of God’s self-revelation and kingship. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty: תַּעֲצֻמָה accents the sovereign power God alone possesses and bestows. The psalm moves from God’s mighty acts (verses 7-18) to His gracious empowerment of His people, showing no contradiction between transcendence and immanence. Historical Background Psalm 68 likely reflects a procession bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6), or a later cultic celebration recalling that event. In either case, the mention of תַּעֲצֻמָה fits a historical milieu where Israel had recently experienced deliverance from surrounding foes. The term evokes the military and protective might that enabled Israel to settle securely in the land (Deuteronomy 33:26-29). Intercanonical Connections • Old Testament Parallels: While the specific noun is unique, the thematic idea recurs: “The LORD gives strength to His people” (Psalm 29:11). “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6) shifts the focus from human to divine agency, harmonizing with Psalm 68:35. Practical and Ministry Applications 1. Empowered Community: Churches draw confidence that God “gives strength and power to His people.” Ministry is undertaken not in human adequacy but in granted might (Colossians 1:29). Summary תַּעֲצֻמָה in Psalm 68:35 crystallizes the biblical theme of God’s unique, communicable power. Rooted in His kingship, expressed in covenant faithfulness, accessed in worship, and directed toward mission, this word invites believers of every age to rely upon the mighty enabling of the God who dwells among them. Forms and Transliterations וְתַעֲצֻמ֥וֹת ותעצמות vetaatzuMot wə·ṯa·‘ă·ṣu·mō·wṯ wəṯa‘ăṣumōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 68:35 HEB: נֹתֵ֨ן ׀ עֹ֖ז וְתַעֲצֻמ֥וֹת לָעָ֗ם בָּר֥וּךְ NAS: strength and power to the people. KJV: strength and power unto [his] people. INT: gives strength and power to the people Blessed 1 Occurrence |
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