Psalms 77:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's arm has redeemed his people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
The Context of Psalms 77:15
God redeemed Israel through his mighty arm, fulfilling the covenant with the ancestors.
What Does Psalms 77:15 Mean?
'Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people' combines power and redemption. The arm represents divine strength and agency—the means by which God acts. Redeemed means bought back or freed from slavery or bondage. This is the central redemptive act: God's power reaches down to claim and free his people from bondage. The past tense 'hast redeemed' affirms this as accomplished fact, not mere hope.
'the sons of Jacob and Joseph' specifies the redeemed people as the descendants of the patriarchs—Israel itself. The mention of both Jacob and Joseph evokes the covenant promises to the ancestors and the historical deliverance from Egypt under Joseph's legacy and Moses' leadership. This redemption is not theoretical but rooted in Israel's specific narrative and covenantal identity. The Selah invites meditation on this foundational act.
Psalms 77:15 in the Original Language
padah (פָּדָה), 'redeemed'—to buy back or ransom; implies freedom from bondage through direct divine action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 77:15
What does Psalms 77:15 mean?
God's arm has redeemed his people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
What is the context of Psalms 77:15?
God redeemed Israel through his mighty arm, fulfilling the covenant with the ancestors.