Psalms 108:8
Psalms 108:8 in Multiple Translations
Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter.
Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the defence of my head; Judah is my sceptre.
Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is the strength of my head; Judah is my law-giver;
Both Gilead and Manasseh belong to me. Ephraim is my helmet, and Judah is my scepter.
Gilead shalbe mine, and Manasseh shalbe mine: Ephraim also shalbe the strength of mine head: Iuda is my lawgiuer.
Mine [is] Gilead, mine [is] Manasseh, And Ephraim [is] the strength of my head, Judah [is] my lawgiver,
Gilead is mine. Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is my helmet. Judah is my scepter.
Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of my head; Judah is my lawgiver;
May his days be few: and his bishopric let another take.
The Gilead region is mine; the people of the tribe of Manasseh are mine; the tribe of Ephraim is like my war helmet, and the tribe of Judah is like the ◄scepter/stick that I hold which shows that I am the ruler► [MET];
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 108:8
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 108:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
דִּבֶּ֥ר
בְּ/קָדְשׁ֗/וֹ
אֶעְלֹ֥זָה
אֲחַלְּקָ֥ה
שְׁכֶ֑ם
וְ/עֵ֖מֶק
סֻכּ֣וֹת
אֲמַדֵּֽד
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בְּ/קָדְשׁ֗/וֹ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֶעְלֹ֥זָה
ʻâlaz
H5937
to exult
V-Qal-1cs
אֲחַלְּקָ֥ה
châlaq
H2505
to divide
V-Piel-1cs
שְׁכֶ֑ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
וְ/עֵ֖מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
Conj | N-ms
סֻכּ֣וֹת
Çukkôwth
H5523
Succoth
N-proper
אֲמַדֵּֽד
mâdad
H4058
to measure
V-Piel-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 108:8
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בְּ/קָדְשׁ֗/וֹ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
אֶעְלֹ֥זָה
ʻâlaz
H5937
"to exult"
V-Qal-1cs
To exult means to jump for joy or rejoice triumphantly. It is used in the Bible to describe feelings of great happiness or celebration, like in Psalm 108:7 where it says God will exult over his people.
Definition: (Qal) to exult, rejoice, triumph
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: be joyful, rejoice, triumph. See also: 2 Samuel 1:20; Proverbs 23:16; Psalms 28:7.
אֲחַלְּקָ֥ה
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
V-Piel-1cs
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
שְׁכֶ֑ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
וְ/עֵ֖מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
Conj | N-ms
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
סֻכּ֣וֹת
Çukkôwth
H5523
"Succoth"
N-proper
Succoth means booths, the first stop for Israelites leaving Egypt. It appears in the Bible as a place in Egypt and Palestine.
Definition: § Succoth = "booths" the first stopping place of the Israelites when they left Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Succoth. See also: Genesis 33:17; Judges 8:8; Psalms 60:8.
אֲמַדֵּֽד
mâdad
H4058
"to measure"
V-Piel-1cs
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 108:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Israel’s Kingdom Blessing
6Respond and save us with Your right hand, that Your beloved may be delivered.
7God has spoken from His sanctuary: “I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem and apportion the Valley of Succoth.
8Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter.
9Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 10Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 49:10 | The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. |
| 2 | Psalms 122:5 | For there the thrones of judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 2:8 | Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, |
| 4 | Joshua 13:8–11 | The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon, and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites; also Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah— |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 28:4 | The Philistines came together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 33:17 | His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 5:5 | In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. |
Psalms 108:8 Summary
In Psalms 108:8, God is saying that He owns and controls certain regions and tribes, like Gilead and Manasseh. He also calls Ephraim His 'helmet', which means He protects and defends them, and Judah His 'scepter', which means He rules and guides them, similar to how He guides and protects us as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Matthew 28:20. This reminds us that God is in control and cares about every aspect of our lives. By trusting in His sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, just like the Israelites did when they remembered God's promises and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when God says 'Gilead is Mine' and 'Manasseh is Mine'?
This means that God is claiming ownership and sovereignty over these regions, which were part of the Promised Land given to the Israelites, as seen in Genesis 33:18 and Deuteronomy 3:13.
Why does God refer to Ephraim as 'My helmet' and Judah as 'My scepter'?
These metaphors signify that Ephraim, a tribe in the northern kingdom of Israel, represents God's protection, while Judah, a tribe in the southern kingdom, represents God's authority and rule, as seen in Psalms 2:9 and Isaiah 9:6.
How does this verse relate to God's plan for His people?
This verse highlights God's claim on the various tribes of Israel, emphasizing His sovereign control over their history and destiny, which is further reinforced in Romans 11:26-27 and Ezekiel 34:23-24.
What is the significance of God speaking from His sanctuary in the preceding verse?
God speaking from His sanctuary emphasizes His divine authority and power, as seen in Psalms 18:6 and Isaiah 6:1-5, which sets the context for His declarations of ownership and sovereignty in this verse.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to claim ownership over a particular region or people, and how does that impact our understanding of His sovereignty?
- How can we apply the metaphor of Ephraim as God's helmet in our own lives, seeking God's protection and defense in times of need?
- In what ways can we submitting to God's authority, represented by Judah as His scepter, and what does that look like in our daily lives?
- How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's plan and sovereignty over our lives, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 108:8
[See comments on Psalms 60:7].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 108:8
Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 108:8
8. Gilead and Manasseh, i.e. the land of Bashan in which half the tribe of Manasseh settled, stand for the territory east of the Jordan and the tribes settled there: Ephraim and Judah stand for the tribes west of the Jordan. God claims all as His own: therefore all can claim God’s protection. Ephraim &c.] Render with R.V., Ephraim also is the defence of mine head; Judah is my sceptre. Ephraim, as the most powerful tribe and the chief defence of the nation, is compared to the warrior’s helmet: Judah, as the tribe to which belonged the Davidic sovereignty, is compared to the royal sceptre, or, as the same word is rendered in R.V. of Genesis 49:10, to which the present passage alludes, ‘the ruler’s staff.’
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 108:8
Gilead is mine ... - This is taken from Psalms 60:7. The only change is the omission of the word and before “Manasseh.”
Sermons on Psalms 108:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God's Covenant With Man by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the sounding of the trumpets. He describes the darkening of the sun, |
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Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the |
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(Genesis) 65 - Jacob's Last Words - Ii by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last part of the 49th chapter of the Bible, where Jacob gives a prophecy about the future of his sons. He specifically highlights the bl |
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The Nazarite by Robert Arthur | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of leadership and kingship. He uses the story of the vine, the olive tree, and the bramble from the book of Judges to illustrate |
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From Genesis to Jesus by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the curse that Satan received from God after Adam and Eve's fall in the Garden of Eden. The curse includes enmity between Satan's seed and the |
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Homily 6 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the wise men from the East seeking Jesus, emphasizing the divine intervention through the star to lead them to the newborn King of t |
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Demonstration 5 (Of Wars) by Aphraates | Aphraates preaches about the prophetic visions in the book of Daniel, highlighting the rise and fall of kingdoms, the humbling of the proud, and the ultimate victory of God's Kingd |