Psalms 68:21
Psalms 68:21 in Multiple Translations
Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways.
But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.
But God will smite through the head of his enemies, The hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his guiltiness.
The heads of the haters of God will be crushed; even the head of him who still goes on in his evil ways.
But God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy heads of those who continue to sin.
Surely God will wound the head of his enemies, and the hearie pate of him that walketh in his sinnes.
Only — God doth smite The head of His enemies, The hairy crown of a habitual walker in his guilt.
But God will strike through the head of his enemies, the hairy scalp of such a one as still continues in his guiltiness.
But God will wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such one as goeth on still in his trespasses.
In thy sight are all they that afflict me; my heart hath expected reproach and misery. And I looked for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none: and for one that would comfort me, and I found none.
But God will smash the heads of his enemies, the skulls of those who continue to behave sinfully.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 68:21
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 68:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ֤/אֵ֣ל
לָ/נוּ֮
אֵ֤ל
לְֽ/מוֹשָׁ֫ע֥וֹת
וְ/לֵ/יהוִ֥ה
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
לַ֝/מָּ֗וֶת
תּוֹצָאֽוֹת
הָ֤/אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Art | N-ms
לָ/נוּ֮
Prep | Suff
אֵ֤ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
לְֽ/מוֹשָׁ֫ע֥וֹת
môwshâʻâh
H4190
salvation
Prep | N-fp
וְ/לֵ/יהוִ֥ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
Conj | Prep | N-proper
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
לַ֝/מָּ֗וֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
Prep | N-ms
תּוֹצָאֽוֹת
tôwtsâʼâh
H8444
outgoing
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 68:21
הָ֤/אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
לָ/נוּ֮
""
Prep | Suff
אֵ֤ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
לְֽ/מוֹשָׁ֫ע֥וֹת
môwshâʻâh
H4190
"salvation"
Prep | N-fp
This word means salvation or deliverance, referring to an act of saving or rescuing. It is often used to describe God's saving actions, and is translated as salvation in the KJV Bible.
Definition: saving act, deliverance
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: salvation. See also: Psalms 68:21.
וְ/לֵ/יהוִ֥ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
Conj | Prep | N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
לַ֝/מָּ֗וֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
תּוֹצָאֽוֹת
tôwtsâʼâh
H8444
"outgoing"
N-fp
This Hebrew word refers to a boundary or border, like the edge of a country. It can also mean a source or a way to escape, as in escaping death. In the Bible, it is often used to describe geographical borders.
Definition: 1) outgoing, border, a going out, extremity, end, source, escape 1a) outgoing, extremity (of border) 1b) source (of life) 1c) escape (from death)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: border(-s), going(-s) forth (out), issues, outgoings. See also: Numbers 34:4; Joshua 17:18; Psalms 68:21.
Study Notes — Psalms 68:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 68:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
- Sermons on Psalms 68:21
Context — God’s Enemies Are Scattered
19Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation. Selah
20Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death.
21Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways.
22The Lord said, “I will retrieve them from Bashan, I will bring them up from the depths of the sea, 23that your foot may be dipped in the blood of your foes— the tongues of your dogs in the same.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 3:13 | You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah |
| 2 | Psalms 7:12 | If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. |
| 3 | Psalms 110:6 | He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead; He will crush the leaders far and wide. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 18:27–30 | But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. Because he considered and turned from all the transgressions he had committed, he will surely live; he will not die. Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are My ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. |
| 5 | Luke 13:5 | No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:24–33 | Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil.” |
| 7 | Psalms 55:23 | But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. |
| 8 | Revelation 2:14–16 | But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth. |
| 9 | Hebrews 12:25 | See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven? |
| 10 | Hebrews 2:1–3 | We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, |
Psalms 68:21 Summary
This verse, Psalms 68:21, tells us that God will ultimately defeat His enemies, who are those people that refuse to obey Him and continue to do wrong. This doesn't mean that God hates these people, but rather that He is just and holy, and must punish sin (as seen in Romans 6:23). We can trust that God will take care of His enemies in His own time, and that our job is to love and obey Him, and to share His love with others (as expressed in Matthew 22:37-40 and 1 John 4:19). By remembering God's power and justice, we can have hope and confidence in His love and care for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'crush the heads' of His enemies?
This phrase is a metaphorical expression of God's ultimate victory over those who oppose Him, as seen in Psalms 68:21, and is reminiscent of God's promise to crush the serpent's head in Genesis 3:15.
Who are the 'enemies' of God mentioned in this verse?
The enemies of God are those who persist in guilty ways, rejecting His love and rebelling against His authority, as described in Psalms 68:21 and Romans 8:7.
Is God's crushing of His enemies a contradiction to His love and mercy?
No, God's judgment on His enemies is a demonstration of His justice and holiness, and is necessary for the ultimate triumph of His love and mercy, as seen in Revelation 20:11-15 and Deuteronomy 32:4.
How can we, as believers, respond to the idea of God crushing His enemies?
We can trust in God's sovereignty and justice, and remember that His ultimate goal is the redemption and salvation of all people, as expressed in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and 2 Peter 3:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be persisting in 'guilty ways', and how can I surrender these to God?
- How does the idea of God's ultimate victory over His enemies bring me comfort and hope in times of struggle or persecution?
- In what ways can I, as a believer, partner with God in His mission to redeem and save those who are currently His enemies?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply this understanding to my daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:21
But God shall wound the head of his enemies,.... Him who is the chief of his enemies, even Satan the prince of devils, the god of the world, the father of the wicked Jews, all enemies of Christ; to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:21
But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses. But God shall wound the head of his enemies - (Psalms 110:6.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
The head; either, 1. The political head, their ruler or rulers, the devil or other wicked Christians. Or rather, 2. The natural head, as appears from the following expression, added to explain this, and the hairy scalp; and he speaks of the heads or hairy scalps not of one, but of all his enemies; the singular number being put for the plural, than which nothing is more frequent. The hairy scalp, i.e. his most fierce and terrible enemies. For in ancient times many people used to wear long and shaggy hair, that their looks might be more terrible to their enemies. Of such a one as goeth on still in his trespasses; of those who persist in their enmity and rebellion against him; whereby he opens a door of hope and mercy to his very enemies, if they return and submit themselves to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
Psalms 68:21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, [and] the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.Ver. 21. But God shall wound the head of his enemies] Cruentabit caput, a wound in the head if deep (and God strikes no small blows) is mortal. Christ will break the head of those that bruise his heel, that attempt anything against him and his. By head here Diodati understandetb the devil, that prince of the world, Deuteronomy 32:42 Psalms 110:6 Habakkuk 3:13. Evil spirits in Scripture are called Shegnirim, shag-haired, Leviticus 17:7 Isaiah 13:21. And they go on in their trespasses; they do infinitely hate God, and sin that sin against the Holy Ghost every moment. But the most understand it of wicked men. And the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still, &c.] This is God’ s enemy, that by his wilful wickedness striketh, and as it were shooteth, at God, runneth upon him, even upon his neck, and upon the thick bosses of his bucklers, Job 15:25-26, His hairy scalp, setting forth his fierceness, Job 5:5. Note this against anti-roundheads. See Ezekiel 44:20.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
(21) Hairy scalp.—Literally, crown, or top, or head of hair. The word is rendered “pate” in Psalms 7:16. This is probably a portrait of some historical person hostile to Israel. Others take it as a type of pride and arrogance, comparing the use of the Greek verb êïìáí. The word “scalp,” properly shell (comp. “skull”), was a word in common use at the time of the translation of the English Bible— “White beards have armed their thin and hairless scalps Against thy majesty.” : Richard II.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
Verse 21. The hairy scalp] קדקד שער kodkod sear. Does this mean any thing like the Indian scalping? Or does it refer to a crest on a helmet or headcap? I suppose the latter.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:21
21. But God shall wound the head &c.) Yea, God shall smite through the head &c. Cp. Judges 5:26; Habakkuk 3:13-14. and the hairy scalp] Omit and. The warrior’s long hair is mentioned not merely as “a sign of exuberant strength and impenitent pride,” but in allusion to the ancient practice of allowing the hair to grow when a vow had been undertaken. “With warriors in primitive times the unshorn head was a usual mark of their consecration to the work they had undertaken, and their locks remained untouched till they had achieved their enterprise or had perished in the attempt. War among most primitive peoples is a sacred function.” J. S. Black in the Smaller Cambr. Bible for Schools, on Judges 5:2, which should be rendered “For that flowing locks were worn in Israel, For that the people volunteered themselves, bless ye the Lord,” i.e. give thanks for the zeal with which the people devoted themselves to the sacred war of independence. Cp.
Deuteronomy 32:42, where “from the beginning of revenges on the enemy” should be rendered “from the hairy head of the enemy.” of such a one &c.] According to strict grammar, the hairy scalp that goeth on in his guiltiness, the scalp standing by metonymy for the man. The verb expresses the idea of open and defiant persistence.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:21
But God shall wound the head of his enemies - More properly, “God shall crush the head,” etc. The idea is that of complete destruction, - as, if the head is crushed, life becomes ex tinct. See Genesis 3:15; compare Psalms 110:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:21
21. Hairy scalp—That is, The hair-covered crown. Luxuriant hair was a sign of beauty and strength, and an occasion of pride and lofty airs, and shaving the head a sign of degradation.
Sermons on Psalms 68:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Passion of Christ by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus and the immense love that God has shown through it. The sermon then addresses the questions r |
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Turn or Burn by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God will punish sin. He shares a story about a minister who, while walking in a forest, comes across a cle |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 107-115 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of talking about God and declaring His works with rejoicing. He emphasizes that God loves when people speak often of Him and ke |
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Ruth From "The Numerical Bible" by F.W. Grant | F. W. Grant preaches on the Book of Ruth, highlighting the historical context during the times of the judges and its connection to David and the kingdom. The story shows how God's |
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Christianity on Christ Terms - Preaching by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of simplifying the message of Christianity in order to effectively share it with others. He encourages listeners to mark their |
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The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the Doctrine of Repentance, emphasizing the essential nature of repentance as a grace of God's Spirit that humbles and reforms sinners. He highlights the |
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The Truth About Repentance Will Set You Free by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the crucial role of repentance in the Christian walk, highlighting the attempts by some to redefine or remove the concept to make Christianity more cultura |