Psalms 68:23
Psalms 68:23 in Multiple Translations
that your foot may be dipped in the blood of your foes— the tongues of your dogs in the same.”
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.
That thou mayest crush them, dipping thy foot in blood, That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from thine enemies.
So that your foot may be red with blood, and the tongues of your dogs with the same.
so that you may walk in their blood. Even your dogs will have their share of your enemies.”
That thy foote may bee dipped in blood, and the tongue of thy dogges in the blood of the enemies, euen in it.
So that thou dashest thy foot in blood, [In the blood of] enemies — the tongue of Thy dogs.'
that you may crush them, dipping your foot in blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies.”
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thy enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.
Let their table become as a snare before them, and a recompense, and a stumblingblock.
I will do that in order that you may wash your feet in their blood, and your dogs can also lap up some of your enemies’ blood.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 68:23
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 68:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָמַ֣ר
אֲ֭דֹנָ/י
מִ/בָּשָׁ֣ן
אָשִׁ֑יב
אָ֝שִׁ֗יב
מִֽ/מְּצֻל֥וֹת
יָֽם
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲ֭דֹנָ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
מִ/בָּשָׁ֣ן
Bâshân
H1316
Bashan
Prep | N-proper
אָשִׁ֑יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אָ֝שִׁ֗יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
מִֽ/מְּצֻל֥וֹת
mᵉtsôwlâh
H4688
depth
Prep | N-fp
יָֽם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 68:23
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲ֭דֹנָ/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.
מִ/בָּשָׁ֣ן
Bâshân
H1316
"Bashan"
Prep | N-proper
Bashan was a fertile region east of the Jordan River, given to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was known for its fruitfulness and is mentioned in the Bible as a significant area.
Definition: § Bashan = "fruitful" a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Bashan. See also: Numbers 21:33; Joshua 21:27; Psalms 22:13.
אָשִׁ֑יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אָ֝שִׁ֗יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מִֽ/מְּצֻל֥וֹת
mᵉtsôwlâh
H4688
"depth"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a deep place, like the bottom of a sea or a low area. It's used to describe the depth of water or a deep location in the Bible. The deep sea is a mysterious place.
Definition: depth, the deep, the deep sea
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, depth. See also: Exodus 15:5; Psalms 69:16; Psalms 68:23.
יָֽם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 68:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 68:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:23
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
- Sermons on Psalms 68:23
Context — God’s Enemies Are Scattered
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.”
24They have seen Your procession, O God— the march of my God and King into the sanctuary. 25The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 21:19 | Tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Have you not murdered a man and seized his land?’ Then tell him that this is also what the LORD says: ‘In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ” |
| 2 | Psalms 58:10 | The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 22:38 | And the chariot was washed at the pool of Samaria where the prostitutes bathed, and the dogs licked up Ahab’s blood, according to the word that the LORD had spoken. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 9:33–37 | “Throw her down!” yelled Jehu. So they threw her down, and her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses as they trampled her underfoot. Then Jehu went in and ate and drank. “Take care of this cursed woman,” he said, “and bury her, for she was the daughter of a king.” But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands. So they went back and told Jehu, who replied, “This is the word of the LORD, which He spoke through His servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour the flesh of Jezebel. And Jezebel’s body will lie like dung in the field on the plot of ground at Jezreel, so that no one can say: This is Jezebel.’ ” |
| 5 | Revelation 19:17–21 | Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.” Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. |
| 6 | Isaiah 63:1–6 | Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and the year of My redemption had come. I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me. I trampled the nations in My anger; in My wrath I made them drunk and poured out their blood on the ground.” |
Psalms 68:23 Summary
[Psalms 68:23 is a powerful verse that reminds us of God's ultimate victory over evil and sin. It's a metaphorical expression of God's triumph, where His 'foot' is dipped in the blood of His enemies, symbolizing complete defeat. This verse is not about promoting violence, but about trusting in God's power and justice, as seen in Romans 12:19, where God says 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay.' As we reflect on this verse, we can trust that God is in control and that He will ultimately triumph over all evil, just like He did in Exodus 15:1-21.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's foot to be dipped in the blood of His foes?
This is a metaphorical expression of God's victory over His enemies, as seen in Psalms 68:23, where He ultimately triumphs over those who oppose Him, as also prophesied in Psalms 2:9 and Isaiah 63:3.
Why are dogs mentioned in this verse?
The reference to the tongues of dogs in Psalms 68:23 likely symbolizes the complete defeat of God's enemies, where even the animals will feed on the flesh of the fallen, as described in Revelation 19:17-18 and Ezekiel 39:17-20.
Is this verse promoting violence or bloodshed?
No, this verse is not promoting violence, but rather it symbolizes God's ultimate triumph over evil and sin, as also seen in Romans 12:19, where God says 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay.'
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Psalms 68?
Psalms 68:23 is part of a larger celebration of God's power and victory, as seen in Psalms 68:21-25, where God is praised for His might and His enemies are put to shame, similar to the victory songs in Exodus 15:1-21 and Judges 5:1-31.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's power and victory in my own life, and how can I apply this trust in my daily struggles?
- How can I balance the idea of God's judgment and wrath with His love and mercy, as seen in Psalms 68:23 and other verses like John 3:16?
- What are some ways that I can 'see' God's procession and power in my own life, as described in Psalms 68:24, and how can I respond with worship and praise?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character and His relationship with His enemies, and how can I apply this understanding to my own relationships and conflicts?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:23
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of [thine] enemies,.... This verse is in connection with Psalms 68:21, with Psalms 68:23 being to be read in a parenthesis: the sense is, that the Messiah
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:23
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
And as it was at the Red Sea and at Bashan before, so yet again thine enemies shall be slain in such great numbers, that thou mayst wade in their blood, and thy dogs lick it up in the field.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
Psalms 68:23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of [thine] enemies, [and] the tongue of thy dogs in the same.Ver. 23. That thy foot may be dipped] Heb. redded, imbrued, made gore bloody. Hereby is implied a very great slaughter. Confer Revelation 19:17-18; Revelation 19:21.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
(23) That thy foot.—This makes an unnecessary transposition of a very involved sentence. The image is perfectly clear, though the syntax, as often happens in all languages, goes tripping itself up. The conqueror, after wading in the blood of his enemies, is met by the dogs, who lick his gory feet. With a change of one letter we may render, “That thou mayest wash thy foot in blood—yea, the tongue of thy dogs in (the blood of) thine enemies.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
Verse 23. That thy foot may be dipped in the blood] God will make such a slaughter among his enemies, the Amorites, that thou shalt walk over their dead bodies; and beasts of prey shall feed upon them.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:23
23. That thou mayest dip thy foot in blood, That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from (thine) enemies. This rendering of the R.V. probably gives the right sense, though the Heb. presents some difficulties. For dip should probably be read wash, as in Psalms 58:10, which passage (with the notes) should be compared. The thought of the approaching vengeance upon the enemies of Israel is a prominent one in Isaiah 40-66. See e.g. Isaiah 41:15 f.; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 63:1 ff. The judgement of the oppressor is in fact the necessary condition of the deliverance of the oppressed, indispensable moreover as the vindication of God’s eternal justice.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:23
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies ... - Margin, “red.” A more literal rendering would be, “That thou mayest crush - thy foot in blood - the tongue of thy dogs from the
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:23
23. Thy foot… dipped in… blood—The Hebrew word for “dipped” means to dash, crush, and is translated wound in Psalms 68:21. The Septuagint has it, âáðôù, (bapto,) to dip, stain, colour.
Sermons on Psalms 68:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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Homily 12 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the severity of their sin of sacrilege and deception, leading to their tragic deaths as a result of thei |
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The Dog by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delivers a sermon reflecting on the biblical references to dogs, illustrating their behavior and consequences tied to wickedness. Through the story of Jezebel and A |
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Philemon I. 17-19 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, using the letter of Paul to Philemon as a powerful example. He emphasizes the need to extend grace and |
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The End of Time by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the prophecies of the end times as outlined in the book of Daniel and other biblical passages. It discusses the events leading up to the establishment of Go |
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(Second Coming of Christ) 10 the Supper of the Great God by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings of the Word of God. He warns that a fearful day is coming, known as the Armageddon, where there will |
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The Mighty Conqueror by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the ultimate authority of Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords, highlighting the final conflict between Christ and the world regarding Hi |
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The Nations the Enemies of Israel-Their Final Opposition to Jerusalem Followed by Judgment Upon Them by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the distinction between the nation of Israel and the nations, highlighting God's chosen people and the disobedience of Israel leading to the d |