Psalms 7:12
Psalms 7:12 in Multiple Translations
If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow.
If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
If a man turn not, he will whet his sword; He hath bent his bow, and made it ready;
If a man is not turned from his evil, he will make his sword sharp; his bow is bent and ready.
If people do not change their minds, he will sharpen his sword. He has bent and strung his bow.
Except he turne, he hath whet his sword: he hath bent his bowe and made it readie.
If [one] turn not, His sword he sharpeneth, His bow he hath trodden — He prepareth it,
If a man doesn’t repent, he will sharpen his sword; he has bent and strung his bow.
If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
God is a just judge, strong and patient: is he angry every day?
Whenever your enemies do not ◄repent/change their behavior►, it is as though [MET] you sharpen your sword and put a string on your bow to get ready to kill them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 7:12
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 7:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱ֭לֹהִים
שׁוֹפֵ֣ט
צַדִּ֑יק
וְ֝/אֵ֗ל
זֹעֵ֥ם
בְּ/כָל
יֽוֹם
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
שׁוֹפֵ֣ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וְ֝/אֵ֗ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Conj | N-ms
זֹעֵ֥ם
zâʻam
H2194
be indignant
V-Qal
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
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 7:12
אֱ֭לֹהִים
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.
שׁוֹפֵ֣ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וְ֝/אֵ֗ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Conj | 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.
זֹעֵ֥ם
zâʻam
H2194
"be indignant"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word describes being very angry or upset, often to the point of foaming at the mouth. In Numbers 23:8, it is used to describe God's indignation towards those who disobey Him. It can also mean to denounce or curse someone.
Definition: 1) to denounce, express indignation, be indignant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have indignation, be indignant, be angrily indignant, be defiant 1a2) to be abhorrent 1a3) to express indignation in speech, denounce, curse 1b) (Niphal) to show indignation, show anger
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: abhor, abominable, (be) angry, defy, (have) indignation. See also: Numbers 23:7; Proverbs 25:23; Psalms 7:12.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Psalms 7:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 7:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 7:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 7:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 7:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 7:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
- Sermons on Psalms 7:12
Context — I Take Refuge in You
10My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.
11God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation each day.
12If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow.
13He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire. 14Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 3:19 | Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, |
| 2 | Matthew 3:10 | The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 32:41 | when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 18:30 | 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 | Isaiah 55:6–7 | Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. |
| 6 | Psalms 85:4 | Restore us, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 21:9–11 | “Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick. The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 31:18–19 | I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God. After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’ |
| 9 | Ezekiel 21:23 | It will seem like a false omen to the eyes of those who have sworn allegiance to him, but it will draw attention to their guilt and take them captive. |
| 10 | Isaiah 27:1 | In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent —Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. |
Psalms 7:12 Summary
This verse, Psalms 7:12, reminds us that God is a just and righteous judge who will punish those who refuse to repent. If we don't turn away from our sins, God will take action, using His 'sword' and 'bow' as symbols of His power and authority. This is not because God doesn't love us, but because He hates sin and wants us to live in obedience to Him, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19. By repenting and turning to God, we can experience His mercy and forgiveness, as promised in Psalms 103:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to sharpen His sword?
This is a metaphor for God's judgment and justice, as seen in Psalms 7:12, where God prepares to punish those who do not repent, similar to how He judged the wicked in Isaiah 13:5.
Why does God bend and string His bow?
This action symbolizes God's preparation for battle against evil, as stated in Psalms 7:12, and is reminiscent of Habakkuk 3:9, where God's bow is a symbol of His power and authority.
Is this verse talking about God's love or His wrath?
While God is a loving God, as seen in John 3:16, Psalms 7:12 specifically highlights His wrath and justice towards those who refuse to repent, emphasizing the importance of turning to Him in humility and obedience, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:13.
How can I apply this verse to my life?
This verse serves as a reminder to examine our hearts and lives, ensuring we are living in repentance and obedience to God, as instructed in Luke 13:3, and to trust in His mercy and forgiveness, as promised in Psalms 103:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and turn to God?
- How can I balance the concept of God's wrath with His love and mercy?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's justice and righteousness, even when faced with evil or injustice?
- What does it mean for me to 'repent' and how can I make this a regular practice in my spiritual journey?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 7:12
If he turn not,.... Not God, but the enemy, or the wicked man, spoken of Ps 7:5; if he turn not from his wicked course of life, to the Lord to live to him, and according to his will; unless he is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 7:12
If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. If he turn not. There is this merciful proviso always made, that judgment will descend only if the sinner will "not turn" from his evil way.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
If he, i.e. the wicked man last mentioned, either Cush or Saul, turn not from this wicked course of calumnating or persecuting me, he, i.e. God, who is often designed by this pronoun, being easily to be understood from the nature of the thing, will whet his sword, i.e. will prepare, and hasten, and speedily execute his judgments upon him. Did I say, he will do it? nay, he hath already done it; his sword is drawn, his bow is bent, and the arrows are prepared and ready to be shot.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
Psalms 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.Ver. 12. If he turn not] sc. Impius ab impietate sua, saith R. Solomon, If the wicked turn not from his wickedness, by true and timely repentance. He will whet his sword, he hath bent his bow] i.e. God will, God hath; and mark that he whets before he strikes, and is bending his bow, setting his arrows, preparing his instruments of death; all which must needs take up some time, and so give fair warning to these foul sinners if they have grace to make use of it. See the like Deuteronomy 32:41-42. God first whets his sword before he devours flesh, and first takes hold on judgment before his judgment take hold of men. But if this be not observed and improved, Patientia Dei quo diuturnior, eo est minacior; and what shall wicked men plead for themselves when God shall say to them, as Reuben once did to his brethren, Genesis 42:22, Did not I warn you, saying, Sin not?
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
(12) If he turn not.—The Hebrew is doubly idiomatic. Translate surely (see Hebrews 3:11, with Note in New Testament Commentary), He will again whet His sword. It is true that the verb to turn in the sense of repetition usually precedes the other verb immediately, without, as here, any other words intervening. Bent.—Literally, trodden, showing that the foot was used by the Israelites to bend the bow, as by archers now. (Smith’s Bible Dictionary, “Arms.”)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
Verse 12. If he turn not] This clause the Syriac adds to the preceding verse. Most of the versions read, "If ye return not." Some contend, and not without a great show of probability, that the two verses should be read in connection, thus: "God is a just Judge; a God who is provoked every day. If (the sinner) turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready." This, no doubt, gives the sense of both.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 7:12
12. If a man turn not from his evil way and repent, God ‘will whet his sword:’ nay, He has already strung His bow and made it ready to discharge the arrow of punishment. God is described under the figure of a warrior, armed with sword and bow to execute vengeance on the wicked. Cp. Deuteronomy 32:41-42. The tenses of the first clause represent the judgement as in process of preparation from time to time; those of the second clause as ready to be launched against the offender at any moment. The wicked aim their arrows at the upright in heart (Psalms 11:2), but ‘the saviour of the upright in heart’ aims His arrows at them and frustrates their plots. R.V. marg. Surely he will again whet his sword is a possible but less satisfactory rendering. Psalms 7:12-13 may then be referred either to God, or to the enemy intending to renew his attack.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 7:12
If he turn not - If the wicked person does not repent. in the previous verse the psalmist had said that God is angry with the wicked every day; he here states what must be the consequence to the
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 7:12
11-13. God judgeth—These verses present an earnest warning, not only to David’s wicked persecutors, but to all contemners of law and justice.
Sermons on Psalms 7:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
Great Commission by John Stott | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew, Luke, and John. The five aspects of the Great Commission, as summarized by Luke, are: proclamatio |
|
(Messages) Repentance by Basilea Schlink | During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, whi |
|
The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasize |
|
A Place to Hide by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains |
|
(Covenant Word Ministries) Servant of Sin by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a rainy day when he was surprised to find a church full of people despite the bad weather. As he began to preach, a drunk man desperately trie |
|
|
Americas Only Hope by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep concern and sorrow for the state of the country and the erosion of freedom of speech. He recounts a powerful experience where he witness |