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Psalms 76:12

Psalms 76:12 in Multiple Translations

He breaks the spirits of princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth.

He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

He will cut off the spirit of princes: He is terrible to the kings of the earth.

He puts an end to the wrath of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.

For he humbles proud leaders; he terrifies the kings of the earth.

He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the Kings of the earth.

He doth gather the spirit of leaders, Fearful to the kings of earth!

He will cut off the spirit of princes. He is feared by the kings of the earth.

He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

I remembered the works of the Lord: for I will be mindful of thy wonders from the beginning.

He humbles [IDM] princes, and even causes great kings to be terrified.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 76:12

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 76:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB נִֽדֲר֣וּ וְ/שַׁלְּמוּ֮ לַ/יהוָ֪ה אֱֽלֹהֵ֫י/כֶ֥ם כָּל סְבִיבָ֑י/ו יוֹבִ֥ילוּ שַׁ֝֗י לַ/מּוֹרָֽא
נִֽדֲר֣וּ nâdar H5087 to vow V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וְ/שַׁלְּמוּ֮ shâlam H7999 to complete Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2mp
לַ/יהוָ֪ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫י/כֶ֥ם ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
סְבִיבָ֑י/ו çâbîyb H5439 around N-cp | Suff
יוֹבִ֥ילוּ yâbal H2986 to conduct V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
שַׁ֝֗י shay H7862 gift N-ms
לַ/מּוֹרָֽא môwrâʼ H4172 fear Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 76:12

נִֽדֲר֣וּ nâdar H5087 "to vow" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To vow means to make a promise to God, like Hannah did in 1 Samuel 1:11 when she asked for a son. This promise is a commitment to give something to God in return for a blessing. It's a solemn pledge to God.
Definition: 1) to vow, make a vow 1a) (Qal) to vow a vow
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (make a) vow. See also: Genesis 28:20; Judges 11:30; Psalms 76:12.
וְ/שַׁלְּמוּ֮ shâlam H7999 "to complete" Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2mp
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
לַ/יהוָ֪ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫י/כֶ֥ם ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
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.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" 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.
סְבִיבָ֑י/ו çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
יוֹבִ֥ילוּ yâbal H2986 "to conduct" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lead or conduct someone or something, often with grandeur. It's first used in Genesis to describe God's power. The word can also mean to carry or bring something along.
Definition: 1) to bring, lead, carry, conduct, bear along 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to bear along, bring 1a2) to carry away, lead away 1a3) to lead, conduct 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be borne along 1b2) to be borne (to the grave) 1b3) to be brought, be led, be conducted Aramaic equivalent: ye.val (יְבַל "to bring" H2987)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: bring (forth), carry, lead (forth). See also: Job 10:19; Isaiah 18:7; Psalms 45:15.
שַׁ֝֗י shay H7862 "gift" N-ms
This Hebrew word means 'gift' or 'present', often given as an offering or tribute. In the Bible, it describes a voluntary gift or a present offered as a sign of respect or homage.
Definition: gift, present, gift offered as homage
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: present. See also: Psalms 68:30; Psalms 76:12; Isaiah 18:7.
לַ/מּוֹרָֽא môwrâʼ H4172 "fear" Prep | N-ms
Fear or terror, this word is used in the Bible to describe a feeling of awe or dread, often in response to God's power or presence. It is used in the book of Isaiah to describe the fear of God.
Definition: 1) fear, reverence, terror 1a) fear, terror 1b) reverence 1c) object of reverence 1d) awe-inspiring spectacle or deed Also means: mo.rah (מוֹרָה "fear" H4172B)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: dread, (that ought to be) fear(-ed), terribleness, terror. See also: Genesis 9:2; Psalms 76:12; Psalms 9:21.

Study Notes — Psalms 76:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Zephaniah 3:6 “I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through. Their cities are laid waste, with no man, no inhabitant.
2 2 Chronicles 32:21 and the LORD sent an angel who annihilated every mighty man of valor and every leader and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword.
3 Psalms 68:12 “Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.
4 Isaiah 13:6–8 Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.
5 Psalms 2:5 Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury:
6 Isaiah 24:21 In that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and the kings of the earth below.
7 Psalms 48:4–6 For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.
8 Psalms 2:10 Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth.
9 Psalms 47:2 How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!
10 Joshua 5:1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.

Psalms 76:12 Summary

This verse, Psalms 76:12, tells us that God is all-powerful and has control over everyone, even those in high positions of power. He can humble them and bring them low if they become too proud or arrogant, as seen in Daniel 4:37. This is a reminder to us that God is in charge and we can trust in His power and authority (Psalms 2:10-12, Proverbs 21:1). We can have confidence that God is working everything out for our good, even when things seem uncertain or out of control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to break the spirits of princes?

This means that God has the power to humble and bring low those who are in positions of power and authority, as seen in Psalms 76:12, and is a demonstration of His sovereignty over all nations and leaders, as stated in Daniel 4:17 and Romans 13:1-2.

Why are the kings of the earth feared by God?

Actually, Psalms 76:12 says the kings of the earth fear God, not the other way around, and this fear is a recognition of God's power and authority, as seen in Psalms 2:10-12 and Revelation 6:15-17.

How does this verse relate to my everyday life?

This verse reminds us that God is in control of all things, including the actions of those in power, and we can trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 21:1 and Jeremiah 32:17.

What does it mean for God to be feared by the kings of the earth?

This means that the kings of the earth have a deep respect and awe for God's power and authority, and recognize that He is the one who ultimately gives them their power and position, as seen in John 19:11 and Acts 4:24-31.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the knowledge of God's power over princes and kings impact my trust in Him?
  2. In what ways can I demonstrate a healthy fear of God in my own life, as seen in Psalms 76:12?
  3. What are some ways that God has broken the spirits of princes or humbled those in power in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
  4. How can I use this verse to encourage others to trust in God's sovereignty and power?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 76:12

He shall cut off the spirit of princes,.... The pride of their spirits, as the Targum, humble their proud spirits, and bring them down; or dispirit them, take away their courage from them, upon which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 76:12

Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 76:12

Cut off; as men do their grapes in time of vintage, as the Hebrew verb implies, to wit, suddenly, violently, and irresistibly. This is all which they shall get by opposing him, and therefore it is their wisdom to bring presents to him. The spirit of princes; either, 1 Their courage. Or rather, 2. Their breath and life, as he did in the Assyrian army.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 76:12

Psalms 76:12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: [he is] terrible to the kings of the earth.Ver. 12. He shall cut off the spirit of princes] Vindemiabit, he shall slip them off as one would do a bunch of grapes, or a flower between one’ s fingers; easily, suddenly, as he dealt by Sennacherib’ s princes, Auferet de vita, ut de vite botros. He is terrible to kings] Enemies to his Church, as most kings are.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 76:12

(12) He shall cut off . . .—Literally, lop off, as a vinedresser prunes a vine. For the image see Joe 3:13; Isaiah 18:5; Revelation 14:17 seq.Spirit—i.e., the life.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 76:12

Verse 12. He shall cut off the spirit of princes] Even in the midst of their conquests, he can fill them with terror and dismay, or cut them off in their career of victory. He is terrible to the kings of the earth.] "He is the only Ruler of princes;" to him they must account. And a terrible account most of them will have to give to the great God; especially those who, instigated by the desire of dominion, have, in the lust of conquest which it generates, laid countries waste by fire and sword, making widows and orphans without number, and extending the empire of desolation and death. Thus all are under his dominion, and are accountable to him. Even those whom man cannot bring to justice, God will; and to judge them is one grand use of a final judgment day. ANALYSIS OF THE SEVENTY-SIXTH PSALM In this Psalm there are three parts: - I. The Prerogative of Judah and Israel, Psalms 76:1-2. II. A narration of God's majesty in the Church, Psalms 76:3-11. III. An exhortation to worship and serve God. I. The prerogatives of the Jews above all other nations. 1. God was known among them: "In Judah is God known." 2. His name was great in Israel. Illustrious for his manifold deliverances. 3. At Salem was his tabernacle, - his seat of worship, his peculiar presence. 4. His dwelling in Zion, - his constant habitation. II. A narration of God's power and majesty. He was glorious among good men; more glorious than the mountains of prey - kingdoms acquired by violence, murder, and robbery. And this glory was manifest in the following particulars: - 1. They who came to spoil were spoiled, Psalms 76:5. 2. They were slain: "They have slept their sleep," Psalms 76:5. 3. They could make no head against their destroyer, though they were both numerous and strong: "None of the men of might have found their hands," Psalms 76:5. The cause of their consternation: - 1. The rebuke of God, Psalms 76:6. 2. He was terrible: "None could stand in his sight," Psalms 76:7. 3. He was determinate: "Judgment was heard from heaven," Psalms 76:8. Sennacherib and his host were destroyed. The effects produced by this were, 1. Praise from the wicked: "They shall acknowledge this as the hand of God." Psalms 76:10. 2. Victory; though they rally, and return again to the battle, they shall be routed: "The remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain," Psalms 76:10. See the notes. III. He exhorts all to praise him: - 1. "Vow, and pay." 2. "Fear and submit to him," Psalms 76:11. This exhortation he founds on the following REASONS: - 1. "He shall cut off the spirit of princes;" take away from tyrants their prudence and courage. 2. "He is terrible to the kings of the earth." They also shall know that he is God.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 76:12

12. He shall cut off] Cp. the simile in Isaiah 18:4-5, describing how Jehovah will destroy the plans of the Assyrians just as they are coming to maturity: and Revelation 14:18-19. the spirit of princes] Their pride and fury. Cp. Isaiah 33:11. the kings of the earth] Cp. Psalms 48:4.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 76:12

He shall cut off the spirit of princes - That is, He will cut down their pride; he will break them down.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 76:12

12. Cut off the spirit of princes—The breath of princes, as in Job 9:18; Psalms 104:29. Or, the spirit of princes may be taken for the ambition, haughtiness, pride, of princes.

Sermons on Psalms 76:12

SermonDescription
Thomas Bradbury Forsaken and Found by Thomas Bradbury Thomas Bradbury preaches on the marvellous grace of Jehovah-Jesus revealed in the narrative of David finding an Egyptian in the field. The sermon highlights the kindness and compas
Art Katz Eternal Hell (1 of 2) by Art Katz In this sermon transcript, the speaker expresses his frustration with the lack of preaching on the judgment of God and the impending return of Jesus as a judge. He longs for the re
Art Katz The Fire of God's Judgment by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher describes a horrifying train journey through Europe, where people were living in filth and despair. He emphasizes the need for a message on the judgmen
Rolfe Barnard Message From Pslam 2 by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's actions are sovereign and cannot be changed by human advice. He highlights the grand fact that God has set his king on the holy h
Aaron Dunlop Kiss the Son by Aaron Dunlop In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of kissing the Son, which symbolizes worship, allegiance, and love towards Jesus Christ. The sermon references the story of a
Bill McLeod Christ Is All - in Scripture by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection a
Chuck Smith What Think You of Christ by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting Psalm 2:9, which speaks of breaking the nations with a rod of iron and dashing them like a potter's vessel. The sermon emphasizes the

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