Psalms 81:15
Psalms 81:15 in Multiple Translations
Those who hate the LORD would feign obedience, and their doom would last forever.
The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.
The haters of Jehovah should submit themselves unto him: But their time should endure for ever.
The haters of the Lord would be broken, and their destruction would be eternal.
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, forever doomed.
The haters of the Lord should haue bene subiect vnto him, and their time should haue endured for euer.
Those hating Jehovah feign obedience to Him, But their time is — to the age.
The haters of the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever.
The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves to him: and their time should have endured for ever.
Then all those who hate me would ◄cringe before/bow down to► me, and then I would punish them [MTY] forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 81:15
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 81:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֭/מְעַט
אוֹיְבֵי/הֶ֣ם
אַכְנִ֑יעַ
וְ/עַ֥ל
צָ֝רֵי/הֶ֗ם
אָשִׁ֥יב
יָדִֽ/י
כִּ֭/מְעַט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Prep | N-ms
אוֹיְבֵי/הֶ֣ם
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
אַכְנִ֑יעַ
kânaʻ
H3665
be humble
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
צָ֝רֵי/הֶ֗ם
tsar
H6862
narrow
N-mp | Suff
אָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
יָדִֽ/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 81:15
כִּ֭/מְעַט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
אוֹיְבֵי/הֶ֣ם
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
אַכְנִ֑יעַ
kânaʻ
H3665
"be humble"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To be humble means to bend your knee and submit to someone or something, like God. In the Bible, it's about being lowly and under God's authority. It appears in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to be humble, be humbled, be subdued, be brought down, be low, be under, be brought into subjection 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to humble oneself 1a2) to be humbled, be subdued 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to humble 1b2) to subdue
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bring down (low), into subjection, under, humble (self), subdue. See also: Leviticus 26:41; 2 Chronicles 12:12; Psalms 81:15.
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
צָ֝רֵי/הֶ֗ם
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
אָשִׁ֥יב
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.
יָדִֽ/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Psalms 81:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 81:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:15
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
- Sermons on Psalms 81:15
Context — Sing for Joy to God Our Strength
13If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways,
14how soon I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!
15Those who hate the LORD would feign obedience, and their doom would last forever.
16But I would feed you the finest wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 7:10 | But those who hate Him He repays to their faces with destruction; He will not hesitate to repay to his face the one who hates Him. |
| 2 | Romans 1:30 | slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. |
| 3 | Exodus 20:5 | You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
| 4 | Psalms 83:2–18 | See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” For with one mind they plot together, they form an alliance against You— the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let us possess for ourselves the pastures of God.” Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind. As fire consumes a forest, as a flame sets the mountains ablaze, so pursue them with Your tempest, and terrify them with Your storm. Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD. May they be ever ashamed and terrified; may they perish in disgrace. May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth. |
| 5 | Psalms 102:28 | The children of Your servants will dwell securely, and their descendants will be established before You.” |
| 6 | Romans 8:7 | because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. |
| 7 | John 15:22–23 | If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well. |
| 8 | Joel 3:20 | But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. |
| 9 | Psalms 63:3 | Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. |
| 10 | Psalms 18:44–45 | When they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cower before me. Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their strongholds. |
Psalms 81:15 Summary
[This verse reminds us that pretending to follow God without truly loving and obeying Him can have serious consequences. According to Psalms 81:15, those who hate God will try to fake their obedience, but this will ultimately lead to eternal doom. In contrast, when we genuinely follow God, we can experience His blessing and provision, as seen in Psalms 37:3-4. By seeking to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, we can avoid the trap of superficial religiosity and instead experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from truly knowing and loving Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'feign obedience' to God?
To feign obedience means to pretend to follow God's commands without truly surrendering to Him, as seen in Psalms 81:15. This is a form of hypocrisy, which is condemned in the Bible, as seen in Matthew 23:28.
Who are those that 'hate the LORD' in this verse?
Those who hate the LORD are individuals who reject God's love and sovereignty, often demonstrated through their actions and attitudes, as seen in Psalms 81:15 and Romans 1:30.
What is the consequence of hating God, according to this verse?
The consequence of hating God is doom that would last forever, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's judgment, as seen in Psalms 81:15 and Revelation 20:15.
How can we ensure we are not just 'feigning obedience' to God?
We can ensure we are genuinely following God by examining our hearts and actions, as seen in 1 John 2:3-6, and seeking to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Him, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be 'feigning obedience' to God in my own life, and how can I authentically surrender to Him?
- How can I distinguish between genuine obedience and pretentious religiosity in my own heart and actions?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate a deeper love and reverence for God, rather than just going through the motions?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love and devotion to God in my daily life, and how can I ensure my actions align with my profession of faith?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:15
The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves unto him,.... Or, "lied unto him" (h); feignedly submitted to him, flattered him, pretended friendship to him, and entered into a league with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:15
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! -God still yearns over them, in spite of their perversity and its penal consequence, waiting to be gracious. Verse 13.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
The haters of the Lord; all the haters and enemies of God’ s people, as the neighbouring nations were; whom he calls haters of God, partly because they hated the Israelites for God’ s sake, and for the singularity of their religious worship, as the heathen oft declared; and partly to show the strict league and union which was betwixt God and them, by virtue whereof God had declared all their friends and enemies to be his own, which was a great aggravation of their wickedness. Should have submitted themselves unto him; should have professed and owned their subjection to him. For the phrase, See Poole "". Their time, i.e. Israel’ s time; the relative belonging to the remoter antecedent; as it is in many other places of Scripture, whereof I have formerly given instances. By their time he means either, 1. Their happy time, as life is oft put for a happy life or State, as 49:18 5:33, &c. Or, 2. The duration of their commonwealth. Endured for ever, i.e. lasted for a very long time; whereas now their latter and doleful end is hastening towards them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
Psalms 81:15 The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.Ver. 15. The haters of the Lord should have submitted] Heb. lied, that is, yielded feigned obedience, as Psalms 18:44. But their time should have endured for ever] i.e. Their strength, saith the Chaldee; their tranquillity and prosperity, say others. Theodoret referreth it to the enemies thus: The time of their calamity shall endure for ever, they shall be eternally miserable.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
(15) Submitted.—See Note, Psalms 18:44. Him—i.e., Israel; Jehovah’s enemies being also Israel’s enemies. Their time—i.e., Israel’s. One of the sudden changes of number so frequent in Hebrew poetry. As a nation Israel would continue to live and prosper.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
Verse 15. Their time should have endured for ever.] That is, Their prosperity should have known no end.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:15
15. The haters of Jehovah should come cringing unto him, So that their time should be for ever. Unto him may mean to Jehovah or to Israel; but apparently the latter. Jehovah’s enemies are the enemies of His people, and He would force them to pay homage, however reluctantly (Psalms 66:3 note), to Israel; that so Israel’s time of prosperity might know no end, the nation’s life never fail.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:15
The haters of the Lord - The enemies of the Lord, often represented as those who hate him - hatred being always in fact or in form connected with an unwillingness to submit to God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:15
15. The haters… should have submitted… unto him—Not necessarily in the sense of being converted. The word signifies a forced submission, as in Psalms 18:44; Psalms 66:3.
Sermons on Psalms 81:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Eternity of Hells Torments by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the eternity of hell's torments, emphasizing the absolute eternal misery awaiting the wicked. He delves into the divine perfections of justice and m |
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(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) a Pure Virgin for Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the distinction between the church and the world. He uses a metaphor of a handsome man and a bride walking down the road to illustrate how th |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
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The Tragedy of Third Generation Religion by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches on the tragedy of third-generation religion, using Judges chapter 2 to illustrate how the Israelites turned to idols despite witnessing God's miracles. He e |
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He Is Precious by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher discusses the concept of arrogance, describing it as a sin that stems from a feeling of personal superiority and manifests in contempt towards others. Arrogance is hig |
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Your Reasonable Service by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathema |
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A Biblical Family - a Tool in God's Hands (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen | In this final service of a weekend conference on the biblical family, the preacher emphasizes the importance of parents repenting of their sins and seeking forgiveness from God. He |