Psalms 3:7

Authorized King James Version

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Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Original Language Analysis

ק֘וּמָ֤ה Arise H6965
ק֘וּמָ֤ה Arise
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 1 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יְהוָ֨ה׀ O LORD H3068
יְהוָ֨ה׀ O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הוֹשִׁ֘יעֵ֤נִי save H3467
הוֹשִׁ֘יעֵ֤נִי save
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
אֱלֹהַ֗י me O my God H430
אֱלֹהַ֗י me O my God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 4 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִכִּ֣יתָ for thou hast smitten H5221
הִכִּ֣יתָ for thou hast smitten
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 6 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 8 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֹיְבַ֣י all mine enemies H341
אֹיְבַ֣י all mine enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 9 of 13
hating; an adversary
לֶ֑חִי upon the cheek bone H3895
לֶ֑חִי upon the cheek bone
Strong's: H3895
Word #: 10 of 13
the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone
שִׁנֵּ֖י the teeth H8127
שִׁנֵּ֖י the teeth
Strong's: H8127
Word #: 11 of 13
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
רְשָׁעִ֣ים of the ungodly H7563
רְשָׁעִ֣ים of the ungodly
Strong's: H7563
Word #: 12 of 13
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ׃ thou hast broken H7665
שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ׃ thou hast broken
Strong's: H7665
Word #: 13 of 13
to burst (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

David's prayer shifts from declaration to petition, calling on God to act decisively. The imagery of striking enemies on the 'cheek bone' and breaking the 'teeth of the ungodly' depicts complete defeat - rendering them unable to continue their assault. This violent language reflects covenant curses against God's enemies and His people's enemies. Yet it's ultimately messianic: Christ defeated all spiritual enemies through the cross, breaking Satan's power to accuse and devour believers. The prayer for vindication is ultimately answered in Christ's resurrection victory.

Historical Context

This military language reflects ancient Near Eastern combat where breaking an enemy's jaw rendered them helpless. David, as God's anointed king, could legitimately pray for his enemies' defeat since they were opposing God's chosen ruler. The psalm points forward to Christ's greater victory over all forces of evil.

Questions for Reflection