Psalms 68:21

Authorized King James Version

But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

But God

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

יִמְחַץ֮

H4272

shall wound

to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy

רֹ֤אשׁ

H7218

the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֹ֫יְבָ֥יו

H341

of his enemies

hating; an adversary

קָדְקֹ֥ד

H6936

scalp

the crown of the head (as the part most bowed)

שֵׂעָ֑ר

H8181

and the hairy

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

מִ֝תְהַלֵּ֗ךְ

H1980

of such an one as goeth on still

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַּאֲשָׁמָֽיו׃

H817

in his trespasses

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 68 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?