Psalms 7:12

Authorized King James Version

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If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

Original Language Analysis

אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָ֭שׁוּב If he turn H7725
יָ֭שׁוּב If he turn
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 3 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
חַרְבּ֣וֹ his sword H2719
חַרְבּ֣וֹ his sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 4 of 8
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
יִלְט֑וֹשׁ not he will whet H3913
יִלְט֑וֹשׁ not he will whet
Strong's: H3913
Word #: 5 of 8
properly, to hammer out (an edge), i.e., to sharpen
קַשְׁתּ֥וֹ his bow H7198
קַשְׁתּ֥וֹ his bow
Strong's: H7198
Word #: 6 of 8
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
דָ֝רַ֗ךְ he hath bent H1869
דָ֝רַ֗ךְ he hath bent
Strong's: H1869
Word #: 7 of 8
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
וַֽיְכוֹנְנֶֽהָ׃ and made it ready H3559
וַֽיְכוֹנְנֶֽהָ׃ and made it ready
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

Analysis & Commentary

God's judgment is presented as conditional: 'If he turn not' provides opportunity for repentance, but persistence in evil brings swift judgment. The imagery of sharpening a sword and bending a bow depicts active preparation for destruction. This teaches that God's patience has limits - judgment delayed is not judgment denied. The weapons metaphor shows judgment is purposeful and prepared, not impulsive. This verse should drive the wicked to repentance while assuring the righteous that justice will come.

Historical Context

Ancient warfare preparation involved careful maintenance of weapons. The imagery would be familiar to David's audience. The conditional 'if he turn not' reflects God's pattern throughout Scripture - warning before judgment, offering opportunity for repentance (Ezekiel 18:23). Final fulfillment comes in Revelation where Christ returns as warrior-king with sword and judgment.

Questions for Reflection