Psalms 21:12
Psalms 21:12 in Multiple Translations
For You will put them to flight when Your bow is trained upon them.
Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.
For thou wilt make them turn their back; Thou wilt make ready with thy bowstrings against their face.
Their backs will be turned when you make ready the cords of your bow against their faces.
They will turn and run away when they see your arrows fired at them.
Therefore shalt thou put them aparte, and the strings of thy bowe shalt thou make readie against their faces.
For Thou makest them a butt, When Thy strings Thou preparest against their faces.
For you will make them turn their back, when you aim drawn bows at their face.
Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thy arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.
Depart not from me. For tribulation is very near: for there is none to help me.
You will cause them to run away [IDM] by shooting arrows at them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 21:12
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 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
נָט֣וּ
עָלֶ֣י/ךָ
רָעָ֑ה
חָֽשְׁב֥וּ
מְ֝זִמָּ֗ה
בַּל
יוּכָֽלוּ
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָט֣וּ
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עָלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
חָֽשְׁב֥וּ
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מְ֝זִמָּ֗ה
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
plot
N-fs
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
יוּכָֽלוּ
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 21:12
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָט֣וּ
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
עָלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
חָֽשְׁב֥וּ
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
מְ֝זִמָּ֗ה
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
"plot"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.
Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
יוּכָֽלוּ
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 21:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 21:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 21:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 21:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 21:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 21:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
- Sermons on Psalms 21:12
Context — After the Battle
10You will wipe their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from the sons of men.
11Though they intend You harm, the schemes they devise will not prevail.
12For You will put them to flight when Your bow is trained upon them.
13Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 7:12–13 | If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:40 | You have made my enemies retreat before me; I put an end to those who hated me. |
| 3 | Psalms 64:7 | But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded. |
| 4 | Job 16:12–13 | I was at ease, but He shattered me; He seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has set me up as His target; His archers surround me. He pierces my kidneys without mercy and spills my gall on the ground. |
| 5 | Lamentations 3:12 | He bent His bow and set me as the target for His arrow. |
| 6 | Psalms 44:10 | You have made us retreat from the foe, and those who hate us have plundered us. |
| 7 | Psalms 56:9 | Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side. |
| 8 | Job 7:20 | If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You ? |
| 9 | Psalms 9:3 | When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You. |
| 10 | Psalms 18:14 | He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them. |
Psalms 21:12 Summary
This verse means that when God decides to act against His enemies, they will quickly run away in fear. It's like when an archer aims their bow and arrow - they are ready to strike. God's power is like that, and it's a reminder that He is always in control and will protect His people, just like it says in Psalms 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10. We can trust in God's strength and power to keep us safe from harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'put them to flight' in Psalms 21:12?
This phrase means that God will cause His enemies to quickly retreat or flee in fear, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:30, where God's power causes many to flee from few.
Why is God's bow mentioned in this verse?
The bow is a symbol of God's strength and power, as seen in Habakkuk 3:9, where God's bow is mentioned as a sign of His might and authority.
How does this verse relate to the idea of spiritual warfare?
This verse reminds us that our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual enemies, and that God is our protector and defender, as seen in Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3.
What can we learn from the fact that God's enemies intend harm but their schemes will not prevail?
This teaches us that God is sovereign and in control, and that no evil plan can succeed against Him or His people, as seen in Psalms 2:1-4 and Isaiah 54:17.
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of God's bow being 'trained upon' His enemies make you feel about God's power and protection in your life?
- What are some ways that you have seen God put His enemies to flight in your own life or in the lives of others?
- How can you apply the truth of this verse to a situation in your life where you are facing opposition or spiritual attack?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting in God's strength and power rather than your own?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 21:12
Therefore shall thou make them turn their back,.... Or flee and run away to private places, to hide themselves from the wrath of God and of the Lamb, though to no purpose; or "make them turn [behind
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 21:12
Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
Turn their back, i.e. flee away at the first sight of thee, whereby also they will be a fit mark for thine arrows. Or, thou shalt set them as a butt to shoot at, as the like phrase is used, 16:12. Against the face of them; or, against them, the word face being oft redundant.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
Psalms 21:12 Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, [when] thou shalt make ready [thine arrows] upon thy strings against the face of them.Ver. 12. Therefore shall thou make them turn their back] Who faced the very heavens, and ran, as it were, full butt against thee; such was their impudence and insolence. But thy wrath shall so meet them in the teeth, wheresoever they turn, that they shall be forced to give over their chase and pursuit of thy people. Thou shall make them turn their back; Heb. their shoulder; whence some sense the words thus, Thou shalt bind them back to back, and cast them into the sea of perdition. Some read the words thus, Thou shall set them as a butt or mark to shoot at: and this agreeth best with that which followeth, Pone eos ut metam (Kimchi). Against the face of them] Which is elegantly compared to the white; as their bodies to the whole mark or butt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
(12) Therefore.—Literally, for thou shalt put them shoulder (pones eos dorsum, Vulg.). Upon thy strings thou shalt aim against the face of them. Ewald renders: “Shalt strike them back;” but the English version seems to explain rightly To “give the neck of an enemy” (Psalms 18:4) is a similar form of expression.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
Verse 12. Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back] God can in a moment strike the most powerful and numerous army, even in the moment of victory, with panic; and then even the lame, the army which they had nearly routed, shall take the prey, and divide the spoil. Against the face of them.] Thou shalt cause them to turn their backs and fly, as if a volley of arrows had been discharged in their faces. This seems to be the sense of this difficult verse.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 21:12
8–12. The king, who must be supposed to be present, is now addressed. This victory is an earnest of future victories. The total destruction of all his enemies is confidently anticipated.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 21:12
Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back - Margin, “Thou shalt set them as a butt.” The word back also is rendered in the margin “shoulder.” The word translated “therefore” means in this placer
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 21:12
12. Shalt thou make them turn their back—Literally, Thou shalt set them the shoulder.
Sermons on Psalms 21:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Turn or Burn by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God will punish sin. He shares a story about a minister who, while walking in a forest, comes across a cle |
|
Consider the Lilies of the Field, How They Grow by A.B. Simpson | The preacher discusses the Greek word 'skopos,' which refers to a distant mark or goal that one aims to hit, emphasizing its importance as the first word in a Greek sentence. 'Skop |
|
I Was at Ease, and He Brake Me Asunder. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the theme of divine intervention in our lives, using the metaphor of sparrows trapped in a vestry to illustrate how God sometimes disrupts our comfort for ou |
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The Fellowship of Christ's Suffering by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the Fellowship of Christ's Suffering as outlined in 1 Peter chapter 5. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be sober and vigilant against the adv |
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Exposition on Psalm 57 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as God with the Father and Man with us, seated at the right hand of the Fathe |
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Psalms 56:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of having a correct understanding of God, arguing that many misconceptions arise from the influence of God's enemies, particularly through the |
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Look to the Source by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about not being discouraged by the enemies of the soul, encouraging believers to look to God's power and wait for His help with faith and patience. Sh |