Psalms 74:12
Psalms 74:12 in Multiple Translations
Yet God is my King from ancient times, working salvation on the earth.
For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
Yet God is my King of old, Working salvation in the midst of the earth.
For from the past God is my King, working salvation in the earth.
But you, God, are our king from long ago. You have saved us many times in the land.
Euen God is my King of olde, working saluation in the middes of the earth.
And God [is] my king of old, Working salvation in the midst of the earth.
Yet God is my King of old, working salvation throughout the earth.
For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
God, you have been our king all the time since we came out of Egypt [HYP], and you have enabled us to defeat our enemies in the land of Israel.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 74:12
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 74:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וֵ֭/אלֹהִים
מַלְכִּ֣/י
מִ/קֶּ֑דֶם
פֹּעֵ֥ל
יְ֝שׁוּע֗וֹת
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וֵ֭/אלֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | N-mp
מַלְכִּ֣/י
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms | Suff
מִ/קֶּ֑דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
Prep | N-ms
פֹּעֵ֥ל
pâʻal
H6466
to work
V-Qal
יְ֝שׁוּע֗וֹת
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
salvation
N-fp
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 74:12
וֵ֭/אלֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מַלְכִּ֣/י
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִ/קֶּ֑דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
Prep | N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
פֹּעֵ֥ל
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
V-Qal
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
יְ֝שׁוּע֗וֹת
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
"salvation"
N-fp
Salvation means being saved or delivered from something, like trouble or danger, and can also mean victory or prosperity, as seen in the Bible's promises of God's deliverance.
Definition: 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) welfare, prosperity 1b) deliverance 1c) salvation (by God) 1d) victory
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare. See also: Genesis 49:18; Psalms 80:3; Psalms 3:3.
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 74:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 74:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 74:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 74:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 74:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 74:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
- Sermons on Psalms 74:12
Context — Why Have You Rejected Us Forever?
10How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever?
11Why do You withdraw Your strong right hand? Stretch it out to destroy them!
12Yet God is my King from ancient times, working salvation on the earth.
13You divided the sea by Your strength; You smashed the heads of the dragons of the sea; 14You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 44:4 | You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. |
| 2 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 33:22 | For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us. |
| 4 | Judges 4:23–24 | On that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites. And the hand of the Israelites grew stronger and stronger against Jabin king of Canaan until they destroyed him. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 3:12–14 | You marched across the earth with fury; You threshed the nations in wrath. You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah With his own spear You pierced his head, when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though ready to secretly devour the weak. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 19:5 | He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” |
| 7 | Exodus 15:2–15 | The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea; the finest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them; they sank there like a stone. Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy. You overthrew Your adversaries by Your great majesty. You unleashed Your burning wrath; it consumed them like stubble. At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea. The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them up. With loving devotion You will lead the people You have redeemed; with Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, |
| 8 | Isaiah 63:8 | For He said, “They are surely My people, sons who will not be disloyal.” So He became their Savior. |
| 9 | Numbers 23:21–22 | He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them. God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. |
Psalms 74:12 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God is our King and has been in charge since the beginning of time, working to save people on earth, as seen in His mighty acts throughout the Bible, such as in Psalms 78:12-16 and Exodus 14:13-14. By acknowledging God as our King, we can trust in His sovereignty and plan for salvation, just as the psalmist does in this verse, and find comfort in His eternal nature, as declared in Psalms 102:27. We can also see God's heart for salvation in the life of Jesus Christ, as described in John 3:16, and trust in His love and plan for our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is the King from ancient times?
This phrase emphasizes God's eternal sovereignty and reign, as declared in Psalms 93:2 and Isaiah 57:15, highlighting His unchanging nature and dominion over all creation.
How does God work salvation on the earth?
God works salvation through various means, including the redemption of His people, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14, and the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Isaiah 49:6 and fulfilled in the New Testament, such as in Acts 4:12.
Why is it important to acknowledge God as our King?
Recognizing God as our King, as in Psalms 74:12, demonstrates our trust and submission to His will, similar to the declaration in 1 Timothy 1:17, and allows us to find comfort and strength in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalms 23:1-4.
How can I apply this verse to my life?
By acknowledging God as your King, you can find peace and trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and seek to align your life with His will, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2, and trust in His plan for salvation, as declared in Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can declare God's sovereignty in my life, just as the psalmist does in this verse?
- How does recognizing God as my King from ancient times impact my perspective on current challenges and struggles?
- In what ways can I trust God to work salvation in my life, just as He has throughout history?
- What are some areas where I need to surrender to God's sovereignty and trust in His plan for salvation?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others to trust in God's sovereignty and salvation?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 74:12
For God is my King of old,.... Or "but God", or "verily God", c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 74:12
For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. For God is my king of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth - rather 'of the land'-Palestine.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
My King, in a singular manner: it belongs therefore to thine office to protect and save me. In the midst of the earth; in the view of the world; so saving thy people so eminently and gloriously, that all people round about them observed and admired it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
Psalms 74:12 For God [is] my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. Ver. 12. For God is my Kiny of old] He is the same yesterday, today, and for ever. I doubt not, therefore, but he will see to the safety of his loyal subjects. Working salvation in the midst of the earth] i.e. Openly, and to the view of all. Jerusalem is in the midst of Judaea, and Judaea is in the midst of the earth; the very centre and navel of the habitable world, say the Fathers; it joineth those of the east to the west by the midland sea, and those of the north to the south by the same sea, running out as far as the Lake of Maeotis, very far north, and by the Red Sea descending very low into the south. This country, therefore, God seemeth purposely to have espied out, as himself speaketh, that therehence he might send abroad salvation into all parts. And hereabout some gather from Joe 3:2. Christ will sit to judge the world at the last day, Psalms 50:1-2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
(12) For.—Better, and, or and yet.My king.—The poet speaks for Israel. (Comp. Psalms 44:4; Habakkuk 1:12.) In the midst of the earth.—Or, as we might say, “on the great theatre of the world.” Certainly we must not render here land instead of earth, since the wonders of Egypt, &c, are the theme.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
Verse 12. For God is my King of old] We have always acknowledged thee as our sovereign; and thou hast reigned as a king in the midst of our land, dispensing salvation and deliverance from the centre to every part of the circumference.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 74:12
12–17. Yet God’s mighty works of Redemption and Creation attest His power to interpose for the deliverance of His people. Cp. Psalms 77:10 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 74:12
For God is my King of old - That is, the king, or ruler of his people. The people had acknowledged him as their king and ruler, and he had showed himself to be such.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 74:12
12. For God is my King of old, etc.—Having finished his special prayer against his enemies, in which he struggles with the “crying contradiction between the present state of things and God’s
Sermons on Psalms 74:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Beware When You Are Full by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and mercy of God in difficult situations. He references the book of Esther, where the people of God fasted and prayed in desperati |
|
|
The Carpenters Are Here by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a builder in God's kingdom, not a destroyer, by allowing God to shake us, fill us with His Spirit, and empower us to speak His word w |
|
God Is My King by Tom Macartney | Tom Macartney emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to truly see and know Christ as the reigning King in their hearts and in the church, highlighting the importance of surrende |
|
Worship and Lord's Table - Part 6 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon delivered by Lord Sarvant, the message focuses on the importance of examining ourselves and searching our hearts as we begin a new year. The Lord's table, symbolized |
|
Psalm 44 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the Church facing deep trouble but finding strength in faith by remembering God's past mercies before lamenting present sufferings. Confidence in God is pr |
|
Claim Victory by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about claiming victory in the name of God, emphasizing that all foes to our growth in grace and enemies in our Christian work were conquered by Jesus. He |
|
Testimony - Part 1 by Gladys Aylward | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experience of being the only missionary in a heathen government and their journey of spreading the Gospel in South Shansey. Desp |