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Psalms 89:23

Psalms 89:23 in Multiple Translations

I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

And I will beat down his adversaries before him, And smite them that hate him.

I will have those who are against him broken before his face, and his haters will be crushed under my blows.

I will wipe out his enemies before him; I will strike down those who hate him.

But I will destroy his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

And I have beaten down before him his adversaries, And those hating him I plague,

I will beat down his adversaries before him, and strike those who hate him.

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and afflict them that hate him.

I will crush his enemies in front of him and get rid of those who hate him.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 89:23

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 89:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לֹֽא יַשִּׁ֣א אוֹיֵ֣ב בּ֑/וֹ וּ/בֶן עַ֝וְלָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽ/נּוּ
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
יַשִּׁ֣א nâshâʼ H5378 to exact V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אוֹיֵ֣ב ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal
בּ֑/וֹ Prep | Suff
וּ/בֶן bên H1121 son Conj | N-ms
עַ֝וְלָ֗ה ʻevel H5766 injustice N-cs
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יְעַנֶּֽ/נּוּ ʻânâh H6031 be occupied V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 89:23

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַשִּׁ֣א nâshâʼ H5378 "to exact" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This word is about lending money with interest or demanding payment, often used in a financial context. It's seen in books like Exodus and Ezekiel, talking about fair business practices. It's about borrowing or lending with expectations.
Definition: 1) to lend on interest or usury, be a creditor 1a) (Qal) creditor (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to act as a creditor
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] debt, exact, giver of usury. See also: 1 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 89:23; Isaiah 24:2.
אוֹיֵ֣ב ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
בּ֑/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
וּ/בֶן bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַ֝וְלָ֗ה ʻevel H5766 "injustice" N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְעַנֶּֽ/נּוּ ʻânâh H6031 "be occupied" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.

Study Notes — Psalms 89:23

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 7:9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like the greatest in the land.
2 2 Samuel 3:1 Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
3 Psalms 18:40 You have made my enemies retreat before me; I put an end to those who hated me.
4 2 Samuel 7:1 After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,
5 Psalms 21:8–9 Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You. You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them.
6 Psalms 132:18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown upon him will gleam.”
7 2 Samuel 22:40–44 You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me. You have made my enemies retreat before me; I put an end to those who hated me. They looked, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but He did not answer. I ground them as the dust of the earth; I crushed and trampled them like mud in the streets. You have delivered me from the strife of my people; You have preserved me as the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me.
8 John 15:23 Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well.
9 Psalms 109:3–1
10 Luke 19:14 But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’

Psalms 89:23 Summary

This verse means that God promises to completely defeat and destroy the enemies of the one He loves, and to protect and care for them. This is a promise that God makes to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalms 91:14-16, where God says He will rescue and honor those who love Him. Just like a good parent protects their child, God promises to protect and defend His people from harm, as seen in Isaiah 54:17, where it says that no weapon formed against us will prosper. This promise should give us confidence and courage to live for God, knowing that He is always with us and will never leave us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'crush his foes' in Psalms 89:23?

This phrase means that God will completely defeat and destroy the enemies of the one He is speaking about, as seen in Psalms 2:9 where God says He will dash the nations to pieces like pottery.

Who are the 'foes' and 'those who hate him' in this verse?

The 'foes' and 'those who hate him' refer to anyone who opposes or resists God's anointed one, as described in Psalms 2:1-3, where the nations conspire against the Lord and His anointed.

Is this promise only for the person being spoken to in this verse, or can it apply to others as well?

While this promise is specifically made to the one being addressed in Psalms 89, similar promises are made to all believers, such as in Romans 8:37, where it says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

How does God's faithfulness relate to His promise to crush His enemies?

God's faithfulness, as mentioned in the surrounding verses like Psalms 89:24, ensures that He will fulfill His promises, including the promise to crush His enemies and protect His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9-10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have seen God protect and defend me from my enemies, and how can I trust Him more in this area?
  2. How does the promise of God's protection and victory encourage me to live boldly for Him, and what are some ways I can apply this to my life?
  3. In what ways can I be a source of comfort and encouragement to others who are facing opposition or persecution, and how can I point them to God's promises of protection and deliverance?
  4. What are some areas of my life where I feel like I am facing 'foes' or enemies, and how can I trust God to work on my behalf in these situations?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 89:23

And I will beat down his foes before his face,.... In Judea, and in the Gentile world; more especially in Rome Pagan, and Rome Papal; in the most public manner, before his Gospel, and the ministry of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 89:23

Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 89:23

Psalms 89:23 And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.Ver. 23. And I will beat down his foes, &c.] Victory over enemies is of the Lord; he may better say than any mortal monarch, Cui adhaereo, praeest, He whom I take part with is sure to prevail. That hate hint] That secretly malign him, though they can do him no mischief.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 89:23

(23) Beat down.—Probably bray, as in a mortar. Plague.—Or, smite.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 89:23

23. But I will beat down his adversaries before him, And smite them that hate him.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 89:23

And I will beat down his foes before his face - I will crush them, or destroy them: showing that the power of doing this was not his own, but was the power of God exerted in his behalf.

Sermons on Psalms 89:23

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
F.B. Meyer David Wared Stronger and Stronger, by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, illustrating that while the struggle is long and arduous, the Spirit must ultimately prevail. He encourag
Theodore Epp Now Then Do It by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of making Christ the king of our lives, drawing parallels between David's anointing and Christ's role as the anointed one. He highlights how
Chuck Smith God's Covenant With David by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses God's Covenant with David as described in 2 Samuel chapter 7. He emphasizes how God chose David, a humble shepherd, to be the king over
Theodore Epp When God Says No by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp discusses the significance of accepting God's 'no' in our lives, as exemplified by David's desire to build a temple. Although God denied David's request, He appreciate
Chuck Smith The Gift of Tongues (Part 3) by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith discusses the gift of tongues, emphasizing that it involves speaking in a language that the speaker does not understand, which can be a challenge to the intellect. He e
Paul Washer The King Will Be Exalted in Strength by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Psalm 21, which speaks of the joy and gladness that comes from being in the presence of the Lord. The passage emphasizes the tru

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