To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;

PSALMS 149:7KJV
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Psalms 149:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 149:7 mean?

Psalms 149:7 describes God’s people taking part in judgment against other nations. The verse presents punishment of those nations as part of the task given to God’s people in the psalm, rather than as a private act of revenge.

After the image of a sword in verse 6, “to execute” gives that weapon a purpose. The verse speaks in broad terms about nations and peoples, using the KJV’s older word “heathen” for nations outside Israel.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 149:7

  • “vengeance” — נְקָמָה (neqamah): The word can mean vengeance or punishment for a wrong. Here the punishment is presented as a response to wrong, though the verse does not describe the wrong itself.
  • “heathen” — גּוֹיִם (goyim): The word means “nations.” In this setting, it refers to peoples outside Israel; the Hebrew word itself does not necessarily mean people without religion.
  • “punishments” — תּוֹכֵחוֹת (tokhechot): The word can carry the sense of correction or punishment. Its plural form presents punishment as something carried out against peoples.

Why Psalms 149:7 matters

  • The verse joins praise with a picture of conflict. In verse 6, the people have praise for God in their mouths and a sword in their hands; verse 7 gives a purpose for the sword.
  • The surrounding passage presents the action as judgment, not simply conquest. Verse 9 calls it “the judgment written” and says that carrying it out is an honor for God’s faithful people.
  • The language reaches beyond ordinary individuals to rulers. Verses 7–8 move from nations and peoples to their kings and nobles, who are pictured as prisoners in chains.

Where else these words appear

“vengeance” Hebrew H5360 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
  • Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
  • Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

“punishments” Hebrew H8433 · used in 28 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
  • Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
  • Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

“people” Hebrew H3816 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • Psalms 67:4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
  • Isaiah 34:1 Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.