But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.

PSALMS 59:8KJV
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Psalms 59:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 59:8 mean?

Psalms 59:8 says that the LORD looks at those who oppose Him and laughs, treating all the nations who defy Him with scorn. This verse shows that God is not threatened or worried by those who plot against Him or His people; instead, He sees their efforts as futile.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God while facing enemies who want to harm him. The verse highlights the contrast between human pride or rebellion and God's supreme authority. David is expressing confidence that, no matter how powerful his enemies seem, God remains in control and finds their opposition insignificant.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 59:8

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His covenant relationship with His people and His ultimate authority in this situation.
  • laugh (שָׂחַק, sakhak): This word means to laugh or mock, showing that God finds the threats of the nations not only powerless but even ridiculous.
  • heathen (גּוֹי, goy): This term refers to the nations or peoples outside Israel, often used to describe those who do not recognize Israel’s God.
  • derision (לָעַג, laag): This word means to mock or ridicule, underlining that God not only dismisses their threats but actively scorns them.

Why Psalms 59:8 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God is anxious or caught off guard by human opposition; instead, it emphasizes His unshakable confidence and authority.
  • The verse connects to the wider psalm by showing David’s trust in God’s power over his enemies, encouraging readers to see God as above all human schemes.
  • It highlights a theme found throughout the Psalms: God’s laughter at the pride of nations shows the ultimate futility of resisting Him, offering comfort to those who trust in Him.

Where else these words appear

“derision” Hebrew H3932 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
  • Job 11:3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?
  • Proverbs 1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

“laugh” Hebrew H7832 · used in 36 verses

  • Judges 16:25 And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.
  • Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
  • Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;