Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

PSALMS 60:12KJV
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Psalms 60:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 60:12 mean?

Psalms 60:12 says that with God’s help, people can act bravely and achieve victory, because God is the one who defeats their enemies. The verse credits God, not human strength, as the reason for overcoming opposition.

This verse is part of a psalm attributed to David, written during a time of military struggle for Israel. David is speaking to God and to the people, expressing confidence that God will enable them to act with courage and that God himself will bring down their adversaries. The verse is both a declaration of trust and a reminder that success comes from relying on God’s power.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 60:12

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing God’s power and majesty. The verse centers on God as the source of victory.
  • Do (עָשָׂה, asah): This word means to do or to accomplish. Here, it points to the actions taken with God’s help, highlighting that human effort is effective only when guided by God.
  • Valiantly (חַיִל, chayil): This word often means strength, might, or valor. In this verse, it suggests acting with courage and effectiveness, not just surviving but achieving something significant.
  • Down (רָמַס, ramas): This word means to tread down or trample. It gives a vivid picture of enemies being thoroughly defeated, not just pushed back.
  • Enemies (צַר, tsar): This word refers to adversaries or those who cause distress. The focus is on real, threatening opposition that God overcomes.

Why Psalms 60:12 matters

  • Psalms 60:12 clarifies that the victory described is not due to military skill or numbers, but because of God’s direct involvement.
  • The verse connects personal or national struggle to a larger theme in the psalms: trusting God when facing overwhelming odds.
  • This verse helps the reader see that the psalm is not just about ancient battles, but about reliance on God’s strength in any challenge.

Where else these words appear

“down” Hebrew H947 · used in 12 verses

  • Psalms 44:5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
  • Isaiah 14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.
  • Jeremiah 12:10 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.

“enemies” Hebrew H6862 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
  • Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
  • Proverbs 23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.