When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.

PSALMS 68:14KJV
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Psalms 68:14 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:14 mean?

Psalms 68:14 describes a moment when God, called the Almighty, scattered enemy kings, and the scene is pictured as being as white as snow on Salmon. The verse uses a vivid image to show how completely God defeated these kings, making the aftermath look pure and untouched, like fresh snow.

In this psalm, David is speaking to the people of Israel, celebrating God’s powerful acts in defending and rescuing His people. The mention of "Salmon" refers to a mountain, and the whiteness of snow suggests a total, cleansing victory. The verse fits into a larger song about God’s triumphs over Israel’s enemies and His care for His people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:14

  • Almighty (שַׁדַּי, shaddai): This word emphasizes God’s overwhelming power and ability to act decisively on behalf of His people.
  • Scattered (פָּרַשׂ, paras): This term means to disperse or drive away, highlighting how God caused the enemy kings to flee in all directions.
  • Snow (שֶׁלֶג, sheleg): The image of snow suggests purity, completeness, and perhaps even surprise, since snow can cover everything quickly and thoroughly.
  • Salmon (צַלְמוֹן, Tsalmon): This is likely a specific mountain in Israel, and mentioning it grounds the image in a real, memorable place for the original audience.

Why Psalms 68:14 matters

  • The verse clears up that the "whiteness" is not about literal snow falling on kings, but about the aftermath of God’s victory being as striking and complete as a snowy landscape.
  • It emphasizes God’s role as the one who acts powerfully on behalf of His people, not just in spiritual terms but in real, historical events.
  • Connecting this verse to the rest of the psalm shows how each image builds on the theme of God’s faithfulness and strength in delivering Israel from danger.

Where else these words appear

“Salmon” Hebrew H6756 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • 2 Samuel 23:28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,

“Almighty” Hebrew H7706 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
  • Job 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
  • Job 27:13 This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.

“scattered” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.