But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

PSALMS 68:21KJV
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Psalms 68:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:21 mean?

Psalms 68:21 says that God will strike down the leaders of His enemies, even those who continue in wrongdoing without turning back. The verse uses strong imagery to show that no one who opposes God and keeps on sinning will escape His judgment.

The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, is speaking about God’s power to defeat those who persistently rebel against Him. The verse is part of a larger song celebrating God’s victories and protection of His people, emphasizing that God’s justice reaches even the most stubborn and prominent opponents.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:21

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and authority in this context as the one who judges enemies.
  • Wound (מָחַץ, machats): This word means to crush or strike through. It paints a vivid picture of God’s decisive action against those who oppose Him.
  • Head (רֹאשׁ, rosh): Refers to the leader or chief, not just a physical head. This highlights that God’s judgment targets those in positions of power among His enemies.
  • Hairy (שֵׂעָר, se’ar) and Scalp (קָדְקֹד, qodqod): Together, these words describe a person with a hairy crown or scalp, which in ancient times could symbolize a wild or defiant person, possibly a warrior or someone set apart in rebellion.
  • Still (הָלַךְ, halakh): Means to go on or continue. It shows the ongoing nature of the person’s wrongdoing.
  • Trespasses (אָשָׁם, asham): Refers to guilt or sin, especially deliberate wrongdoing. It underlines that these are not accidental mistakes but persistent, willful acts.

Why Psalms 68:21 matters

  • This verse clears up that God’s judgment is not just for minor offenders but especially for those who persistently and openly oppose Him, even leaders or powerful figures.
  • The strong language and imagery stress that no amount of status or stubbornness can shield someone from God’s justice.
  • In the context of Psalm 68, this verse reinforces the theme that God is a mighty defender of His people and a sure judge of those who remain hostile and unrepentant.

Where else these words appear

“scalp” Hebrew H6936 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 49:26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
  • Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.
  • Psalms 7:16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

“wound” Hebrew H4272 · used in 14 verses

  • Numbers 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
  • Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples.
  • Psalms 18:38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.

“hairy” Hebrew H8181 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • Leviticus 13:30 Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.
  • Judges 16:22 Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.

“trespasses” Hebrew H817 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 26:10 And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.
  • Leviticus 7:37 This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;
  • Numbers 6:12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.