The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

PSALMS 76:5KJV
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Psalms 76:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 76:5 mean?

Psalms 76:5 describes how even the bravest and strongest warriors have been defeated and rendered powerless, as if they have fallen into a deep, helpless sleep. The verse paints a picture of mighty men unable to use their strength or defend themselves.

The psalm is attributed to Asaph and speaks about God’s power over those who oppose Him. The setting suggests a time when God intervened against powerful enemies, leaving them helpless. The verse emphasizes that no human strength or courage can stand against God’s will.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 76:5

  • "Stouthearted" (לֵב H3820, transliterated lev): This word refers to those with courage or inner strength. The verse shows that even those considered brave are not immune to defeat by God.
  • "Spoiled" (שָׁלַל H7997, transliterated shalal): This word means to be plundered or stripped of power. It highlights the total loss experienced by the mighty.
  • "Slept" (נָמַם H5123, transliterated namam) and "sleep" (שֵׁנָה H8142, transliterated shenah): These words suggest a deep, almost unnatural sleep, often used as an image for death or complete helplessness.
  • "Men of might" (אִישׁ חַיִל H582 H2428, transliterated ish chayil): This phrase points to men known for their strength or valor, reinforcing the idea that even the best warriors are powerless before God.
  • "Found their hands" (מָצָא יָד H4672 H3027, transliterated matsa yad): This phrase means being able to use one’s hands, or to act. Here, it shows that the mighty could not even lift a hand to defend themselves.

Why Psalms 76:5 matters

  • Psalms 76:5 clears up the idea that human strength or bravery can guarantee victory; it stresses that God alone determines the outcome.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of the psalm, which celebrates God’s protection of His people and His power to humble even the most intimidating enemies.
  • This verse helps the reader see that moments of total defeat for the enemy are not just military losses, but acts of God’s intervention and judgment.

Where else these words appear

“slept” Hebrew H5123 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
  • Psalms 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
  • Isaiah 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

“spoiled” Hebrew H7997 · used in 12 verses

  • Ruth 2:16 And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
  • Jeremiah 50:10 And Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 38:13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

“stouthearted” Hebrew H47 · used in 17 verses

  • Judges 5:22 Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
  • Psalms 50:13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
  • Isaiah 46:12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:

“sleep” Hebrew H8142 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 28:16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
  • Psalms 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
  • Proverbs 24:33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: