Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.

PSALMS 80:6KJV
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Psalms 80:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 80:6 mean?

Psalms 80:6 describes how the people of Israel have become a source of conflict and ridicule among their neighbors and enemies, who now mock them. The verse expresses a deep sense of shame and distress, highlighting how far Israel has fallen in the eyes of surrounding nations.

The psalm is a communal prayer, likely spoken by a leader or representative of Israel, addressing God during a time of national trouble. The people feel abandoned and exposed, as their neighbors (other nearby nations) now see them as a problem or a target. The enemies’ laughter shows not just hostility but also a sense of triumph over Israel’s suffering, underlining the nation’s humiliation and desperation for God’s help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 80:6

  • מָדוֹן (madon, "strife"): This word often means quarrel or contention. Here, it suggests that Israel is not just disliked but has become a point of ongoing conflict or trouble for those around them.
  • שָׁכֵן (shakhen, "neighbours"): This term refers to those living nearby, usually other nations close to Israel. The verse points out that even those who might have been neutral or friendly now see Israel as a problem.
  • אוֹיֵב (oyev, "enemies"): This word means adversaries or those who are actively hostile. The verse highlights that Israel’s enemies are not just attacking but are also taking pleasure in Israel’s downfall.
  • לָעַג (la’ag, "laugh"): This word means to mock or ridicule. The enemies’ laughter is not innocent amusement but a sign of scorn and derision, deepening Israel’s sense of disgrace.

Why Psalms 80:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Israel’s suffering is not just physical or military defeat but also public humiliation, which was deeply shameful in ancient cultures.
  • It shows the depth of Israel’s crisis, emphasizing that their troubles have made them a spectacle among nations, not just a private or internal problem.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalms 80, where the people repeatedly ask God to restore them, highlighting their sense of abandonment and their longing for God’s intervention.

Where else these words appear

“strife” Hebrew H4066 · used in 18 verses

  • Proverbs 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
  • Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
  • Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

“laugh” 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;

“neighbours” Hebrew H7934 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 3:22 But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.
  • Psalms 44:13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
  • Jeremiah 6:21 Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.