I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.

PSALMS 81:14KJV
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Psalms 81:14 (KJV)

What does Psalms 81:14 mean?

Psalms 81:14 says that God would have quickly defeated Israel’s enemies and acted powerfully against those who opposed them, if the people had listened to Him. The verse shows God’s willingness to protect and fight for His people when they are faithful to Him.

In this psalm, God is speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them of what He would have done if they had obeyed Him. The setting is a call for Israel to return to faithfulness, with God expressing regret that their disobedience kept them from experiencing His deliverance. The verse highlights both God’s power and His desire to act on behalf of His people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 81:14

  • "soon" (מְעַט, me‘at): This word means “quickly” or “in a short time.” It emphasizes that God’s help would not have been delayed; He was ready to act swiftly.
  • "subdued" (כָּנַע, kana‘): This verb means “to humble” or “to bring into submission.” It shows that God would have forced Israel’s enemies into defeat and humility.
  • "turned" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means “to turn” or “to return.” Here, it describes God turning His hand—His power or action—against Israel’s adversaries, showing direct intervention.

Why Psalms 81:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s protection and victory over enemies were always available, but depended on Israel’s willingness to listen and obey.
  • The verse highlights God’s readiness to act on behalf of His people, not out of reluctance, but with eagerness and speed.
  • In the context of the psalm, this line underscores the consequences of disobedience and the blessings that could have come from faithfulness, connecting the people’s choices directly to their experiences of God’s help.

Where else these words appear

“subdued” Hebrew H3665 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 26:41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:10 And since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

“soon” Hebrew H4592 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 1 Samuel 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
  • Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

“adversaries” 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.