Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

PSALMS 89:51KJV
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Psalms 89:51 (KJV)

What does Psalms 89:51 mean?

Psalms 89:51 describes how the enemies of the LORD have mocked and insulted, specifically targeting the path or actions of God’s anointed one. The verse expresses a deep sense of shame and dishonor brought upon the one chosen by God because of these taunts.

The speaker in Psalms 89 is addressing God, lamenting the way adversaries have scorned both the LORD and His anointed king. The context is a prayer or song reflecting disappointment and pain over the disrespect shown to God’s chosen leader, likely referring to the Davidic king, and by extension, to God Himself. The verse highlights the emotional weight of public disgrace and the vulnerability of God’s representatives when enemies triumph.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 89:51

  • enemies (אֹיֵב, ʾoyev): This word points to those who are actively hostile, not just neutral outsiders. The verse is focused on direct opposition and antagonism.
  • reproached (חָרַף, ḥaraf): This term means to taunt, insult, or treat with contempt. The repetition in the verse emphasizes the intensity and persistence of the mockery.
  • footsteps (עָקֵב, ʿaqev): Literally meaning "heel" or "footsteps," this word can refer to the journey, actions, or legacy of the anointed one. Here, it suggests that even the path or way of life of God’s chosen is being ridiculed.
  • anointed (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This is the word for "anointed one," often used for kings set apart by God, especially in the line of David. The insult is not just personal but directed at God’s chosen plan and promise.

Why Psalms 89:51 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the shame is not just personal but is connected to God’s promises and the honor of His chosen king, showing the communal and covenantal impact of such insults.
  • The focus on "footsteps" of the anointed highlights that the mockery is ongoing and targets the entire journey or reign, not just a single event.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 89, this verse underscores the tension between God’s promises to David and the apparent current disgrace, deepening the sense of longing for God’s faithfulness to be made visible again.

Where else these words appear

“footsteps” Hebrew H6119 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Joshua 8:13 And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.
  • Psalms 56:6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

“anointed” Hebrew H4899 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • Psalms 18:50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

“reproached” Hebrew H2778 · used in 40 verses

  • Leviticus 19:20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
  • 2 Kings 19:23 By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
  • Psalms 102:8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.