King James Version

What Does Psalms 108:13 Mean?

Psalms 108:13 in the King James Version says “Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 108 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.”

Psalms 108:13 · KJV

Context

11

Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?

12

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

13

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Read Psalms 108 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse contrasts sharply with the previous one, moving from human inadequacy to divine sufficiency: 'Through God we shall do valiantly.' The preposition 'through' (Hebrew 'be') indicates agency, instrumentality - God is the means and source of strength. 'We shall do valiantly' implies courageous action, brave exploits, showing strength. This is not passive waiting but active engagement empowered by God. The second clause intensifies the confidence: 'for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.' 'Tread down' conveys complete victory, subduing opposition under foot. The emphatic 'he it is' (Hebrew 'hu') stresses that God alone accomplishes this victory. The verse maintains creative tension: humans are called to act valiantly ('we shall do'), yet victory comes from God alone ('he it is'). This paradox of human agency and divine sovereignty permeates Scripture - we work, yet God works in us (Philippians 2:12-13).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse concludes both Psalm 60 and 108, serving as a confession of faith despite difficult circumstances. In David's military campaigns, this would reflect the reality that Israel's survival depended not on superior numbers or weaponry but on YHWH fighting for them. The conquest of Canaan under Joshua established this pattern - walls of Jericho fell not by military strategy but by divine intervention (Joshua 6). When David faced Goliath, he declared that the battle belonged to the LORD (1 Samuel 17:47). Throughout Israel's history, victories came when they trusted God (Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20), and defeats came through self-reliance (Ai in Joshua 7). The language of 'treading down enemies' echoes ancient Near Eastern victory language, often depicted in art showing kings with their feet on defeated foes. Yet unlike pagan accounts attributing victory to human might, this psalm gives all credit to God. This theological principle sustained Israel through exile and diaspora when they had no military power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we maintain the biblical tension between human responsibility to 'do valiantly' and recognition that God gives the victory?
  2. What does it mean to do something 'through God' rather than for God or by ourselves?
  3. Why is it important that the verse doesn't say 'through God we might do valiantly' but 'we shall do valiantly'?
  4. How does this confidence in God's victory shape our approach to spiritual warfare and life's challenges?
  5. In what ways can we cultivate this confidence in God's sufficiency without presumption or passivity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בֵּֽאלֹהִ֥ים1 of 6

“Through God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נַעֲשֶׂה2 of 6

“we shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חָ֑יִל3 of 6

“valiantly”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וְ֝ה֗וּא4 of 6
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יָב֥וּס5 of 6

“for he it is that shall tread down”

H947

to trample (literally or figuratively)

צָרֵֽינוּ׃6 of 6

“our enemies”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 108:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 108:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:6-13Psalms 60:12Psalms 18:29-34Isaiah 63:3Romans 16:202 Corinthians 2:14

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