King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:7 Mean?

Psalms 118:7 in the King James Version says “The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.”

Psalms 118:7 · KJV

Context

5

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. in distress: Heb. out of distress

6

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? on: Heb. for me

7

The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

8

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

9

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Read Psalms 118 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. The confession YHWH li b'ozrai (the LORD is for me among my helpers) expresses covenant confidence—God sides with the psalmist against enemies. Ozrai (my helpers) are human allies, but the LORD stands chief among them. God doesn't merely observe conflict from distance; He actively takes sides, fighting for His people. This echoes Moses: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

The consequence: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me (va'ani er'eh b'son'ai). Ra'ah (see) indicates witnessing, experiencing. The phrase literally means "I will look upon my enemies"—seeing their defeat, witnessing vindication. Son'ai (those who hate me) aren't casual opponents but active haters, malicious enemies. This isn't petty vengeance but confidence in divine justice—those who oppose God's anointed will face judgment. David repeatedly expressed similar confidence (Psalms 54:7, 59:10, 92:11). The New Testament transforms this: believers love enemies personally (Matthew 5:44) while trusting God's justice ultimately (Romans 12:19, Revelation 6:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

David faced relentless enemies: Saul's pursuit through wilderness, Absalom's rebellion, surrounding nations' attacks. Yet divine protection repeatedly vindicated him—Saul died on Mount Gilboa, Absalom hung in an oak tree, enemy armies fled. Israel's history shows the same pattern: Egypt's army drowned in the Red Sea, Jericho's walls fell, Assyria's host died overnight (2 Kings 19:35). The principle extends to Messiah: religious and political authorities conspired against Jesus (Psalm 2:1-2, quoted in Acts 4:25-28), yet God raised Him, vindicating Him as Lord and Christ. The psalm's confidence in seeing victory over enemies finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ's resurrection triumph over sin, death, and Satan (Colossians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God 'takes your part' affect your response to opposition, criticism, or persecution?
  2. What is the biblical balance between trusting God to vindicate and actively loving enemies?
  3. In what ways should believers see 'desire upon enemies'—spiritual victory over evil rather than personal revenge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יְהוָ֣ה1 of 6

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִ֭י2 of 6
H0
בְּעֹזְרָ֑י3 of 6

“taketh my part with them that help”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

וַ֝אֲנִ֗י4 of 6
H589

i

אֶרְאֶ֥ה5 of 6

“me therefore shall I see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְשֹׂנְאָֽי׃6 of 6

“my desire upon them that hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

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 118:7 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 118:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 59:10Psalms 54:4Psalms 54:7Psalms 55:18Psalms 92:11Psalms 112:8

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