King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:7 Mean?

Psalms 140:7 in the King James Version says “O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.”

Psalms 140:7 · KJV

StrengthSalvation

Context

5

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside ; they have set gins for me. Selah.

6

I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

7

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. lest: or, let them not be exalted

9

As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

Read Psalms 140 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. David addresses God with emphatic title: "O GOD the Lord" (YHWH Adonai, יְהוָה אֲדֹנָי)—combining God's covenant name (YHWH, יְהוָה) with title of sovereign lordship (Adonai, אֲדֹנָי). This double address emphasizes both intimate covenant relationship and supreme authority. Only this powerful, covenant-keeping God can deliver from such fierce enemies.

"The strength of my salvation" (oz yeshu'ati, עֹז יְשׁוּעָתִי) identifies God as source and power of deliverance. Oz (עֹז, "strength, might, power") emphasizes capability. Yeshu'ah (יְשׁוּעָה, "salvation") is deliverance, victory, rescue. The possessive "my salvation" personalizes it—God isn't abstract deliverer but David's personal savior. The phrase anticipates Isaiah 12:2: "the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation," and ultimately points to Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew), whose name means "Yahweh saves."

"Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle" (sakota le-roshi be-yom neshek, סַכֹּתָה לְרֹאשִׁי בְּיוֹם נָשֶׁק) recalls specific past deliverance. Sakak (סָכַך, "covered") means "to cover, screen, protect"—like a shield protecting vulnerable head from weapons. Rosh (רֹאשׁ, "head") is the most vital target in battle; protecting the head preserves life. Yom neshek (יוֹם נָשֶׁק, "day of battle") literally means "day of weapons/armor"—time of armed conflict. David testifies that in actual combat situations, God supernaturally protected him from mortal wounds. This wasn't metaphorical but literal—arrows, spears, and swords missed or failed to cause fatal injury because God intervened.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's military career provided abundant examples of God's battlefield protection. As young shepherd, he killed lion and bear defending his flock (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Facing Goliath, he declared: "the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's" (1 Samuel 17:47), then defeated the giant with sling and stone. Throughout his years as warrior and king, David fought numerous battles—against Philistines, Moabites, Arameans, Edomites, Ammonites, and Amalekites (1 Samuel-2 Samuel). He survived assassination attempts, battles where enemies outnumbered him, and rebellions from within his own kingdom. The fact that David lived to old age despite decades of warfare and constant danger testified to supernatural protection. This established the pattern: God preserves His anointed through overwhelming opposition, a pattern fulfilled perfectly in Christ who conquered death itself (Acts 2:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God is 'the strength of my salvation' rather than merely a helper in salvation?
  2. How does David's testimony that God 'covered my head in the day of battle' encourage believers facing spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12-17)?
  3. How does God's protection of David through literal battlefields assure believers of His protection through spiritual battles against sin, Satan, and death?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יְהוִֹ֣ה1 of 8

“O GOD”

H3069

god

אֲ֭דֹנָי2 of 8

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

עֹ֣ז3 of 8

“the strength”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

יְשׁוּעָתִ֑י4 of 8

“of my salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

סַכֹּ֥תָה5 of 8

“thou hast covered”

H5526

properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect

לְ֝רֹאשִׁ֗י6 of 8

“my head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

בְּי֣וֹם7 of 8

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

נָֽשֶׁק׃8 of 8

“of battle”

H5402

military equipment, i.e., (collectively) arms (offensive or defensive), or (concretely) an arsenal

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 140:7 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 140:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 62:7Psalms 18:1-2Psalms 89:26Psalms 62:2Deuteronomy 33:27-29Psalms 144:10

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