King James Version

What Does Psalms 149:6 Mean?

Psalms 149:6 in the King James Version says “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; mouth: Heb. throat” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 149 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; mouth: Heb. throat”

Psalms 149:6 · KJV

Context

4

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

5

Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

6

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; mouth: Heb. throat

7

To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;

8

To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse concludes Psalm 149 with an eschatological call: 'Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand.' The phrase 'high praises of God' (romemuyot Elohim) emphasizes exalted praise, elevated worship. 'In their mouth' suggests that praise becomes the distinguishing characteristic of God's people. The phrase 'and a twoedged sword in their hand' (ve-cherev pifiyot be-yadam) shifts dramatically. The twoedged sword represents judgment and power. This verse combines two apparently contradictory images: the mouth full of praise and the hand holding a sword. In post-exilic apocalyptic theology, this was understood as describing the future vindication of the righteous and judgment on enemies. The 'sword' is not literal but metaphorical for God's judgment authority granted to the faithful. Some interpreters understand this as spiritual warfare (Word of God as sword, Ephesians 6:17) rather than physical violence. The verse declares that the same people who praise God will execute His judgment. This reflects apocalyptic expectation: God's faithful, who now appear weak and afflicted, will be vindicated and become instruments of divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse generated significant interpretive debate. In Second Temple Judaism, particularly during the Maccabean Revolt (165 BC), when Jews fought Greek oppression, this verse was sometimes cited as justifying armed resistance. The Maccabees saw themselves as the meek (anavim) being beautified with salvation (verse 4), and armed warfare as fulfilling this verse's promise. However, many Jewish interpreters understood the 'sword' as metaphorical: the word of God or divine judgment. In Christian interpretation, Augustine and medieval theologians generally saw the sword as spiritual rather than literal. Protestant reformers emphasized that believers must leave vengeance to God and not claim to execute judgment personally. The verse's eschatological orientation suggests that the sword-wielding belongs to the future kingdom, not the present church age. In later Jewish thought, particularly rabbinic Judaism, this verse's militaristic language was increasingly spiritualized or relegated to future messianic times. The verse remains one of the most debated in the Psalter regarding Christian approaches to justice and violence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between praising God ('high praises in their mouth') and wielding God's judgment ('sword in their hand')?
  2. How should the metaphor of the 'twoedged sword' be understood - literally, spiritually, or eschatologically?
  3. Why does the psalm combine praise with judgment power, apparently contradictory images?
  4. In what ways does this verse reflect apocalyptic expectations about vindication of the righteous?
  5. How should contemporary believers understand claims about executing God's judgment, and what are the dangers and biblical safeguards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
רוֹמְמ֣וֹת1 of 6

“Let the high”

H7319

exaltation, i.e., praise

אֵ֭ל2 of 6

“praises of God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

בִּגְרוֹנָ֑ם3 of 6

“be in their mouth”

H1627

the throat (as roughened by swallowing)

וְחֶ֖רֶב4 of 6

“sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

פִּֽיפִיּ֣וֹת5 of 6

“and a twoedged”

H6374

an edge or tooth

בְּיָדָֽם׃6 of 6

“in their hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 149:6 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 149:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 66:17Hebrews 4:12Revelation 1:16Revelation 19:6Nehemiah 9:5Psalms 96:4

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