King James Version

What Does Psalms 21:12 Mean?

Psalms 21:12 in the King James Version says “Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the fac...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them. shalt thou: or, thou shalt set them as a butt back: Heb. shoulder”

Psalms 21:12 · KJV

Context

10

Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.

11

For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.

12

Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them. shalt thou: or, thou shalt set them as a butt back: Heb. shoulder

13

Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.

Read Psalms 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God causes His enemies to 'turn their back' in defeat—their flight is sovereignly ordained. The imagery of God preparing arrows 'against the face of them' depicts active divine judgment. Reformed theology sees God not merely permitting evil's defeat but actively bringing it about. God is the warrior who fights for His people; victory comes through His direct intervention, not human effort alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Arrows symbolized divine judgment throughout Scripture (Deut. 32:23, Ps. 7:13). The image of God as divine archer assured Israel that military outcomes were determined in heaven, not solely on the battlefield. This encouraged trust during overwhelming odds.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing God as actively fighting for you change your approach to spiritual warfare?
  2. In what battles do you need to trust God's 'arrows' rather than your own strength?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּ֭י1 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תְּשִׁיתֵ֣מוֹ2 of 7

“Therefore shalt thou make”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

שֶׁ֑כֶם3 of 7

“them turn their back”

H7926

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

בְּ֝מֵֽיתָרֶ֗יךָ4 of 7

“thine arrows upon thy strings”

H4340

a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)

תְּכוֹנֵ֥ן5 of 7

“when thou shalt make ready”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

עַל6 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃7 of 7

“against the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 21:12 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 21:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 7:12-13Psalms 18:40Lamentations 3:12Psalms 64:7Psalms 56:9Job 7:20

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