King James Version

What Does Psalms 60:7 Mean?

Psalms 60:7 in the King James Version says “Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; — study this verse from Psalms chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;

Psalms 60:7 · KJV


Context

5

That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.

6

God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

7

Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;

8

Moab is my washpot ; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me. triumph: or, triumph thou over me: (by an irony)

9

Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? strong: Heb. city of strength?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration of possession over Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah indicates God's sovereignty over tribal territories. Ephraim as 'strength of mine head' (helmet) and Judah as 'lawgiver' (scepter) assign functional roles in the kingdom. This anticipates Christ's ultimate reign through Judah's lineage, demonstrating God's sovereign orchestration of tribal roles in redemptive history.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These territories represent Israel's heartland. Ephraim was the northern kingdom's dominant tribe, while Judah was David's own tribe and source of Messianic lineage. God's assignment of roles transcends current political divisions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereign distribution of roles and gifts in His kingdom affect your contentment with your calling?
  2. What does the different function of tribes teach about unity in diversity within God's people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
לִ֤י1 of 9
H0
גִלְעָ֨ד׀2 of 9

Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְלִ֬י3 of 9
H0
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה4 of 9

is mine and Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְ֭אֶפְרַיִם5 of 9

is mine Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מָע֣וֹז6 of 9

also is the strength

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

רֹאשִׁ֑י7 of 9

of mine head

H7218

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

יְ֝הוּדָ֗ה8 of 9

Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

מְחֹֽקְקִי׃9 of 9

is my lawgiver

H2710

properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive


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 60:7 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 60:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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