King James Version
What Does Psalms 60:9 Mean?
“Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? strong: Heb. city of strength?”
Psalms 60:9 · KJV
Context
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?
10
Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?
11
Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. help of man: Heb. salvation, etc
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe rhetorical questions about Edom's 'strong city' reveal David's need for divine enablement in conquest. Acknowledging that God alone can bring him into the fortified city demonstrates dependence. This principle that human effort requires divine empowerment anticipates Jesus's teaching: 'Without me ye can do nothing' (John 15:5).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Petra, Edom's rock fortress, was virtually impregnable by ancient siege standards. David's confidence in conquering it rested not on military strategy but on God's promise and power, demonstrated when he eventually subdued Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14).
Reflection Questions
- How does recognition of your inability apart from God function in prayer?
- What 'strong cities' in your life require God's intervention beyond human capability?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsמִ֣י1 of 8
H4310who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יֹ֭בִלֵנִי2 of 8
“Who will bring”
H2986properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)
עִ֣יר3 of 8
“city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מָצ֑וֹר4 of 8
“me into the strong”
H4692something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
מִ֖י5 of 8
H4310who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
נָחַ֣נִי6 of 8
“who will lead”
H5148to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
עַד7 of 8
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֱדֽוֹם׃8 of 8
“me into Edom”
H123edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
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 60:9 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 60:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge