King James Version

What Does Psalms 68:11 Mean?

Psalms 68:11 in the King James Version says “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. company: Heb. army” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 68 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. company: Heb. army”

Psalms 68:11 · KJV

Context

9

Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. send: Heb. shake out confirm: Heb. confirm it

10

Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.

11

The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. company: Heb. army

12

Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil. did: Heb. did flee, did flee

13

Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Lord gives the command, and a 'great company' publishes it—women evangelists proclaiming victory. The Hebrew suggests a large multitude of female messengers announcing military triumph, echoing Miriam and the women celebrating the Red Sea victory (Exodus 15:20-21). This shows God's kingdom includes women as heralds of His mighty works, anticipating women's role in announcing Christ's resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, women traditionally announced military victories with singing and dancing. This cultural practice receives divine endorsement, showing God values women's testimony in declaring His mighty acts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge traditional assumptions about who can proclaim God's works?
  2. What 'good news' has God given you to publish to others?
  3. In what ways do women's voices uniquely contribute to the church's testimony today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֲדֹנָ֥י1 of 6

“The Lord”

H136

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

יִתֶּן2 of 6

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹ֑מֶר3 of 6

“the word”

H562

a promise, a saying

הַֽ֝מְבַשְּׂר֗וֹת4 of 6

“of those that published”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

צָבָ֥א5 of 6

“was the company”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

רָֽב׃6 of 6

“great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

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 68:11 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 68:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 15:20Psalms 40:3Exodus 17:9-16Psalms 68:25Exodus 14:15Revelation 19:13

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