King James Version

What Does Psalms 68:30 Mean?

Psalms 68:30 in the King James Version says “Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 68 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war. the company: or, the beasts of the reeds scatter: or, he scattereth”

Psalms 68:30 · KJV

Context

28

Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

29

Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

30

Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war. the company: or, the beasts of the reeds scatter: or, he scattereth

31

Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

32

Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

Read Psalms 68 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'company of spearmen' and 'multitude of bulls with calves' represent aggressive military powers and wealthy nations—both are rebuked. God scatters 'people that delight in war,' showing His opposition to those who love violence and conquest. Submission with 'pieces of silver' indicates tribute from conquered nations. God humbles proud powers, establishing His peaceful kingdom—ultimately through Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel frequently faced invasion from militaristic empires (Assyria, Babylon, Rome). This psalm affirms God's ultimate judgment on warlike nations and vindication of His peaceful purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's rebuke of those who 'delight in war' speak to contemporary military aggression and violence?
  2. What 'bulls' (powerful forces) in your life need God's subduing hand?
  3. How can you be a peacemaker in a world that delights in conflict and division?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
גְּעַ֨ר1 of 14

“Rebuke”

H1605

to chide

חַיַּ֪ת2 of 14

“the company”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

קָנֶ֡ה3 of 14

“of spearmen”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

עֲדַ֤ת4 of 14

“the multitude”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

אַבִּירִ֨ים׀5 of 14

“of the bulls”

H47

a valiant one

בְּעֶגְלֵ֬י6 of 14

“with the calves”

H5695

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

עַ֝מִּ֗ים7 of 14

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מִתְרַפֵּ֥ס8 of 14

“till every one submit”

H7511

to trample, i.e., prostrate

בְּרַצֵּי9 of 14

“himself with pieces”

H7518

a fragment

כָ֑סֶף10 of 14

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

בִּזַּ֥ר11 of 14

“scatter”

H967

to disperse

עַ֝מִּ֗ים12 of 14

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

קְרָב֥וֹת13 of 14

“in war”

H7128

hostile encounter

יֶחְפָּֽצוּ׃14 of 14

“that delight”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

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 68:30 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 68:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 22:12-13Psalms 89:10Ezekiel 29:32 Samuel 8:1-18Romans 7:22Psalms 2:12

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