King James Version

What Does Psalms 76:3 Mean?

Psalms 76:3 in the King James Version says “There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 76 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.”

Psalms 76:3 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. of: or, for

2

In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.

3

There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

4

Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.

5

The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalm celebrates Jerusalem's security: "In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion" (Hebrew va-y-hi v-Shalem sukko u-m-onato v-Tzion). "Salem" is poetic for Jerusalem (Genesis 14:18), meaning "peace." "Tabernacle" (Hebrew sukkah) and "dwelling place" (Hebrew me-onah) emphasize God's choice to dwell among His people. God's presence makes Zion secure—not walls, armies, or geography, but divine habitation. This anticipates John 1:14, Christ "tabernacled" among us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God chose Jerusalem as His dwelling place under David and Solomon (2 Samuel 7, 1 Kings 8). This election made Jerusalem theoretically impregnable—God wouldn't let His house fall. Yet Israel's sin eventually nullified this protection (Jeremiah 7:4-15, Ezekiel 10-11). The true security was always conditional on covenant faithfulness. Christ becomes the ultimate temple where God dwells permanently (John 2:19-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's presence provide security that no physical fortress can match?
  2. In what ways do Christians wrongly trust religious institutions or traditions rather than God's actual presence?
  3. How does Christ as the true temple guarantee permanent divine presence with believers (Matthew 28:20)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
שָׁ֭מָּה1 of 8
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שִׁבַּ֣ר2 of 8

“There brake”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

רִשְׁפֵי3 of 8

“he the arrows”

H7565

a live coal; by analogy lightning; figuratively, an arrow, (as flashing through the air); specifically, fever

קָ֑שֶׁת4 of 8

“of the bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

מָגֵ֬ן5 of 8

“the shield”

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

וְחֶ֖רֶב6 of 8

“and the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וּמִלְחָמָ֣ה7 of 8

“and the battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

סֶֽלָה׃8 of 8

“Selah”

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

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 76:3 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 76:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 46:9Ezekiel 39:9-10Ezekiel 39:3-42 Chronicles 32:212 Chronicles 20:25Isaiah 37:35-36

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