King James Version

What Does Psalms 81:12 Mean?

Psalms 81:12 in the King James Version says “So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. unto: or, to the hardness of their...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 81 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. unto: or, to the hardness of their hearts, or, imagination”

Psalms 81:12 · KJV

Context

10

I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11

But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

12

So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. unto: or, to the hardness of their hearts, or, imagination

13

Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!

14

I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust (וָאֲשַׁלְּחֵהוּ בִּשְׁרִירוּת לִבָּם)—Ashallechu ('I sent them away, released them') describes judicial abandonment. Bishrerut libbam (in the stubbornness/imagination of their heart) appears in Jeremiah 7:24 and 23:17 as covenant curse. And they walked in their own counsels (yelechu be-moʿatsothem)—choosing self-designed wisdom over divine instruction.

This is God's most terrifying judgment: giving rebels what they demand. Romans 1:24, 26, 28 repeats this pattern: 'God gave them up' to uncleanness, vile affections, and reprobate minds. When people persistently reject God's gracious rule, He eventually grants their request for autonomy—which leads to destruction. The path of self-will always ends in slavery, not freedom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's judges period illustrates this cycle: rebellion → oppression → cry for help → deliverance → peace → rebellion (Judges 2:11-19). God's judicial abandonment appears in Israel's defeat (Judges 2:14), exile (2 Kings 17:18-23), and ultimate rejection of Messiah. Yet even judgment served redemptive purposes, preparing for the faithful remnant and new covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for God to 'give people up' to their lusts, and how is this both justice and mercy?
  2. How do you discern between God's permissive will (allowing consequences) and His directive will (commanding obedience)?
  3. What warning does this verse give about persistently rejecting God's correction and counsel in favor of self-designed religion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וָֽ֭אֲשַׁלְּחֵהוּ1 of 5

“So I gave them up”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בִּשְׁרִיר֣וּת2 of 5

“lust”

H8307

obstinacy

לִבָּ֑ם3 of 5

“unto their own hearts”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

יֵ֝לְכ֗וּ4 of 5
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּֽמוֹעֲצוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃5 of 5

“in their own counsels”

H4156

a purpose

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 81:12 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 81:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:24Jeremiah 7:24Isaiah 30:1Acts 7:422 Thessalonians 2:9-11Romans 1:26-27

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