King James Version

What Does Psalms 83:5 Mean?

Psalms 83:5 in the King James Version says “For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: consent: Heb. heart — study this verse from Psalms chapter 83 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: consent: Heb. heart

Psalms 83:5 · KJV


Context

3

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

5

For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: consent: Heb. heart

6

The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

7

Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee. The enemies' conspiracy achieves unified agreement—rare among competing nations. Yachdav nisabu lev echad (יַחְדָּו נוֹעֲצוּ לֵב אֶחָד, "together they have consulted with one heart") emphasizes remarkable unity. The phrase lev echad ("one heart") suggests unanimous purpose and coordinated strategy. Nations that normally compete now collaborate with singular focus: destroying Israel.

They are confederate against thee (brit yikhrotu aleikha, בְּרִית יִכְרֹתוּ עָלֶיךָ) uses covenant language—karat brit (כָּרַת בְּרִית, "to cut covenant") is the standard Hebrew idiom for making formal treaties. These enemies formalize their alliance, binding themselves by oath to joint action. The preposition aleikha ("against You") directs this covenant not merely against Israel but against God Himself. They make covenant to break God's covenant—formal agreement to oppose the Almighty.

This perverse unity ironically demonstrates human capacity for cooperation while highlighting the darkness of that cooperation's purpose. Humanity can achieve remarkable coordination, but often unites for evil rather than good. Acts 4:27-28 describes similar conspiracy: "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together." Yet God's purposes prevail despite—even through—coordinated human opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient coalitions were unstable—competing kingdoms had conflicting interests, mutual suspicions, and rival ambitions. That ten distinct nations (vv. 6-8) could unite in common purpose required extraordinary circumstances and mutual hatred for Israel. This confederacy's fragility is seen in Judges 7:22 when Gideon's enemies turned on each other, or 2 Chronicles 20:23 when Moab and Ammon's coalition self-destructed. Human alliances against God's purposes may appear formidable but contain seeds of their own destruction. History repeatedly demonstrates that godless coalitions fracture under pressure—only covenants made under God's authority have lasting stability (Genesis 21:22-32, Joshua 9:15).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it reveal about fallen humanity that people can unite in opposition to God with "one heart" more easily than uniting in obedience to Him?
  2. How does recognizing that enemies make covenant "against thee" (God) rather than merely against believers affect your understanding of spiritual conflict?
  3. What biblical examples show God's purposes prevailing despite coordinated human opposition, and what encouragement do these provide?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּ֤י1 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נוֹעֲצ֣וּ2 of 7

For they have consulted

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

לֵ֣ב3 of 7

with one consent

H3820

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

יַחְדָּ֑ו4 of 7

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

עָ֝לֶ֗יךָ5 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּרִ֣ית6 of 7

confederate

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יִכְרֹֽתוּ׃7 of 7

they are

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt


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 83:5 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 83:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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