King James Version

What Does Psalms 89:22 Mean?

Psalms 89:22 in the King James Version says “The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 89 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.”

Psalms 89:22 · KJV

Context

20

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

21

With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.

22

The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

23

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

24

But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him. This verse promises divine protection against external enemies. The enemy shall not exact uses lōʾ-yaššî ʾôyēb bô (לֹא־יַשִּׁיא אוֹיֵב בּוֹ), where nāšāʾ (נָשָׁא) means to deceive, beguile, or exact tribute/taxation. God promises that enemies will not outwit, oppress, or make David's line pay tribute. The term ʾôyēb (אוֹיֵב, "enemy") refers to hostile nations, the perpetual foes of God's kingdom.

Nor the son of wickedness afflict him employs parallel structure. "Son of wickedness" (ben-ʿawlāh, בֶּן־עַוְלָה) is a Hebrew idiom meaning wicked person, one characterized by injustice and evil (similar to "son of Belial"). The verb "afflict" (yəʿannennû, יְעַנֶּנּוּ from ʿānāh) means to oppress, humiliate, or bring low—the same word describing Israel's affliction in Egypt (Exodus 1:11-12).

While David faced many enemies (Saul, Philistines, Absalom), and later Davidic kings experienced defeats, this promise finds complete fulfillment only in Christ. Every human enemy—sin, death, Satan—was conquered through His cross and resurrection. As David's greater Son, Jesus cannot be deceived by the enemy or afflicted by wickedness, having "disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them" (Colossians 2:15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's reign saw constant warfare but consistent victory. The Philistines, who had dominated Israel under Saul, were subdued (2 Samuel 5:17-25, 8:1). Neighboring nations that might have exacted tribute from Israel instead paid tribute to David (2 Samuel 8:2, 6, 14). Yet Solomon's son Rehoboam lost the northern tribes, and later kings paid tribute to Assyria and Babylon. The promise's ultimate fulfillment awaited Christ, whom death could not hold (Acts 2:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this promise of protection from enemies relate to Jesus's statement that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail' against His church (Matthew 16:18)?
  2. What does it mean that enemies will not 'exact' or deceive the Davidic king—how does Satan seek to deceive Christ's followers today?
  3. In light of Jesus's complete victory over all spiritual enemies, how should believers respond to opposition and persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֹֽא1 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַשִּׁ֣יא2 of 8

“shall not exact”

H5378

to lend on interest; by implication, to dun for debt

אוֹיֵ֣ב3 of 8

“The enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

בּ֑וֹ4 of 8
H0
וּבֶן5 of 8

“upon him nor the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַ֝וְלָ֗ה6 of 8

“of wickedness”

H5766

(moral) evil

לֹ֣א7 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְעַנֶּֽנּוּ׃8 of 8

“afflict”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

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 89:22 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 89:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 7:101 Chronicles 17:9Matthew 4:1-10John 17:122 Thessalonians 2:3

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