King James Version

What Does Psalms 9:6 Mean?

Psalms 9:6 in the King James Version says “O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities ; their memorial is perished with...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities ; their memorial is perished with them. O thou: or, The destructions of the enemy are come to a perpetual end: and their cities hast thou destroyed, etc”

Psalms 9:6 · KJV

Context

4

For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. maintained: Heb. made my judgment judging right: Heb. judging in righteousness

5

Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.

6

O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities ; their memorial is perished with them. O thou: or, The destructions of the enemy are come to a perpetual end: and their cities hast thou destroyed, etc

7

But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.

8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The enemies' 'destructions are come to a perpetual end' - their power to destroy is finished. 'Thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished' emphasizes complete and permanent defeat. The irony is striking: those who sought to destroy are themselves destroyed beyond memory. This demonstrates God's absolute victory - not temporary setback but eternal triumph. In Christ, all forces of evil face this fate - perpetual defeat and forgotten memorial.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This may refer to specific Canaanite cities destroyed during Joshua's conquest or cities of nations David defeated. The destruction of cities and memorials was total warfare in ancient context. Prophetically, this points to final judgment when all God-opposing powers will be permanently defeated and removed from the new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What enemies seem powerful now but will ultimately face perpetual defeat?
  2. How does confidence in evil's final destruction help you persevere in present struggles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הָֽאוֹיֵ֨ב׀1 of 9

“O thou enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

תַּ֥מּוּ2 of 9

“end”

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

חֳרָב֗וֹת3 of 9

“destructions”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

לָ֫נֶ֥צַח4 of 9

“are come to a perpetual”

H5331

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

וְעָרִ֥ים5 of 9
H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

נָתַ֑שְׁתָּ6 of 9

“and thou hast destroyed”

H5428

to tear away

אָבַ֖ד7 of 9

“is perished”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

זִכְרָ֣ם8 of 9

“their memorial”

H2143

a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration

הֵֽמָּה׃9 of 9

“with them”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 14:13Isaiah 14:22-23Micah 7:81 Corinthians 15:26Revelation 20:2Micah 7:10

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