Psalms 68:21

KJV

But God shall wound the head of his enemies, [and] the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

KJV (with Strong's)

But God {H430} shall wound {H4272}{H8799)} the head {H7218} of his enemies {H341}{H8802)}, and the hairy {H8181} scalp {H6936} of such an one as goeth on still {H1980}{H8693)} in his trespasses {H817}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God will surely crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who continue in their guilt.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways.

American Standard Version

But God will smite through the head of his enemies, The hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his guiltiness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:21 declares God's absolute sovereignty and His decisive judgment against all who oppose Him and persist in unrepentant rebellion. It vividly portrays divine retribution as a crushing blow to the power and defiance of His adversaries, assuring believers of God's ultimate triumph over evil and His unwavering commitment to justice for those who stubbornly walk in their trespasses.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 68 is a grand processional hymn, likely composed for a major national celebration, possibly the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (as suggested by themes in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem") and [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem")). It functions as a historical retrospective, recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance from the Exodus through the conquest of Canaan, depicting Him as a divine warrior leading His people to victory. The psalm opens with a variation of the ancient battle cry from [Numbers 10:35](/numbers/10-35 "Numbers 10:35 - Moses' Prayer for God's Presence"), "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered," setting a tone of divine triumph. Throughout the psalm, God is portrayed as a protector of the vulnerable—the fatherless and widows—and a sovereign ruler who establishes His dwelling among His people. Verse 21 fits within this broader narrative of God's ultimate authority and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly against those who oppose His will or His people, culminating in a vision of His glorious reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm draws heavily on imagery and events from Israel's formative history. The references to God marching through the wilderness (e.g., [Psalms 68:7-8](/psalms/68-7 "Psalm 68:7-8 - God's March Through the Wilderness")) evoke the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, a foundational narrative of God's power and faithfulness. The mention of "kings of armies" fleeing (e.g., [Psalms 68:12](/psalms/68-12 "Psalm 68:12 - Kings Fleeing")) points to the conquest of Canaan and subsequent victories over hostile nations. Ancient Near Eastern cultures often depicted their gods as powerful warriors, and this psalm affirms Yahweh's supremacy over all other deities and earthly powers. The "head" was a common symbol of power, authority, and life, and striking the head was a decisive act of conquest and humiliation. The concept of "trespasses" (Hebrew: *asham*) refers to guilt, offense, or sin, often implying a violation of covenant or divine law, and persisting in such a state was seen as a profound act of rebellion against the divine order, inviting severe consequences.

* **Key Themes:** A central theme of Psalm 68 is **Divine Sovereignty and Triumph**, showcasing God as the supreme ruler who orchestrates history and ensures the ultimate victory of His righteous cause. This is intertwined with the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where God actively intervenes to punish His enemies and those who stubbornly oppose His will. The imagery of "wounding the head" vividly conveys a crushing, fatal blow, signifying complete and irreversible defeat, not merely a setback. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Persistent Rebellion**, specifically targeting "such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses." This underscores the danger of unrepentant, continuous defiance against God, emphasizing that prolonged wickedness will inevitably lead to severe divine judgment, as seen in warnings throughout the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 1:28](/isaiah/1-28 "Isaiah 1:28 - Destruction for Transgressors") or [Jeremiah 5:25](/jeremiah/5-25 "Jeremiah 5:25 - Sins Withhold Good Things")). The psalm also touches on **God's Care for the Vulnerable**, as He is portrayed as a "father of the fatherless and protector of widows" ([Psalms 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God as Protector of the Vulnerable")), contrasting His mercy with His judgment on the wicked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wound (Hebrew, _machats'_):** This verb signifies a decisive, destructive blow, meaning "to shatter," "to smite through," or "to wound fatally." It implies a complete incapacitation and eradication of power, not just a superficial injury. The choice of *machats* emphasizes the finality and severity of God's judgment, ensuring that the enemy's ability to oppose is utterly destroyed. It's a term often used in military contexts for crushing an opponent.
* **Head / Hairy scalp (Hebrew, _rosh / qodqod se'ar'_):** The "head" (*rosh*) symbolically represents leadership, authority, power, and the very life source. To "wound the head" is to strike at the core of an entity's strength and existence, leading to its total collapse. The phrase "hairy scalp" (*qodqod se'ar*) is a vivid and somewhat unique expression for the crown of the head. While *rosh* can be general, *qodqod* specifically refers to the very top, often associated with dignity or the most vulnerable, exposed part. The addition of "se'ar" (hair) further intensifies the imagery, perhaps emphasizing the totality of the person, or even a sense of wildness or untamed rebellion. This specific imagery makes the blow even more humiliating and complete, recalling the ancient prophetic promise in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") regarding the serpent's head, hinting at a cosmic victory over the ultimate adversary.
* **Goeth on still in his trespasses (Hebrew, _holekh ba'ashamav'_):** This phrase describes a continuous, unrepentant lifestyle of rebellion. *Holekh* (walking/going) implies a persistent, habitual action, while *ashamav* refers to "his guilt," "his offenses," or "his sins." It denotes a state of being steeped in wrongdoing, a deliberate and ongoing defiance of God's commands, rather than an isolated act of sin. This highlights that God's judgment is particularly directed at those who stubbornly refuse to turn from their wicked ways.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But God shall wound the head of his enemies":** This clause establishes God as the active agent of judgment. The divine "wounding of the head" signifies a decisive, fatal blow to the very source of power and authority of God's adversaries. It speaks to God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to utterly defeat all who stand against Him, ensuring their complete incapacitation and humiliation. This is not a mere skirmish but a definitive victory.
* **"[and] the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses":** This second clause clarifies and intensifies the target of God's judgment. The "hairy scalp" is a vivid, specific image for the crown of the head, emphasizing the totality and personal nature of the judgment. It directs the divine wrath not just at generic "enemies" but specifically at individuals characterized by persistent, unrepentant rebellion. The phrase "goeth on still in his trespasses" highlights a lifestyle of continuous sin and defiance, indicating that God's judgment is reserved for those who stubbornly refuse to turn from their wicked ways, emphasizing the justice of His retribution against hardened hearts.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. **Metonymy** is evident in "the head" and "the hairy scalp," where a part of the body stands for the whole person or, more broadly, for their power, authority, and very existence. Striking the head symbolizes the complete destruction of the enemy's capacity to act or resist. The imagery itself is a form of **Vivid Imagery** or **Figurative Language**, painting a stark picture of God's decisive and overwhelming power. The act of "wounding" (*machats*) is a strong **Verb**, conveying violent, destructive force. The contrast implied between God's mighty action and the stubborn persistence of the wicked creates a subtle **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the inevitable clash between divine justice and human rebellion. Furthermore, the phrase "goeth on still in his trespasses" uses **Periphrasis** to describe a lifestyle of unrepentant sin, emphasizing the continuous nature of the defiance through a descriptive phrase rather than a single word. This combination of devices makes the declaration of judgment both forceful and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical doctrine of divine retribution, affirming God's unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores that while God is merciful and patient, His patience has limits, and persistent, unrepentant sin inevitably incurs His righteous judgment. This is not a capricious act but a necessary consequence for those who stubbornly oppose His holy character and sovereign will. The imagery of crushing the head resonates with the protoevangelium, the first promise of victory over evil, suggesting a cosmic struggle where God ultimately triumphs over all forces of darkness and rebellion. It assures believers that God is actively engaged in upholding righteousness and will ultimately bring all wickedness to account, providing comfort and confidence in His ultimate victory.

* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium: Bruising the Serpent's Head")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment Against Hardness of Heart")
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return as Judge and Warrior")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 68:21 serves as a profound reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His unyielding commitment to justice. For those who are caught in a cycle of sin, it is a sobering warning: God does not indefinitely tolerate rebellion. His judgment is certain for those who stubbornly refuse to repent and turn from their wicked ways. This should prompt a deep self-examination and a sincere desire to align our lives with His righteous standards, seeking His mercy and forgiveness rather than hardening our hearts. Conversely, for the believer, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance. In a world often seemingly dominated by injustice and evil, it reaffirms that God is ultimately in control. He will decisively deal with all forms of oppression, wickedness, and defiance. This understanding should strengthen our faith, encourage perseverance in the face of adversity, and inspire us to live righteously, knowing that our God is a God of justice who will ultimately make all things right. It calls us to trust in His perfect timing and His just decrees, even when we do not immediately see His hand at work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "going on still in my trespasses," and what steps can I take to repent and turn fully to God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against evil strengthen my faith and provide comfort in a world where injustice often seems to prevail?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the seriousness of sin and the importance of living a life of obedience and reverence before God?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply God is cruel or arbitrary in His judgment?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply God is cruel or arbitrary. Instead, it underscores His perfect justice and holiness. The judgment described is specifically directed at "his enemies" and those who "goeth on still in his trespasses," indicating a deliberate and persistent rebellion against God. God's judgment is a righteous response to unrepentant sin and defiance, not an act of caprice. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as patient and merciful, desiring all to come to repentance (e.g., [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")). However, His justice also demands that sin be dealt with. This verse highlights the inevitable consequences of rejecting His grace and stubbornly persisting in wickedness, affirming His moral order in the universe.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's love?**

Answer: While this verse emphasizes God's judgment, it paradoxically upholds His love. God's love is not merely sentimental; it is holy love that cannot tolerate evil. His judgment on sin is an expression of His commitment to righteousness and His desire to protect His creation from the destructive power of wickedness. By decisively dealing with "his enemies" and those in "trespasses," God is ultimately clearing the way for His kingdom of peace and justice. His love for His people and for righteousness necessitates the removal of that which opposes Him. This is akin to a loving parent who disciplines a child for their good, or a just ruler who removes threats to the well-being of their kingdom. Ultimately, God's judgment serves to establish a world where His love can fully flourish, free from the corruption of sin (e.g., [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with Humanity, No More Suffering")).

**Is "hairy scalp" a literal description, and what is its significance?**

Answer: "Hairy scalp" (Hebrew: *qodqod se'ar*) is a vivid, literal description for the crown of the head, but its significance is symbolic. It emphasizes the totality and specificity of the judgment. While "head" (*rosh*) is a general term for leadership or power, *qodqod* specifically refers to the very top or crown. The addition of "hairy" might emphasize the full person, or perhaps even a sense of untamed, defiant nature. In ancient cultures, striking the head was the ultimate act of defeat and humiliation. Thus, the phrase underscores the completeness and decisiveness of God's judgment against those who stubbornly persist in their rebellion, leaving no part of their power or defiance untouched. It's a graphic image meant to convey the absolute nature of God's triumph over His adversaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 68:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The imagery of God "wounding the head of his enemies" powerfully foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil. Just as the protoevangelium in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium: Bruising the Serpent's Head") prophesied the bruising of the serpent's head, so too did Jesus, through His death and resurrection, deliver the fatal blow to the power of Satan and all spiritual adversaries. The "hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses" points to the unrepentant nature of humanity's rebellion, which Christ came to conquer. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, offering a path to reconciliation for those who would otherwise face divine wrath for their persistent trespasses. His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power to overcome all enemies, including death itself, as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ"). Through Christ, believers are delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), and they are promised a share in His ultimate triumph over all remaining opposition, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). Thus, this psalm's declaration of divine judgment is transformed into a message of hope and salvation, secured by the victorious Lamb of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 3:13

Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, [even] for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

Psalms 110:6

He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill [the places] with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.

Psalms 7:12

If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

Luke 13:5

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Ezekiel 18:27

Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

Ezekiel 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.