Psalms 76:12

KJV

He shall cut off the spirit of princes: [he is] terrible to the kings of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall cut off {H1219}{H8799)} the spirit {H7307} of princes {H5057}: he is terrible {H3372}{H8737)} to the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He curbs the spirit of princes; he is fearsome to the kings of the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

He breaks the spirits of princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth.

American Standard Version

He will cut off the spirit of princes: He is terrible to the kings of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 76:12 powerfully declares the absolute and terrifying sovereignty of God over all earthly rulers and powers. It asserts that the Lord, who dwells in Zion, possesses an unparalleled ability to dismantle the will and strength of princes and kings, demonstrating His ultimate authority and the futility of human opposition against His divine purposes. This verse stands as a climactic affirmation of God's awe-inspiring might and His just judgment against all who defy Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 76 is a "Song of Ascent" and a psalm of victory and praise, often categorized as a psalm of Zion. It immediately follows a series of psalms that emphasize God's kingship and judgment. The preceding verses [Psalms 76:1-9](/psalms/76-1-9 "Psalms 76:1-9 - God's Victory in Zion") describe God's dwelling in Zion, His renowned name in Judah, and His decisive victory where He breaks the weapons of war and puts mighty warriors into a deep sleep. Verse 12 serves as a climactic summary and theological conclusion to this display of divine power, emphasizing that the God who achieved such a victory is indeed "terrible" to the most powerful of human adversaries. It reinforces the theme of God as a mighty warrior who defends His people and judges their oppressors, bringing the psalm to a powerful crescendo of divine supremacy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical event is not explicitly named, the overwhelming consensus among scholars points to the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian invasion under King Sennacherib, as vividly recounted in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes the Assyrian Camp") and [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Destruction of Sennacherib's Army"). This event, where 185,000 Assyrian soldiers were struck down by the angel of the Lord overnight, perfectly illustrates God "cutting off the spirit of princes" and being "terrible to the kings of the earth." In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine or semi-divine, wielding absolute power and commanding vast armies. This psalm, therefore, directly challenges that worldview by asserting that the God of Israel is supreme over all human monarchs, regardless of their perceived might or vast armies. It underscores the unique power of Yahweh in contrast to the often-brutal and arrogant rule of surrounding empires.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Psalm 76 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Unchallengeable Sovereignty**, asserting that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, can stand against the Lord. His will is ultimate, and His authority transcends all human dominion, as seen in the declaration that He "cuts off the spirit" of rulers. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Judgment on Arrogance**, particularly the pride of those who oppose God and His people. The humbling of "princes" and "kings" serves as a stark warning against human hubris and a demonstration that God opposes the proud, as also emphasized in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Thirdly, the term "terrible" (נוֹרָא, _nora_) emphasizes **God's Awe-Inspiring Power and Majesty**, not in a malevolent sense, but in a way that evokes profound reverence, dread, and worship. He is a God whose actions demand fear and respect from all, especially those in positions of authority, as also celebrated in [Psalms 68:35](/psalms/68-35 "Psalms 68:35 - God's Awesome Power from Zion"). Finally, implicit in God's judgment of His enemies is His unwavering **Protection and Vindication of His People and Holy City**, Zion, affirming His covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _bâtsar'_):** A primitive root (H1219) meaning "to clip off," "to restrain," or "to make inaccessible." In this context, it signifies God's decisive act to dismantle or render ineffective the power, will, or plans of earthly rulers. It implies a divine intervention that severs their strength and renders their schemes futile, akin to pruning a branch to stop its growth or isolating a fortified place to make it inaccessible.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This multifaceted Hebrew word (H7307) refers to "wind," "breath," "life," "anger," or, as here, the "spirit" of a rational being, encompassing its inner will, disposition, courage, or mind. When God "cuts off the spirit of princes," it means He deprives them of their vital energy, courage, strategic thinking, or their very will to resist. It signifies a profound internal and external incapacitation, demonstrating God's control not just over their armies but over their very essence and determination.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** A primitive root (H3372) meaning "to fear" or "to revere," which, in its causative form, means "to frighten." When applied to God, it describes His nature as awe-inspiring, majestic, and fearsome, inspiring profound reverence and holy dread. It signifies His overwhelming power and holiness, which is utterly beyond human comprehension or control, evoking a sense of deep respect and acknowledgment of His absolute authority and might, rather than malevolent terror.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall cut off the spirit of princes":** This clause describes God's direct and active intervention against human rulers. "Princes" (נְגִידִים, _n'gidim_) refers to leaders, nobles, or those in positions of authority. The action of "cutting off their spirit" implies that God can strip them of their courage, their strategic insight, their vital energy, or even their very life. It speaks to a divine power that penetrates beyond physical armies and weapons, reaching into the very core of human leadership and rendering it powerless. This is a spiritual and psychological defeat orchestrated by God, demonstrating His absolute control over the inner workings of human will and power.
* **"[he is] terrible to the kings of the earth.":** This second clause functions as a parallel statement, reinforcing and expanding upon the first. "Kings of the earth" (מַלְכֵי־אָרֶץ, _malkhei-aretz_) is a broader term encompassing all earthly monarchs and their domains. The declaration that God is "terrible" (נוֹרָא, _nora_) to them emphasizes His awe-inspiring and fearsome majesty. It means that His power is such that it evokes profound reverence and dread in even the most powerful human beings. This statement serves as a universal warning and a declaration of God's ultimate supremacy over all worldly authority, demonstrating that no king or kingdom can stand against His might.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident, with the two clauses reinforcing each other: "He shall cut off the spirit of princes" is synthetically parallel to "[he is] terrible to the kings of the earth." The first clause describes God's specific action (cutting off spirit), while the second describes the resulting effect and His nature (being terrible to kings), broadening the scope to all earthly rulers. This parallelism amplifies the message of God's universal dominion. **Metaphor** is present in "cut off the spirit," which is not a literal cutting but a figurative act of divinely incapacitating or disempowering. This vivid imagery conveys the completeness of God's control over the inner resolve and external power of human leaders. The use of "terrible" (נוֹרָא, _nora_) is an example of **Hyperbole** in its effect on human perception, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of God's power and majesty, which is so immense it evokes a sense of holy dread and awe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 76:12 resonates deeply with the overarching biblical theme of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including human governance. It affirms that earthly powers are not autonomous but are ultimately subject to the divine will. God is portrayed as the true King of kings, who raises up and casts down rulers according to His purposes, demonstrating that no human authority can thwart His plans or stand against His might. This truth provides immense comfort to God's people, assuring them that despite the apparent strength of oppressive regimes, the Lord is ultimately in control and will bring justice. It also serves as a perpetual warning to those in power, reminding them of their accountability to the supreme Ruler of the universe, whose judgment is inescapable.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by political turmoil, the rise and fall of nations, and the apparent dominance of powerful leaders, Psalms 76:12 offers a profound anchor for faith. It reminds believers that beneath the surface of human ambition and geopolitical maneuvering, God remains the ultimate sovereign. No dictator, no empire, no human ideology can ultimately stand against His will. This truth should inspire unwavering trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. For those in positions of authority, the verse serves as a solemn warning: power is a stewardship, and accountability to the King of kings is inevitable. It calls leaders to humility, justice, and a recognition that their authority is derived from and subject to the Most High God. For all, it encourages a reverent awe of God's majesty and a commitment to living in light of His supreme rule, knowing that true security and hope are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's sovereignty over earthly powers impact your perspective on current world events or political leaders?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to place your ultimate trust in human leaders or systems rather than in God's supreme authority?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live with a greater sense of reverence and awe for God's "terrible" (awe-inspiring) power?**
* **If you are in a position of leadership, how does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of your role and accountability?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "cut off the spirit of princes"?**

Answer: To "cut off the spirit" (Hebrew: יִבְצֹר רוּחַ, _yivtzor ruach_) means that God can decisively and completely disempower, dismantle, or render ineffective the inner resolve, courage, strategic thinking, or even the very life force of human rulers. It's a comprehensive act of divine intervention that goes beyond mere physical defeat, affecting their will, plans, and capacity to act. This demonstrates God's absolute control over human authority, as seen in historical accounts where God directly intervened to humble proud rulers, such as Pharaoh in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") or Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation").

**Is God "terrible" in a negative or evil sense in this verse?**

Answer: No. The Hebrew word translated "terrible" is נוֹרָא (_nora_), which means "awe-inspiring," "dreadful," "majestic," or "fear-inspiring" in a positive sense. It describes something so powerful, grand, and holy that it evokes profound reverence and holy fear. When applied to God, it speaks to His overwhelming majesty, His unchallengeable power, and His ability to execute justice and deliver His people. It's the kind of "fear" that leads to worship and submission, not terror in the sense of malevolence. This is consistent with other biblical passages that describe God's awesome power, such as [Psalms 68:35](/psalms/68-35 "Psalms 68:35 - God's Awesome Power from Zion").

**How does this verse apply to modern leaders and governments?**

Answer: Psalms 76:12 serves as a timeless reminder that all human authority, whether ancient kings or modern presidents, parliaments, or dictatorships, is ultimately subordinate to God's supreme sovereignty. No human power is absolute or beyond divine accountability. It implies that God can, and does, intervene in the affairs of nations, raising up and bringing down leaders according to His sovereign will and purposes, as stated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings"). For believers, it provides comfort that God is ultimately in control, even amidst political instability. For leaders, it's a solemn call to humility, justice, and a recognition that their power is a stewardship from God, for which they will ultimately give an account.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 76:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords. While the psalm speaks of God's past victories over earthly rulers, it foreshadows the definitive victory achieved by the Messiah. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, utterly "cut off the spirit" of the spiritual principalities and powers that held humanity captive, triumphing over them publicly on the cross, as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). His resurrection demonstrated His ultimate authority over death and sin, rendering the power of the "kings of the earth" (who condemned Him) utterly futile in the face of God's divine plan. The "terrible" (awe-inspiring) nature of God's power is perfectly embodied in Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Every knee will one day bow to Him, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship")). He is the true ruler of the kings of the earth ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, Ruler of Earth's Kings")), and His ultimate reign will see all earthly opposition crushed, culminating in His glorious return as the "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

Zephaniah 3:6

I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

Isaiah 13:6

¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Isaiah 13:8

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.

2 Chronicles 32:21

And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

Psalms 68:12

Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

Psalms 48:4

For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

Psalms 48:6

Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.