What does Psalms 68:21 mean?
"But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses." - Psalms 68:21

Psalms 68:21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses." This verse is part of a larger psalm that exalts and praises the greatness and power of God. The psalm as a whole speaks of God's victory over his enemies and his deliverance of his people. This particular verse specifically addresses God's punishment of those who continue in their sinful ways.
The imagery in this verse is vivid and captures the sense of God's power and justice. The mention of God wounding the head of his enemies and their hairy scalps evokes the idea of a forceful and decisive defeat. The act of wounding the head is symbolic of defeating and disabling the enemy, while the reference to the hairy scalp emphasizes the shame and humiliation that accompanies their downfall.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its meaning. Throughout the psalm, the writer extols the might and majesty of God, celebrating his victory over his enemies and his deliverance of his people. The psalmist describes God's power in various ways, depicting him as a warrior leading his people in triumph. The verse in question serves as a reminder of God's justice and judgment, particularly against those who persist in their wrongdoing.
One of the key themes of this verse is the justice of God. The imagery of God wounding the head of his enemies speaks to his role as a righteous judge who holds evildoers accountable for their actions. It conveys the idea that those who continue in their trespasses will face the consequences of their sins, and that God will not allow their actions to go unpunished. This theme of divine justice is woven throughout the entire psalm, underscoring the belief that God is both powerful and just, and that he will ultimately bring about justice for his people.
Another important theme in this verse is the idea of repentance and redemption. While the verse focuses on the punishment of those who remain unrepentant, it also carries a message of hope for those who are willing to turn from their sinful ways. By highlighting the fate of those who continue in their trespasses, the verse serves as a warning to the unrighteous, urging them to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. In this sense, the verse reinforces the broader biblical theme of God's mercy and willingness to forgive those who repent and turn to him.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and multifaceted. The image of God wounding the head of his enemies symbolizes his power and sovereignty over all who oppose him. It signifies the defeat of evil and the triumph of righteousness, as well as the assurance that God will ultimately bring about justice for his people. The mention of the hairy scalp of those who persist in their trespasses serves as a visual representation of their shame and disgrace, emphasizing the consequences of unrepentant sin.
In conclusion, Psalms 68:21 in the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful and evocative verse that reflects the themes of divine justice, repentance, and redemption. It conveys the idea of God's ultimate triumph over his enemies and his willingness to hold the unrighteous accountable for their actions. The vivid imagery and symbolism in this verse serve to reinforce the overarching message of the psalm – that God is mighty and just, and that he will bring about justice and deliverance for his people.
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Psalms 68:21 Artwork
Psalms 68:21 - "But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses."
"But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses." - Psalms 68:21
Psalms 68:29 - "Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee."
"When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon." - Psalms 68:14
Psalms 68:14 - "When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon."
Psalms 68:11 - "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it."
Psalms 68:5 - "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation."
Psalms 68:15 - "The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan."
Psalms 78:68 - "But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved."
Psalms 68:26 - "Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel."
Psalms 119:68 - "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes."
"Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee." - Psalms 68:29
Psalms 68:27 - "There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali."
Psalms 68:12 - "Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil."
"Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil." - Psalms 68:12
Psalms 68:23 - "That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same."
Psalms 68:32 - "Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:"
Psalms 68:20 - "He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death."
Psalms 68:19 - "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah."
Psalms 68:34 - "Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds."
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." - Psalms 68:19
Psalms 68:25 - "The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels."
Psalms 68:24 - "They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary."
Psalms 68:10 - "Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor."
Psalms 68:3 - "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice."
Psalms 68:17 - "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place."
"The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels." - Psalms 68:25
"The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place." - Psalms 68:17
Psalms 68:31 - "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God."
Psalms 68:28 - "Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us."